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.
Cast Your Votes!
Get ready to vote for your favorites! There are three categories below, so make sure to vote where applicable. Voting closes at 11:59 pm on April 10, 2026. We can't wait to see who you vote for and who ultimately takes home the Zenith Award!
Best in Class Awards
Voting in this category is open to anyone and everyone!
Hospitality Industry Awards
This category is ONLY for those who work in the travel and hospitality industry.
Susan L. Hamo Hospitality Person of the Year Award
This category is ONLY for those who work in the travel and hospitality industry.
22ND ANNUAL ZENITH AWARD WINNERS:
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ANNE BITONG - AKRON MARATHON CHARITABLE CORPORATION
CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
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NANCY CATES - OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
SUSAN L. HAMO HOSPITALITY PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
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LOCK 3
ARTS AND CULTURE IMPACT AWAD
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COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT NORTHSIDE
HOTEL PARTNER OF THE YEAR
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OHIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
HOSPITALITY IMPACT
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CONSERVANCY FOR THE CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
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SUMMIT METRO PARKS AND HIHO BREWING COMPANY
PINNACLE PARTNERSHIP
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MARGARET SINCLAIR - HILTON GARDEN INN AKRON
STELLAR SERVICE
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BAILEY FISHER – AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
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ALEXANDER PIERCE RESTAURANT
BEST IN CLASS: FLAVOR OF DISTINCTION
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PERFECT POUR
BEST IN CLASS: SIP OF DISTINCTION
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PROPS AND PISTONS FESTIVAL
BEST IN CLASS: ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE
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THE GREEN DRAGON INN
BEST IN CLASS: HOTTEST HIDDEN GEM
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AKRON ZOO
BEST IN CLASS: CAN’T MISS EXPERIENCE
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VELVET VINTAGE BOUTIQUE
BEST IN CLASS: BEST RETAIL THERAPY
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STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS
BEST IN CLASS: BEST PHOTO OP