Meeting Focus: Ohio

The entire state of Ohio is celebrating Tourism Month in May, and that’s true particularly for a place known as the state’s "largest playground," Warren County. Why? Because there’s "more to do here and within 30 miles of Warren County than anywhere else in Ohio," according to CVB officials.

But Ohio itself is attracting its share of convention or MICE visitors these days.

"From Cleveland’s rock ‘n roll to the quiet soul of a secluded retreat in Sandusky County, the state has unforgettable off-site venues loaded to the brim with character," writes Meeting Focus East.

Rock and roll? Meeting-goers find that a popular off-site attraction in Cleveland, where the highly personalized attraction with much minutiae recently completed a $6.9 million redesign and renovation.

Historic airplanes? Also found in Ohio’s city of North Canton, where the state’s rich history from the Wright Brothers to Neil Armstrong is on display at the MAPS Air museum.

The museum can accommodate 500 guests banquet-style. Museum volunteers are on hand to assist in locating speakers for an event that often includes some flight experiences.

The Rock ‘n Roll museum can accommodate up to 2,500 meeting-goers. Extended hours are also available on request.

Other popular Ohio meeting venues include:

—The Cincinnati Museum Center and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center recently merged, giving planners a selection of venues from a single organization. Housed at Union Terminal are the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science and the OMNIMAX Theater. All are available for group events.

—In Dayton, the popular 65-acre Carillon Historical Park plays host to up to 150 guests for various outdoor events.

—The Kalahari Resort in Sandusky has been such a popular water park that it doubled its previous space and can now accommodate up to 5,200 meeting attendees. It is now America’s largest indoor water park with a facility that is 77,000 square feet.

—The Toledo Art Museum has 30,000 works on display, ranging from Reubens to Picasso, and offers more than a dozen spaces for smaller meetings of groups of up to 300.

—The Bluestone in Columbus, built in 1898, can accommodate up to 1,800 meeting attendees. The venue specializes in music related events with some state-of-the-art equipment.

—Groups of up to 100 can be accommodated at the Schultz Mansion in Zanesville, which has just 26 rooms but also eight fireplaces. The historically accurate building has a1900 flavor and includes guided tours as part of many events.

—Quiet getaways are the key to the popularity of Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in Sandusky County. Meeting equipment is first-rate but the setting can host up to 80 participants who find it a comfortable and quiet place for contemplative walks and meetings. All religious preferences are welcomed.

By David Wilkening