ArtsNow Executive Director Nicole Mullet presents the Arts and Culture Impact Award to Main Street Barberton at the 2026 Zenith Awards.
AKRON — The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB) celebrated the region’s hospitality and tourism industry during the 23rd Annual Zenith Awards Luncheon May 6 at the John S. Knight Center. Nearly 300 hospitality professionals, community leaders and industry partners gathered to recognize outstanding contributions from businesses and individuals across Summit County.
The event was 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, in Summit County, direct visitor spending totaled $1.7 billion in 2023, and visitor activity sustained more than 21,000 jobs.
Ren Camacho, board chair of the ASCVB and president and CEO of Akron-Canton Airport, joined Gregg Mervis, president and CEO of the ASCVB, in presenting awards to 15 hospitality partners whose creativity, collaboration and commitment continue to strengthen Summit County’s visitor economy.
“The Zenith Awards give us an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations that help make Summit County such a welcoming and memorable destination,” Mervis said. “Their passion, innovation and dedication shape the experiences visitors remember long after they leave, and we are proud to recognize the tremendous impact they have on our hospitality community.”
Leianne Neff Miller, president and CEO of the Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio, received the 2026 Chairman’s Award; the Susan L. Hamo Hospitality Person of the Year Award was presented to A.J. Stokes, owner of Stokes Sound Inc.; and the Arts and Culture Impact Award was awarded to Main Street Barberton for its ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Barberton through economic development, historic preservation, public art and community programming.
“This award is a tremendous honor for our organization and for the entire Barberton community,” said Melanie Black Amato, executive director for Main Street Barberton. “Arts and culture play a vital role in creating vibrant downtowns, supporting small businesses and bringing people together. We are grateful to our community partners, volunteers, business owners and supporters who continue to invest in the future of downtown Barberton.”
Additional honors included the Hospitality Industry Awards, selected through industry nominations, and the Best-in-Class Awards, determined by public vote.
For the full list of award winners, visit www.visitakron-summit.org/zenith-awards.
Claudia Zeber-Martell accepts the Best-in-Class: Best Retail Therapy Award. Photos courtesy of the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau