The Akron-Canton Airport serves as a crucial gateway for convention attendees, offering both accessibility and an introduction to the region’s character. “We do have a corporate relations manager who attends many of the travel hospitality industry expos at the JSK Center to attract major conventions,” explains Ren Camacho, President and CEO of Akron-Canton Airport. “When there’s a huge convention, we offer signage and welcome tables featuring what’s happening at the convention for arriving attendees.” This relationship extends beyond simple logistics. The airport shares valuable data with convention marketers about travel and attendance trends, communicates with its four carriers—Breeze Airways, Allegiant, American, and United—to ensure adequate capacity for major events, and participates in co-branding campaigns. “We partner with the Convention & Visitors Bureau to print and provide digital media for conventions, promoting the JSK Center, and the city of Akron as a premier meeting destination,” says Camacho. Lisa Dalpiaz,Vice President of Air Service & Business Development at Akron-Canton Airport, emphasizes that their growth strategy directly supports the convention center. “Obviously growing air service means more capacity into the community, which increases inbound travel to Akron and the convention center.” Recent developments include Breeze Airways establishing their 11th nationwide crew base in Akron, creating 60 jobs by June 2025 and up to 130 by early 2026. A development that’s already influencing other carriers to expand service to the region. SUMMIT COUNTY’S TOURISM TREASURES Summit County offers convention attendees a diverse array of attractions that combine natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical landmarks. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber co-founder F.A. Seiberling, is an iconic landmark. Visitors will want to make sure to plan time to tour the 65-room Manor House and 70 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds. Spend some time at a ball game at Canal Park, home of the Akron RubberDucks. Akron Art Museum houses more than 6,000 works of contemporary and modern art. Lock 3 is known as Akron’s Central Park and hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year. The region’s natural assets provide a distinctive competitive advantage in the convention market. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park—one of the few national parks situated near a major metropolitan area is a significant tourism magnet. It was the 12th most visited national park in the U.S. in 2024, with more than 2.9 million visits. Brandywine Falls, a 60foot cascading waterfall, lies within the CVNP. 53 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 JOHN S. KNIGHT CENTER
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