Clinton County Visitors Bureau to Host 2026 Ohio Conference on Travel
Tourism professionals across Ohio will travel to Wilmington on October 7–9 as the Clinton County Visitors Bureau hosts the 2026 Ohio Conference on Travel at the Roberts Centre. The three-day event is organized by the Ohio Travel Association and brings together experts from across the state for educational sessions, networking, and industry awards.
Clinton County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susan Valentine-Scott said her team bid for the opportunity to host the conference in Dublin, Ohio, and won. "It gives Clinton County an opportunity to really showcase our market," Valentine-Scott said.
Current estimates say the conference will bring in 250 to 300 hotel stays while also bringing customers to local businesses.
The conference begins Wednesday, October 7, with educational programming followed by dinner from Leadership Clinton County.
Thursday continues workshops on topics including tourism marketing, AI, and sports tourism, along with the annual RUBY Awards Luncheon. The Clinton County Visitors Bureau won three awards last year, including for their Rock the Block concert series, and is nominated again this year for several awards.
On Thursday evening, attendees travel to Schappacher Farms for a "farm-to-table" dinner featuring a local pig roast, s'mores, and other fall activities. "We're really showcasing that whole rural vibe," Valentine-Scott said. Visitors then head back to the Roberts Centre for an "Afterglow Party" before ending their night downtown at the historic Murphy Theatre where they will be greeted by representatives from Wilmington College for a private concert from a Columbus-based band.
Many local businesses and organizations are helping to make the conference a success, including: Trail Haus, Kava Haus, Baker Street Culinary, Cowan Lake State Park (ODNR), Clinton County Commissioners, City of Wilmington, Main Street Wilmington, Chamber of Commerce, Swindlers Florist, TinCap, TriHealth, Venice Wine, Marcus Harris, Graphics To Go, Abbott Imagery, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, TownePlace Suites, JK Rental, Buckeye Portables, and many local bakers throughout the county.
"Everything's about showcasing our local things," Valentine-Scott said. Registration is open to Ohio Travel Association members and non-members. More information is available through the Ohio Conference on Travel website at ohioconferenceontravel.com.
