Release Date: May 8,2025
Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts 22nd Annual Zenith Awards Luncheon
AKRON, Ohio (May 8, 2025) – The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB) held its 22nd annual Zenith Awards at the John S. Knight Center on May 7. With nearly 300 attendees, the Zenith Awards luncheon recognized hospitality industry partners throughout Summit County, ranging from attractions and restaurants to hotels and stores.
The event is held during National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual tradition that highlights travel’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing quality of life across the United States. According to a Tourism Economics report, direct visitor spending in Summit County totaled $1.7 billion in 2023, a 5.9% increase from 2022’s data of $1.57 billion. Visitor activity sustained 14,929 direct jobs and another 6,220 indirect and induced jobs in Summit County. The total number of jobs supported by visitor spending accounts for 5.8% of all jobs within the county.
Ren Camacho, board chair of the ASCVB and president and CEO of Akron-Canton Airport, and Gregg Mervis, president and CEO of the ASCVB, presented awards to 17 partners and shared how creativity, dedication and working together will enable the industry to continue to thrive.
“The Zenith Awards is an opportunity to celebrate and thank the incredible partners who help make Summit County an engaging and memorable destination,” said Gregg Mervis. “Their passion and dedication create the experiences that define our community, and we’re proud to recognize their impact on our local hospitality industry.”
Anne Bitong, president and CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, was the recipient of the 2025 Chairman’s Award. This award is given to a partner in the hospitality industry who has made significant, innovative and notable contributions; who advocates for our collective work in elevating, growing and promoting Greater Akron and Summit County as a premier hospitality/tourism destination; and a leadership legacy that has left a longstanding, positive impact on the hospitality industry.
The Susan L. Hamo Hospitality Person of the Year Award is given to an individual who epitomizes hospitality and demonstrates unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication to their work. Nancy Cates, the producing artistic director of Ohio Shakespeare Festival, was this year’s award winner.
New this year was the addition of the Arts & Culture Impact Award, which celebrates an entity, initiative or experience that has successfully positioned arts, culture and heritage as a key driver of tourism in Summit County. The ASCVB partnered with ArtsNow to develop the category to highlight our region’s artistic and cultural landscape. Nicole Mullet, executive director of ArtsNow, presented Lock 3 with the inaugural award for the transformation of the park to meet the needs of Akron residents and serve as a central hub for concerts, festivals, daily recreation and to connect to the Towpath Trail.
The Hospitality Industry Awards and the Best in Class Awards were the remainder of the luncheon. The Hospitality Industry Awards are determined by nominations submitted to the ASCVB, and the Best in Class Awards are selected by popular vote.
22nd Annual Zenith Award Winners:
- Chairman’s Award: Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation
- Susan L. Hamo Hospitality Person of the Year Award: Nancy Cates, Ohio Shakespeare Festival
- Arts & Culture Impact Award: Lock 3
- Hospitality Industry Awards:
- Social Media Spotlight: Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Stellar Service: Margaret Sinclair, Hilton Garden Inn Akron
- Pinnacle Partnership: Summit Metro Parks and HiHO Brewing Co.
- Rookie of the Year: Bailey Fisher, Akron-Canton Airport
- Hotel Partner of the Year: Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown
- Hospitality Impact: Ohio Economic Development Association 2025 Annual Summit Host Committee
- Best in Class Awards:
- Flavor of Distinction: Alexander Pierce Restaurant
- Sip of Distinction: Perfect Pour
- Essential Experience: Props and Pistons Festival
- Hottest Hidden Gem: The Green Dragon Inn
- Best Retail Therapy: Velvet Vintage Boutique
- Best Photo Op: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
- Can’t Miss Experience: Ohio Shakespeare Festival
About the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB), established in 1973, is the official destination marketing organization for Summit County, Ohio. Dedicated to promoting the region as a premier travel destination, the ASCVB works collaboratively with industry partners, stakeholders and the community to showcase Summit County's natural beauty, cultural attractions and unique experiences.