From its easy airlift to plentiful guestrooms and expanded convention center, Cleveland has become a premier destination for meetings and events. Photo courtesy of Aerial Agents/Destination Cleveland

Eight U.S. presidents have called the Buckeye State home. Its strategic geographic location made it crucial to the young country’s westward expansion, and later to the manufacturing and shipping of goods. Today, Ohio’s location in the heart of the nation also makes it an important center for meetings and conventions.

Cleveland

“Cleveland is easy to get to, whether attendees are driving in from nearby areas or flying into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is only minutes from downtown,” says Melanie Avdeyev, conference director of the rubber division for the American Chemical Society. “The hotels and convention center are walkable with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Plus, being so close to Akron — the Rubber Capital of the World — Cleveland ties perfectly to our industry. The city’s friendly hospitality and fun energy always make it a hit with our attendees and help keep participation strong year after year.”

In fact, the group has met in Cleveland nearly every other year for the past 50 years. Last year’s Global Polymer Summit took place with 3,500 to 4,000 attendees, utilizing both the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and Hilton Cleveland Downtown as the headquarter hotel. Avdeyev says partnerships have been critical to the Summit’s success — and to her as a planner.

“Since 2007, I’ve had the joy of working with Destination Cleveland and the incredible team at the convention center, and I can truly say it’s felt like planning a conference with friends. The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland gives us the space and the support we need to bring our summit to life, and the city’s energy, walkability and warmth make our attendees feel right at home. It’s more than just a venue — it’s a partnership I genuinely value. They get the vibe we want for the summit and they absolutely nailed it. As we celebrated our 50th expo anniversary, they showed up in the best way — adding thoughtful, unexpected touches that really made the show feel special.”

Avdeyev says one of the biggest positives in planning this meeting has been getting to know the city, the people and the overall vibe. “Over the years, I’ve asked a lot of questions — and Cleveland has always met me with openness, warmth and that unmistakable Cleveland energy. Cleveland has a heart for hospitality and a spirit that embraces every guest.”

While the recent expansion of the convention center did not influence the group’s decision to return to the city last year, Avdeyev says they made great use of it. “The beautiful new ballroom was the perfect home for our GPS Welcome Reception. Several of our affiliated companies were able to host private meetings in more intimate, comfortable spaces. And the outdoor rooftop? It was a fantastic setting for our Young Professionals Reception — plenty of fresh air, great views and a whole lot of smiles.” Beyond that, she continues, “The convention center is incredibly easy to navigate. With all the main hotel properties lined up on one side of the building — and the Hilton directly connected — attendees can move around with ease. Everything feels close, convenient and simple, which makes a big difference when you’re hosting a busy event.”

There is one area where Avdeyev would like to see a little extra help — excursions. “Excursions are such an important part of the attendee experience, but they can also be among the trickiest to plan. Cities have so much to offer that it’s hard to know which options will truly resonate with our audience. As planners, we bring the demographics, attendance numbers and insights into what our groups enjoy. But we need destinations to help connect those dots. If cities could take the information we already have as associations and suggest experiences tailored to our attendees’ interests, it would make a world of difference,” she says. “I can arrive in a city and learn what it’s known for; however, translating that into curated excursions that showcase the best of the destination — that’s where partnership matters. I’d love to see more focus on helping us highlight a city in a way that feels personal, meaningful and allows everyone to celebrate together.”

Her best advice for planners considering Cleveland — or any other destination — is to invest in building a transparent and honest relationship with partners. It’s a great way to have a smoother planning process. “Share your goals clearly, communicate your concerns and ask the same in return. Strong relationships don’t just make logistics easier; they create an atmosphere where everyone pulls in the same direction. I’ve found that when trust is established, the challenges feel smaller and solutions move faster. Plan boldly, collaborate openly, and let honest relationships lead the way,” she says.

There’s no question that the Global Polymer Summit will be back in Cleveland in the not-too-distant future. “Cleveland is home for the Rubber Division, ACS,” Avdeyev says. “It’s those partnerships we have with Destination Cleveland, the convention center and partnering hotels that make us want to return.”

Smaller groups can excel in Cleveland, too. KHM Travel Group, a membership organization for travel agents in Brunswick, OH, held its Luxury Symposium at Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection, two years ago. “When planning a conference, there are many factors that come into play and selecting the right venue is crucial,” says Alyssa Coleman, event operations coordinator for the group. “Hotel Cleveland is in the heart of downtown Cleveland, and we chose this venue for the location and quality and for convenient travel. Hotel Cleveland is known for its charming ambiance and high-quality service, which made for the perfect venue for our Luxury Symposium Conference. Bringing in 100 travel agents and talking about luxury suppliers within the industry, this felt like the perfect location for our event.”

She says the staff was very accommodating and ensured everything ran smoothly during the multi-day conference. “Proximity to the airport and use of public transportation were a draw to our attendees, and the city of Cleveland has so much to offer as well with its entertainment options and diverse food scene.”

Hotel Cleveland’s recent upgrades and renovations were also a key factor in the decision to host the event there. “The lobby has an air of sophistication and charm. It appears that Hotel Cleveland has a commitment to quality and provides an exceptional experience from the moment you walk in. We utilized several meeting rooms throughout the week, and the lobby bar was the perfect place for everyone to meet up afterward.”

Coleman found her main contact at the hotel to be fantastic to work with and very attentive. “Additionally,” she says, “being able to be in a group chat with staff at the hotel really helped everything run very efficiently. We’re looking forward to hosting future events at Hotel Cleveland.” She suggests that planners take time to check out the hotel.

The Corvair Society of America held their convention last year partly at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force — Dayton. Photo courtesy of Destination Dayton

Dayton

The Corvair Society of America (CORSA) held its International Corvair Convention in Dayton two years ago with 615 in attendance, at Marriott at the University of Dayton. But that wasn’t where it was supposed to be. The meeting was originally scheduled in California but was canceled due to contractual problems, which left organizers scrambling to find another destination. Dayton — and Ohio — delivered.

Kevin G. Clark, chairman of that convention, says the group meets each year in a rotation of East, Central and West. CORSA chapters across the country bid on hosting the convention. When California fell apart, the Ohio chapters got together to replace it. “My Dayton club didn’t have enough manpower, so we invited the Columbus Air Force Corvair Club and Corvair Club of Cincinnati to manage the convention together with us. Many said we wouldn’t be able to pull it off. This was CORSA’s 51st convention and the first in Ohio. I wanted to showcase Dayton and we did. I’m just glad we were able to ‘wing it,’” he says.

Planning sessions were held at Carillon Historical Park and the National Museum of the Air Force. “They made our convention very special,” Clark says. And Dayton itself was exactly right for this group. “We avoid larger cities due to congestion. We chose the Marriott at the University of Dayton because it was just outside of the city and had 300+ rooms, although we ended up needing more. It turned out to be the best location. It was close to Carillon Historical Park and has extra-large parking lots for trailers, cars, car show cruise-in, the swap meet and other activities. It’s also right off the interstate and near to Brown Street for food. The Marriott and Destination Dayton offered a proposal that worked in our favor. The banquet and meeting rooms, as well the dining area, are all within easy walking distance.”

Clark also notes that room rates at the Marriott were reasonable compared to past conventions, and there were other positives as well. “Our attendees were happy that the Marriott was not spread out, allowing short walks to different areas on campus to attend meetings and to eat. The area is also flat, which is good since some attendees use walkers.”

The location outside the city with ample parking and proximity to the airport was also a plus for attendees. “Many came in their Corvairs from across the U.S.; others trailered their cars and some also flew. Dayton was a good fit overall.”

In terms of meeting space, Clark says two rooms at the Marriott worked well. “They had the screen, but we brought our own AV equipment. The larger Tradewind Room with large windows was excellent for our hospitality room, and there were no overcrowding issues. We also used the Tradewind Room for a special feature presentation and for arts and crafts, which was a big hit for those not so much into cars. We used the banquet room for indoor vendors and the dinner/award banquet. Many of our attendees said the hotel was the best in all previous conventions they had been to.”

Clark’s best advice for planners is to start early — even though the Ohio clubs managed success on a relatively short timeline. “We were supposed to have two to three years for planning. But when the 2024 location was canceled, we came to the rescue and pulled this off with 17 months of planning. With more time, there would be less stress and disappointment.” There were a few things they didn’t manage on the short timeline and tightened budget, such as using busses to access the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Yet, in every important way, the Ohio clubs pulled off an incredibly successful convention under challenging circumstances.

The Columbus Convention Center provides 447,000 sf of meeting & event space. Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus

Columbus

Cookie Walner, CMP, CMM, CEM, director of event design with C2 Association Strategies in Alexandria, VA, an association and nonprofit management company, has brought many meetings to Columbus, for good reason. “We meet in this destination frequently, and it continues to be an excellent fit for our associations’ needs. The central Midwest location is a significant advantage. Additionally, the city provides a wide range of high-quality lodging options and ample entertainment choices, ensuring a positive experience for our groups. These factors, combined with the value and flexibility the destination offers, consistently make it a top choice for our events.”

