Akron, OH

Key Highlights

Hotels	66
Total Sleeping Rooms	5,000
Largest Exhibit Space	28,640 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $87
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $51
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $324

Akron, OH Meeting Planning Overview

When it comes to planning a meeting, Akron offers an attractive city package. Situated in America's heartland, Akron has long been a central gathering place for people from across the country. In fact, the city is located within a 500-mile radius of more than half the population of the United States. For those wishing to hit the open road, several interstates and the Ohio turnpike pass through the city. Meanwhile, for air travelers, the Akron-Canton Airport and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport are less than an hour away.

Once in Akron, the convenience continues with more than 5,000 hotel rooms, about 500 of which are within walking distance of the John S. Knight Center. As the city's leading convention and meeting venue, the recently renovated John S. Knight Center features a total of 123,000 square feet of space, including a phenomenal 30,000-square-foot exhibit hall. The center's 22,000-square foot lobby, marked by a soaring glass rotunda and spiral staircase, makes a great first impression on meeting attendees.

For smaller groups, the Gateway Event and Conference Center is Akron's newest meeting facility. Just moments away from the Akron-Canton Airport, the Gateway can accommodate groups ranging from six to 130 people. With state-of-the-art multimedia, on-site catering and ample parking, the Gateway is an ideal addition to the city's family of traditional meeting venues.

For planners looking for a more unique facility, Akron offers everything from historic homes and theaters to banquet halls and museums. Host a meeting in one of many architecturally stunning spaces at the recently renovated Akron Art Museum. Sure to impress, the museum's majestic Beatrice Knapp Grand Lobby is capable of accommodating 325 people for an elegant seated affair. Cater an intimate dinner for up to 90 guests at the 1871 Hower House, which features 28 lavish, antique-filled rooms. Or, go wild at the indoor and outdoor venues found at the 50-acre Akron Zoo.

Once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World," Akron remains a powerhouse of industry. In fact, the Akron area is home to more than 150 Fortune 500 companies including the corporate headquarters of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, FirstEnergy, Schulman and Timken. In recent years, the city's polymer industry has taken flight with several companies dotted across the city, and the city's own Akron University is considered a world leader in polymer research.

About Akron, OH / Additional Info

Spanning 62.4 square miles amid the rolling hills and lush valleys of northeastern Ohio, Akron is the county seat of Summit County and the principal city in the Akron metropolitan area. Perched high in the Western Reserve's Cuyahoga Valley, Akron is Ohio's 5th largest city, with approximately 207,934 people within the city limits alone. With its long history of innovation, thriving art scene and landscape characterized by serene, tree-lined streets, this three time "All-America City" is the rising star of America's heartland.

Founded in 1825, Akron was one of the first canal towns built around the Ohio and Erie Canal, making it an ideal spot for manufacturing. It wasn't long before Akron attracted enterprises such as the city's first rubber company, established by B.F. Goodrich. Distinguished companies Goodyear and Firestone joined the rubber ranks in Akron, giving it the nickname of the "Rubber Capital of the World."

Today, Akron's history of innovation lives on at attractions such as the Goodyear World of Rubber Museum. Here, visitors can get a first-hand look at how Charles Goodyear discovered the vulcanization process. Guests can also explore the former home of Goodyear founder Frank Seiberling at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. This majestic 65-room Tudor Revival mansion features ornate French and Italian reproduction furniture and immaculately landscaped grounds.

Akron's rich heritage outside of the rubber industry can also be experienced at the many historic homes and attractions. Visitors can peruse the rooms of an elaborate 1871 mansion at the historic Hower House, or get a taste of Akron's bygone days at the Hale Farm & Village, where costumed interpreters show what life was like at a mid-1800s Western Reserve township. Civil War buffs will not want to miss a trip to the famous John Brown Home, which traces the life of this Akron resident and ardent abolitionist. Also an interesting stop for guests, Dr. Bob's House on Ardmore Avenue is the location where two friends conceived the idea for Alcoholics Anonymous.

In addition to history, the arts and entertainment are alive and well in Akron. Stop by the renovated Akron Art Museum, where guests can see works by such notable artists as Andy Warhol, Robert Frank and Harry Callahan, just to name a few. Explore the historic Quaker Square, former home of the Quaker Oats mill and now a hotel, dining and shopping destination. Another exquisite shopping experience awaits at the nearby town of Peninsula. Situated in the heart of the lush Cuyahoga Valley, this small village is dotted with quaint shops, fine craft galleries and attractions such as the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad.

To cap off an unforgettable day, Akron offers plenty of ways to enjoy a night out on the town. Enjoy the delectable dining scene populated by favorites such as Ken Stewart's Grille or the celebrated Tangier & Cabaret Restaurant. After dinner, Akron features a number of theaters and performance halls where guests can enjoy a front row seat for live entertainment. Catch a world-class production at the Coach House Theater or enjoy a show at the historic Akron Civic Theatre, one of only five remaining atmospheric theaters in the country. Blending rich history, exciting attractions and lush landscapes, Akron encourages guests to think twice before bypassing this Midwestern treasure.

