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
Step Into Stark Emerging Talent Luncheon

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Gervasi Vineyard

We encourage you to send your summer interns, emerging professionals, and young team members to the upcoming Step Into Stark Luncheon. Cost is $25 per person and includes networking and luncheon.

This special event is designed to help young professionals feel connected, supported, and excited about building their future right here in Stark County.

We’re especially excited that Ally Bussey, Visit Canton President & CEO, will present “The Stark Contrast: Why Your Life is Better Here,” highlighting the energy, opportunity, and lifestyle advantages that make Stark County a place young professionals want to stay and grow.

This is a great opportunity to invest in your future workforce, help your interns build local connections, and introduce them to the incredible quality of life and career opportunities available throughout our community.

Presented by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Strengthening Stark, and Visit Canton.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND
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: Izzy Morales, Visit Canton Client & Guest Engagement Coordinator, Isrraelm@visitcanton.com or 330.542.6381

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

Visit Canton Industry Development Day is FREE to attend. Registration options are available for attendees who can only participate in a portion of the program.

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
📍 It could be YOU!

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.

Visit Canton is currently seeking a host location for the 2026 Merry Mixer through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Interested venues are encouraged to submit a proposal for the opportunity to showcase their facility and create a memorable experience for our tourism partners.

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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