Industry Events

See upcoming Visit Canton industry partner events, and learn about conferences, conventions, expos, and other major events and festivals coming to the area.

Plan for major events happening in Stark County that could impact your business. Learn about industry networking events and professional development seminars. Plus, discover opportunities to exhibit at community events to promote your business.

Upcoming Stark County Tournaments, Conventions, & Conferences

Visit Canton Industry Events
Access to Arts

📅 Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
🕓 Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Cable Recital Hall | Cultural Center for the Arts 1001 Market Ave. N. | Canton, OH 44702

Everyone deserves to experience arts and culture.

Join ArtsinStark and Visit Canton for the inaugural Access the Arts Accessibility Summit, bringing together arts organizations, attractions, nonprofits, and community leaders to explore practical ways to make arts and cultural experiences more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Hear from regional experts, learn from organizations already leading the way, and discover funding opportunities through the new Access the Arts Grant Program.

Whether you're just beginning your accessibility journey or looking to build on existing efforts, you'll leave with ideas, resources, and connections to help move your organization forward.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Staff, board members, volunteers, and leaders from Stark County arts, cultural, tourism, and nonprofit organizations interested in making their programs and spaces more welcoming and accessible for all.

Summit Agenda
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Registration, Coffee & Networking
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:40 AM – 9:25 AM Keynote: Creating Welcoming Experiences for Everyone, James Warnken, Stark Ally
9:25 AM – 9:40 AM Accessibility in Action - TRIAD Deaf Services
9:40 AM – 10:20 AM Panel Discussion: Accessibility in Practice - Hear from organizations already making arts and cultural experiences more accessible.
10:20 AM – 10:35 AM Introducing the Access the Arts Grant Program
10:35 AM – 11:00 AM Questions, Networking & Resource Sharing

Have a question about the day? Reach out to President and CEO of ArtsinStark, Maureen Ater, at Mater@artsinstark.com.

Register for the event here!
Business traveler airport web size
Tourism Takes Flight: Partner Luncheon & Behind the Scenes Tour

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Akron-Canton Airport

A Joint Networking Event for Partners of Visit Canton, Akron-Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Akron-Canton Airport

Join fellow tourism, hospitality, attraction, and community partners from across Stark and Summit counties for an afternoon of networking, industry updates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access at Akron-Canton Airport.

This collaborative event is designed to strengthen regional connections, share updates impacting our visitor economy, and provide an opportunity to learn more about the important role Akron-Canton Airport plays in welcoming visitors to our communities.

Attendees will enjoy speed networking, lunch, presentations from regional tourism leaders and airport representatives, and the opportunity to participate in an exclusive behind-the-scenes airport tour.

Program Schedule:

  • 11:30 AM – Registration
  • 11:40 AM – 12:00 PM – Speed Networking
  • 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – Lunch & Presentations
  • 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM – Behind-the-Scenes Airport Tours

This event is FREE for Visit Canton and Akron-Summit CVB partners; however, registration is required by Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Questions about the event? Contact: Gabe Baker, Visit Canton Partner Content Coordinator, GabeB@VisitCanton.com or 330.313.3064.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND

Visit Canton Industry Development Day

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕦 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍Stark Parks Exploration Gateway

Join Visit Canton for Industry Development Day, a half-day professional development conference designed for tourism, hospitality, attractions, events, arts and culture, and community partners across Stark County.

This annual gathering provides valuable opportunities to connect with industry peers, gain insights into emerging tourism trends, and learn practical strategies to enhance visitor experiences, strengthen organizations, and grow our destination. The morning will feature networking, industry updates, and educational sessions focused on topics relevant to those working in tourism and hospitality.

We encourage organizations to send multiple team members to take advantage of the diverse educational opportunities and networking experiences available throughout the morning.

Industry Development Day Schedule:

  • 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM - Registration, Networking & Vendor Expo
  • 8:45 AM – 10:00 AM - Breakfast & Industry Updates
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Educational Sessions

Join us for FREE at Visit Canton Industry Development Day! Whether you can attend the full morning or just part of the program, flexible registration options will be available. Registration opens soon.

Have questions about Industry Development Day? Contact Allison Gromofsky, Senior Manager of Community & Partner Relations, at allisong@visitcanton.com.

Visit Canton Pittsburgh Sales Blitz

📅 Date: Wednesday, October 14 - Thursday, October 15
📍 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Visit Canton Pittsburgh Sales Blitz

Visit Canton’s Pittsburgh Sales Blitz on October 14–15 will provide an exciting opportunity for tourism and hospitality partners to connect directly with meeting planners, association executives, and business leaders in the Pittsburgh market. Over two days of scheduled sales calls and networking opportunities, participants will work alongside the Visit Canton sales team to showcase Stark County’s venues, attractions, hotels, and event resources. The blitz is designed to strengthen relationships, generate new leads, and position Canton and Stark County as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, sporting events, and group travel, while highlighting the latest developments and experiences available to event planners.

If you’d like to find out more information and attend with Visit Canton, please contact Leslianne Lake, Visit Canton Sales Manager, lesliannel@visitcanton.com.
Visit Canton Partner Huddles

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕦 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Visit Canton Downtown Offices

Visit Canton Partner Huddles are quarterly gatherings that provide updates, resources, and opportunities to collaborate. They offer partners a chance to connect, ask questions, and stay aligned on initiatives that strengthen our communities. If you’d like to receive an invitation or have a suggestion for a small-group meeting, please email Allison Gromofsky.

Have a question about the next Partner Huddle? Reach out to Gabe Baker, Partner Content Coordinator, gabeb@visitcanton.com.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Visit Canton Merry Mixer

📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍Will Be Announced Soon!

Celebrate the Season with Visit Canton!

Save the date for the 2026 Visit Canton Merry Mixer, our annual holiday gathering for tourism and hospitality partners across Stark County.

Join fellow attractions, restaurants, hotels, venues, arts and culture organizations, and community partners for an evening of networking, celebration, and holiday cheer as we reflect on another successful year of tourism in Stark County. Enjoy festive food and beverages, make new connections, reconnect with industry colleagues, and celebrate the season together.

Have a question about the Merry Mixer? Reach out to Gabe Baker, Partner Content Coordinator, gabeb@visitcanton.com.

SUBSCRIBE TO INDUSTRY PARTNER NEWS

Subscribe to our Industry Partners newsletter to receive our monthly partner newsletter with information on events, marketing opportunities, networking events, educational session, and so much more!

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE

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