Akron, OH Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Convention Center(s):

John S. Knight Center

Hotel at Convention Center? No

Airport(s):

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
11
Population
703,200
Restaurants
300
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
6.75%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Akron, OH

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Cleveland, OH	38 mi	44 min	2 hr 49 min	USD $300+
Pittsburgh, PA	111 mi	1 hr 56 min	2 hr 58 min	USD $315+
Columbus, OH	126 mi	2 hr 5 min	2 hr 39 min	USD $300+
Toledo, OH	139 mi	2 hr 23 min	2 hr 47 min	USD $390+
Detroit, MI	190 mi	3 hr 15 min	53 min	USD $225+
Buffalo, NY	216 mi	3 hr 40 min	3 hr 8 min	USD $315+

Akron, OH Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	33	36	46	59	70	79	83	81	74	62	49	37
Avg. Low (°F)	18	20	28	38	48	57	62	60	53	42	33	23
Rec. High (°F)	70	68	81	88	93	100	101	98	99	86	80	76
Rec. Low (°F)	-25	-13	-3	10	24	32	43	41	32	20	-1	-16
Rainfall (in)	2.7	2.3	3.2	3.4	3.6	3.4	4.0	3.2	3.0	2.4	2.9	2.8

Akron has a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures tend to be in the 70s, while winter temperatures average in the 20s. The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 84°F; the coldest month of the year is January when temperatures frequently dip to 20°F.

Regular snowfall in Akron is common in winter with an average of 47.4 inches per year. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year with an average annual accumulation of 36.07 inches.

From snow white winters to sun-kissed summers, Akron is a year-round destination for business and leisure travelers alike. However, the absolute best time to visit is during fall. With mild, dry weather, the fall season affords plenty of opportunities to enjoy the rolling hills and lush parkland of this welcoming Midwestern city.

Akron, OH Airport Information

Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)

Approximate taxi fare: $45 USD

Situated just 15 minutes away from downtown Akron, the Akron-Canton Airport is a convenient gateway for more than 1.4 million passengers per year. Serving six major carriers and approximately 40 daily departures, Akron-Canton provides non-stop service to major cities across the United States including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Philadelphia and New York City. Efficient and affordable, Akron-Canton offers the lowest average fares among all Ohio airports.

Flying in and out of Akron-Canton Airport is a breeze thanks to numerous amenities. Free wireless Internet access, big screen televisions, gift shops and several dining options all aim to make travelers' experiences more comfortable. Plentiful parking is also available in the airport's short-term, long-term and economy parking lots.

The Akron-Canton Airport recently completed a five-year, $60 million expansion project that added a new spacious passenger concourse in 2006. Evolving to meet the growing demands of its passengers, the airport has announced a new 10-year Capital Improvement Plan which will create even more flight options for travelers to northeastern Ohio.

Airline carriers serving Akron-Canton Airport

Airtran Airways
Comair the Delta Connection

Frontier Airlines
Northwest Airlink

United Express
US Airways

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Approximate taxi fare: $80 USD

Just 40 minutes from downtown Akron, Cleveland Hopkins International is the largest airport in northeast Ohio. Serving approximately 12 million passengers per year, Cleveland Hopkins offers more than 325 non-stop flights daily to more than 85 destinations. The airport operates with 12 major carriers including Continental, for which it is a hub.

Travelers who take off or touch down at Cleveland Hopkins will find several conveniences, including currency exchange, ATM machines, and over 7,000 parking spaces. Cleveland Hopkins International is also in the process of revamping its retail, food and beverage concessions. Slated to be completed in 2009, the airport's new AIRMALL will include a blend of local, regional and national brands at so-called regular mall prices.

Airline carriers serving Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Air Canada Jazz
American Eagle
Continental Airlines
Delta Airlines

Midwest Connect
Northwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines

United Airlines
USA 3000
US Airways

Akron, OH Public Transportation

Metro Regional Transit Authority Bus Line

METRO, provided by Akron's Metro Regional Transit Authority, is a public bus service connecting hotels, businesses, attractions and other major points throughout the Greater Akron region and parts of Cleveland. The fleet consists of 188 passenger buses operating on a total of 37 routes, including express and neighborhood routes. Regular one-way fare is $1.25 for adults and $0.50 for seniors.

Shuttles

Both Akron-Canton Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offer shuttle and limousine service to downtown Akron. Shuttle One Service operates from inside the terminal at Akron-Canton Airport; approximate fare to downtown is $49.

Approximately 36 shuttle and limousine companies operate out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Approximate shuttle fare from Cleveland Hopkins International to downtown Akron is $67.

Rental Cars

Several familiar rental car companies, including Alamo, Avis, Enterprise and Hertz, can be found near the baggage claim area at Akron-Canton Airport. Passengers traveling through Cleveland Hopkins International Airport can take a free 24-hour shuttle to its off-airport rental car facility. Here, travelers find rental car companies Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

Taxis

Taxi cab service is available from both Akron-Canton Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International airport. Taxis can be found lined up outside the baggage claim area at Akron-Canton Airport. Approximate fare from Akron-Canton to downtown Akron is $45.

Taxi service at Cleveland Hopkins International can be found at the south end of the baggage claim level adjacent to carousel 11 of the terminal. Approximate fare from Cleveland Hopkins International to downtown Akron is $80.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Cleveland, OH	38 mi	44 min	2 hr 49 min	USD $300+
Pittsburgh, PA	111 mi	1 hr 56 min	2 hr 58 min	USD $315+
Columbus, OH	126 mi	2 hr 5 min	2 hr 39 min	USD $300+
Toledo, OH	139 mi	2 hr 23 min	2 hr 47 min	USD $390+
Detroit, MI	190 mi	3 hr 15 min	53 min	USD $225+
Buffalo, NY	216 mi	3 hr 40 min	3 hr 8 min	USD $315+