23RD ANNUAL ZENITH AWARDS

MAY 6, 2026 | JOHN S. KNIGHT CENTER | 11:30 AM

We are excited to host our annual event recognizing our tourism partners! The Zenith Awards bring leaders together from across Summit County’s travel and hospitality industry to celebrate the partners who help shape our destination. Hosted during National Travel and Tourism Week, this luncheon is a testament to an industry that fuels our local economy, supports thousands of families and shapes the experiences that define our area. Recent studies state that visitor spending in Summit County totaled $1.7 billion and supported over 21,000 jobs, representing 5.8% of all jobs in the county. The Zenith Awards honor the individuals and organizations whose work not only creates memorable experiences for visitors, but also drives job creation, business growth and long-term economic strength for Akron and Summit County.

 

23RD ANNUAL ZENITH AWARD WINNERS:

  • LEIANNE NEFF MILLER - SUMMIT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AKRON, OHIO
    CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

 

  • A.J. STOKES - STOKES SOUND, INC.
    SUSAN L. HAMO HOSPITALITY PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

  • MAIN STREET BARBERTON
    ARTS & CULTURE IMPACT AWARD

 

  • DOUBLETREE BY HILTON AKRON FAIRLAWN
    HOTEL PARTNER OF THE YEAR

 

  • SILVER CREEK METRO PARK - SUMMIT METRO PARKS
    HOSPITALITY IMPACT

 

  • AKRON ZOO
    SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

 

  • AKRON HISTORY CENTER, AKRON-SUMMIT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE SUMMIT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AKRON, OHIO
    PINNACLE PARTNERSHIP

 

  • FRANCINE NOLL - HILTON GARDEN INN AKRON
    STELLAR SERVICE

 

  • SAM JAMES - AKRON ZOO
    ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

  • PAPA JOE'S IACOMINI'S
    BEST IN CLASS: FLAVOR OF DISTINCTION
     

  • CAFÉ BEREKA
    BEST IN CLASS: SIP OF DISTINCTION
     

  • AKRON GLASS WORKS
    BEST IN CLASS: HOTTEST HIDDEN GEM
     

  • MAPS AIR MUSEUM
    BEST IN CLASS: CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE
     

  • ZEBER-MARTELL GALLERY & CLAY STUDIO
    BEST IN CLASS: BEST RETAIL THERAPY
     

  • BRANDYWINE FALLS - CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
    BEST IN CLASS: BEST PHOTO OP