Emerging as an expectable entry on lists of the most livable cities in the United States, Greenville, South Carolina, is enjoying a renaissance built around a vibrant, European-style downtown centered on Falls Park. Near the conference hotel, the highlight of Falls Park is a beautiful curved suspension bridge designed for pedestrians to view the natural falls of the Reedy River. Reflecting diverse cuisines, numerous restaurants with sidewalk seating can be found within a block of Main Street.

The climate in South Carolina’s Upstate region is nearly perfect in late March and early April. The mean high temperature at that time of year is approximately 70° F. (21° C.), and the mean low is approximately 45° F. (7° C.). Typically, spring flowers are in bloom, and new leaves are appearing on the trees that line the streets in downtown Greenville.

The North American headquarters for BMW and Michelin, Greenville is rapidly becoming a center for automotive engineering, as reflected by the creation of Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research, a new high-tech campus that is the base for university-corporate partnerships for graduate education, research, and product development. Asian corporations (e.g., Fuji; Hitachi) also have a major presence in the area. In short, Greenville is a diverse metropolitan center welcoming of international visitors.