From Cincinnati to Cleveland to Toledo, planners will find that the Buckeye State, a uniformly affordable, compelling destination, is a time-saver as well.
When tasked with executing a meeting itinerary that’s heavy on business in only a couple days, planners should book a gathering at a popular local attraction so that attendees can at once network and enjoy at least one memorable representation of the host city.
The Buckeye State has no shortage of interesting options for groups to enjoy after business is done.
Southwest Ohio
The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is an incredible Art Deco structure that houses the Cincinnati History Museum and the Museum of Natural History and Science.
“With a gorgeous grand rotunda and unique architectural features throughout, groups will love it,” says Randie Adam, spokeswoman for the Cincinnati USA CVB. “Meeting planners can get creative, as virtually every area of the Museum Center is available for private events, from the Art Deco dining rooms to the 300-seat auditorium.”
Through August 17 this year, attendees should definitely stop in to see the Diana: A Celebration exhibit, which displays many pieces from the Princess’ wardrobe, including her Royal Wedding gown.
“Cincinnati is the final city to ever host this exhibit, as it’s being retired after the Museum Center to be bequeathed to her son Harry on his 30th birthday,” Adam says.
Rhinegeist Brewery opened last year and is another option for fun group gatherings in Cincinnati.
“Groups can use the large space [capacity of 254] for brainstorming, team building or happy hour events,” Adam says. “With cornhole boards and ping-pong tables waiting just beyond the public seating, a Rhinegeist event is sure to be a hit.”
The Morrow, Ohio-based Valley Vineyards Winery & Brewery offers award-winning wines and a unique dining experience, as guests grill their own steak or salmon.
“Valley Vineyards recently expanded to incorporate a brewery, Cellar Dwellers, and groups can enjoy their craft brews, which are quickly becoming a local and regional favorite,” says Linda Smith, senior sales manager for the Warren County CVB.
She adds that Valley Vineyards has the capacity to accommodate both large and small groups, and on Memorial Day 2014, it will open a new outdoor garden with seating for 200.
And the Dayton Art Institute, an Italian Renaissance-style villa that houses 18th and 19th century American pieces, 17th century Baroque paintings and Asian and contemporary art collections, sits on a hill overlooking the Great Miami River and downtown Dayton.
According to Jacquelyn Powell, president and CEO at the Dayton CVB, the elegant event space here includes the glass-ceilinged Shaw Gothic Cloister and a marbled Great Hall.PageBreak
Central Ohio
The Center for Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus has more than 300 interactive exhibits, award-winning education programs and sweeping views of the city skyline, as well as more than 300,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor versatile meeting and event space, according to Scott Peacock, spokesman for Experience Columbus.
“From scavenger hunts to Extreme Screen films to private workshops, COSI’s team of science educators can help bring the wonders of science to any corporate event,” he says.
The Glass Rooster Cannery in Sunbury is a culinary gem that welcomes private parties and provides group experiences, according to Debbie Shatzer, executive director at the Delaware County CVB.
“The venue provides all the supplies for an event packed full of fun and fellowship, including cooking parties, canning classes and team-building events based on interests,” she says, adding there is a two-story barn for hosting large group events.
And celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016 is the Strand Theatre, a movie theater located in the heart of historic downtown Delaware.
“The Strand can now provide high-quality digital video for presentations, meetings and events, as well as great popcorn!” Shatzer says.
The Palace Theatre in Marion is first and foremost a venue that stages national productions and local stage shows.
“With a new addition in recent years one can have a presentation in the theater and move to the May Pavilion for a dinner or trade show-type gathering,” says Diane Watson, director of the Marion Area CVB.
Kings Mill Golf Course in Waldo offers a banquet facility and grill room, which Watson says can be transformed for group events.
“Their mixture of hills and flat terrain provide a scenic venue for gatherings,” she says. “Each year the family-owned course hosts dozens of golf outings and can easily give the personal attention smaller towns are known for.”
At the Cumberland-based Wilds, a conservation center, groups can mingle with a rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and more during an event. According to Kelly Ashby, vice president at Zanesville-Muskingum County CVB, group safari tours work well in conjunction with a reception.
“It’s truly a very picturesque setting overlooking 10,000 acres of reclaimed mining land filled with trees, ponds, animals and rolling hillsides,” she says, adding indoor and outdoor event spaces and on-site catering is available.
The Zanesville Museum of Art is well-suited for small gatherings.
“During downtime, feel free to explore the arts of Ohio pottery from the early 1800s to the present, or the galleries that offer fine American and European paintings, sculpture, history and studio glass,” Ashby says.PageBreak
Northeast Ohio
At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, another unique Ohio experience with ample attractive event space for group events, attendees can browse the evolution of music through more than 50 exhibits, featuring everything from Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche to Michael Jackson’s sparkly glove.
“Groups will love checking out the multiple levels of the museum while getting lost in the artifacts of their favorite bands” says Jackie Spencer, spokeswoman for Positively Cleveland. “Not to mention, the gift shop is a destination on its own.”
The Akron-based Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. founder F.A. Seiberling, is a National Historic Landmark and a lovely venue for group receptions or banquets.
“The walls of this great estate still echo the innovative spirit of its inhabitants and the amazing honor roll of business, political and celebrity figures who were welcomed through its doors,” says Jim Mahon, spokesman for the Akron/Summit CVB.
Northwest Ohio
The addition of the new Huntington Center, which sports 20 private suites and a banquet facility for group events, has been a wonderful addition to Toledo’s community, according to Cathy Miller, director of tourism for Destination Toledo CVB.
“The fact that it attaches to the SeaGate Convention Centre is of interest to groups that want to use the arena for opening ceremonies, exhibits or maybe just attend a hockey game, concert or other entertainment event,” she says.
The Clazel Theatre & Entertainment Venue in Bowling Green is an upscale multi-entertainment venue with a movie house, wine bar, dance club and banquet facility. It holds up to 150 seated, 300 people standing or grazing.
“This unique venue has a flair for the decor of yesterday, from an old-fashioned theater to the prohibition days-style restaurant,” says Wendy Stram, executive director for the Bowling Green CVB.
Amanda Smith Rasnick, group sales manager for Lake Erie Shores & Islands, recommends the Culinary Vegetable Institute due to its reputation as a world-class learning facility for top chefs from all over the country.
“The rustic log structure sits on approximately 100 river-side acres that includes experimental vegetable, forest and herb gardens,” she says, adding that a state-of-the-art test kitchen accommodates group cooking classes and chef demonstrations and opens up to a great room with a fireplace that seats 90 for banquets.
One of the oldest wineries in the region, Port Clinton-based Mon Ami, a member of the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Wine Trail, offers wine tastings, tours and a popular restaurant.
Rasnick suggests a company picnic in the wooded pavilion or surrounding courtyard; or an intimate dinner in the historic wine cellar. Also inside the winery, groups benefit from private spaces such as the loft and tasting room.
And according to Katherine Rice, travel event specialist at the Sandusky County CVB, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is a must-visit for groups.
The home of the 19th President is situated in Spiegel Grove, with 25 acres of beautiful trees and walkways.
“The home has undergone a restoration so that when you step inside, you are seeing it as if Lucy and Rutherford are still in residence,” Rice says.
Exploring the rides and attractions at the waterpark at the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky is another entertaining downtime diversion.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus.
