Business View Magazine - May 2025

position the JSK Center as a compelling option for event organizers seeking venues that deliver both functional excellence and distinctive experiences. ARTS AND CULTURE Akron’s arts and cultural ecosystem serves as a powerful economic driver and competitive differentiator in the convention marketplace, offering attendees authentic local experiences that complement their business activities. “What makes Summit County’s arts scene unique is how deeply embedded it is in community identity,” explains Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. “Our venues differentiate themselves by offering authentic local experiences in addition to national touring productions. Seeing homegrown talent in a community especially known for music and arts, in a way that’s engaging, participatory, and communitydriven, sets Akron and Summit County apart.” Such cultural infrastructure provides convention attendees with compelling reasons to extend their stays.“While people are looking to fly in conveniently at low cost, stay in a comfortable hotel, and have a great meeting at a convention center, what really makes a difference is the experiences they can have before or after,” says Mervis. “If they come a day early or stay a day late, bring a spouse, friend, or partner, they can enjoy the small nooks and cranny bookstores, vintage shopping, craft brew places, the Akron Art Museum, the Akron Children’s Museum, and Lock 3 entertainment venue.” The region boasts significant cultural assets that draw both local and international attention. “We have iconic venues like the Akron Civic Theatre—a historic theater in downtown—EJ Thomas Hall, Blossom Music Center which is the summer home for the Cleveland Orchestra, and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens that draw national and international performers,” Mullet notes.“We also have experiences like the High Arts Festival, the Akron Arts Expo, the BE Artistic Excellence Festival, and the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival.” 55 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05 JOHN S. KNIGHT CENTER

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