21st Annual Zenith Awards

MAY 8, 2024 | JOHN S. KNIGHT CENTER | 11:30 AM

We are excited to host our annual event recognizing our hospitality partners. This event is traditionally held during National Travel & Tourism Week, which highlights the significant impact that travel and tourism hold for our economy, businesses and personal well-being. The Zenith Awards celebrate our wonderful partners throughout Summit County, as they are the drivers of our hospitality ecosystem. 

Voting Has Closed!

Stay tuned until after the Zenith Awards to see the winners of each category!

20^th Annual Zenith Award Winners:

• CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
  DOUG PIEKARZ - AKRON ZOO
  
  
• SUSAN L. HAMO HOSPITALITY PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
  JEFF LYNCH - RDA HOTEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY
  
  
• HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEER AWARD
  HEATHER MORROW 
  
  
• FRIEND OF HOSPITALITY AWARD
  KRISTEN SCAGLIONE & ANGELA PAYERLE - AKRON ZOO, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOKEEPERS
  
  
• HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD
  AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT
  
  
• HOSPITALITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD
  AKRON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, AKRON ZOO, ROBERT O. & ANNAMAE ORR FAMILY FOUNDATION
  
  
• SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY AWARD
  SOAP BOX DERBY
  
  
• ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
  KAYLEE PIPER - DOWNTOWN CUYAHOGA FALLS PARTNERSHIP

• “YOU TELL THE TOURIST AWARD”
  ULTIMATE PALATE PLEASER - FOOD: SWENSON'S DRIVE-IN
  
  
• “YOU TELL THE TOURIST AWARD”
  ULTIMATE PALATE PLEASER - DRINK: CASHMERE CRICKET
  
  
• “YOU TELL THE TOURIST AWARD”
  YOUR ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY: STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
  
  
• “YOU TELL THE TOURIST AWARD”
  HOTTEST HIDDEN TREASURE: GYPSY GRACE & THE VINTAGE GOAT
  
  
• "YOU TELL THE TOURIST AWARD”
  CAN’T MISS TOURISM EXPERIENCE: OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
  
  
• “YOU TELL THE TOURIST AWARD”
  BEST RETAIL THERAPY: DON DRUMM STUDIOS & GALLERY
  
  
• "YOU TELL THE TOURIST AWARD”
  BEST PHOTO OP: CASCADE VALLEY METRO PARK OVERLOOK AREA - SUMMIT METRO PARKS