Release Date: March 10,2026
Voting Opens for 2026 Zenith Awards Celebrating Summit County’s Tourism Industry
AKRON, OH (March 6, 2026) – Get ready to cast your votes! The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB) has opened voting for its 23rd Zenith Awards, an annual celebration recognizing tourism industry partners within Summit County, ranging from attractions and restaurants to hotels and local stores.
Community members are encouraged to participate and help spotlight the businesses, events and experiences that make Summit County an exciting destination to visit and explore. Nominate your favorite restaurant, place to grab a drink, event, attraction, shopping experience, photo op and more!
The awards feature three main categories:
Best in Class Awards – Open to the public, these categories invite voters to nominate their favorite places for culinary experiences, drinks, events, attractions, photo opportunities, retail therapy and more. Winners are determined by popular vote.
Hospitality Industry Awards – These honors are voted on by professionals working within Summit County’s hospitality and tourism sector and recognize excellence in areas such as partnerships, service, marketing initiatives and rising stars within the industry.
Susan L. Hamo Hospitality Person of the Year Award – Renamed in 2012 to honor the legacy of longtime ASCVB colleague and friend Susan L. Hamo, this award celebrates an individual who demonstrates passion, dedication and exceptional commitment to advancing Summit County’s tourism industry. Nominations for this award are also meant to come from those within the sector.
“Tourism is a driving force in Summit County, supporting thousands of local jobs and generating significant economic impact throughout our community,” said Gregg Mervis, president and CEO of the ASCVB. “The Zenith Awards are a chance for the public and our industry partners to celebrate the people and businesses that create memorable experiences for visitors and residents. We encourage everyone to cast their votes.”
How important is the hospitality and tourism industry? According to a Tourism Economics report, direct visitor spending in Summit County reached $1.7 billion, supporting more than 21,000 total jobs across the county through direct, indirect and induced employment. That equates to 5.8% of all jobs within the county.
Voting forms are available on the ASCVB website at visitakron-summit.org/zenith-awards/. The deadline to cast your votes is 11:59pm on April 10, with winners announced during the Zenith Awards luncheon on May 6. For more information on the Zenith Awards, contact Stephanie Berry, vice president of marketing and brand management, at sberry@visitakron-summit.org.
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.