Walner says the accessibility is a significant factor in the site-selection process, and the region is budget-friendly as well. “We love how the city’s central spot means everyone can get here easily, whether they’re hopping on a flight or driving in from nearby. That kind of convenience is huge for us, since it means more friends [and colleagues] can join the fun without breaking the bank. And the Midwest location is a rock star when it comes to keeping costs in check — way better than some of pricier convention cities. With affordable rates, flexible setups and a location that’s just right, this city really is our go-to for awesome meetings!”

Experience Columbus, the city’s CVB, is also a plus. “Beyond assisting with logistics, the CVB has played a vital role in marketing and elevating the city’s brand for our conferences,” Walner says. “They‘ve provided custom-branded promotional materials that showcase the city’s vibrant culture and business-friendly environment and hospitality, helping us attract more attendees. Their digital campaigns and social media outreach feature local landmarks, unique venues and entertainment options, sparking excitement and strengthening our event’s visibility both locally and nationally. Additionally, the CVB has coordinated with local media outlets and influencers to generate positive buzz around the conference, further establishing the city as a premier destination for association meetings. With their branding expertise, we’ve been able to offer our attendees a memorable experience that highlights what makes this city truly special. The CVB’s involvement has been a key factor in making our events seamless and enjoyable, contributing significantly to our conferences’ overall success.”

Walner says that the Greater Columbus Convention Center has also been positive, adding, “The facility’s central location and ease of access were major advantages, especially for attendees traveling from different regions. What stood out most was the modern, spacious meeting areas and the flexibility of the function spaces, which accommodate both large sessions and smaller breakouts effectively. The quality of the onsite amenities and technical support also contributed to a seamless event experience. The space and facilities have allowed us to plan for increased attendance and provided more options for event layouts and activities. Overall, the convention center has exceeded our expectations.”

Walner has booked multiple Columbus hotels for meetings, most recently the city’s Hyatt and Hilton properties. “We selected these hotels because of their connection and proximity to the convention center. This setup makes it incredibly convenient for our groups to move between meetings, functions and hotel rooms without ever needing to step outside — no coats required, no matter the weather. The proximity to the convention center ensures that our attendees can easily access all event spaces and amenities. Additionally, the hotels offer the ideal number of rooms to accommodate our different groups comfortably, while modern amenities, flexible function spaces and competitive pricing add further value. The convenience of staying just steps away from all the action, paired with excellent accommodations, truly enhances the overall experience for everyone involved.”

For planners considering a meeting in Columbus, Walner’s top suggestion is to leverage the direct connection between the hotels and convention center. “This setup streamlines logistics. Additionally, I recommend working closely with hotel event staff early in the planning process to take full advantage of the modern amenities and flexible function spaces. Make sure you communicate your needs regarding AV and technical support, as the onsite team is highly capable and can make your event run smoothly. If your group is large or includes many first-time visitors, request additional wayfinding signage to help everyone navigate more confidently and efficiently. Finally, make use of the local CVB as a valuable resource; they can provide expert guidance, local insights and additional support to enhance your event planning and attendee experience. These strategies will help you maximize convenience and ensure a successful Columbus meeting experience.”

The newly renamed First Financial Center in Cincinnati. Photo courtesy of 3 CDC/Visit Cincy

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is another great Ohio city for association meetings, not the least because of the newly expanded, recently opened, First Financial Center. The city is investing more than $800 million into the revitalized convention district, making it one of the shining stars of Ohio’s formidable meeting assets.

The convention center features upgraded meeting rooms and ballrooms and renovated exhibit and pre-function space, among other improvements. It was designed with the meeting planner at the center of every decision. The expanded natural light, wider concourses and flexible pre-function spaces create an environment where attendees can move easily, connect more organically and stay engaged throughout the convention.

With Elm Street Plaza now linking the center to a vibrant two-acre outdoor gathering space, associations have even more ways to activate their meetings and extend the attendee experience.

And with Cincinnati’s walkability, anchored by locally owned, award-winning restaurants and world-class entertainment, planners can build conventions that naturally flow from the convention center into the surrounding neighborhoods and entertainment districts.

Across near the convention center, there will be a brand new Marriott headquarters hotel, with construction to start soon. It will offer 62,000 sf of meeting space and include a 17,000 sf terrace. The hotel will be connected to the convention center via skywalk.

Visit Cincy Interim President & CEO Julie Kirkpatrick says, “Our sales and services teams are fully engaged and our partners are aligned. With the recent reinvention of the Cincinnati Convention Center [now First Financial Center], our community and the Visit Cincy team are poised to set a new standard for meetings and conventions in the region.”

Which Ohio destination will you choose for your next meeting? Hint: There are no wrong answers. | AC&F |