Welcome to Cvent's Meeting and Event Planning Guide to Canton Stark County, a guide for meeting professionals. A world-class meeting destination with national attractions, a thriving arts scene, small town charm and scenic natural beauty, Canton Stark County is also known for its affordability and convenient Midwestern location. The county lays claim to many laurels, such as being the birthplace of American professional football and "Ohio's Golf Capital" (thanks to its 21 public courses); it is also the "Gateway to Ohio's Amish Country," as the southwest tip of Stark County includes the villages of Brewster, Navarre and Wilmot.

Nestled in northeastern Ohio, Canton Stark County is conveniently located along I-77 and U.S. Route 50. The county is 10 miles from Akron, 60 miles from Cleveland, 90 miles from Pittsburgh and 127 miles from Columbus. The county also serves as the terminus of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which winds 51 miles from Canton through Cleveland and to the 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The county's Akron-Canton Airport is situated 10 miles northwest of Canton, and provides nonstop service to 12 major U.S. cities. Once in Canton Stark County, delegates can ride the county's Stark Area Regional Transit Authority bus system, which runs along 33 fixed routes in Alliance, Canton, Hartville, Jackson Township, Louisville, Massillon, North Canton and Uniontown.

Aside from its one of a kind attractions and convenient location, Canton Stark County is home to a range of unique and traditional meeting venues, as well as the International Association of Conference Centers-accredited The University Center, Kent State University at Stark in North Canton. Regarded as northeast Ohio's most technologically advanced conference center, The University Center features a sophisticated computing and communications infrastructure, a TV quality recording studio and Video Conference Room, among other highlights. Delegates can gather in the 14,355-square-foot center's 14 breakout rooms and 12 flexible conference rooms, including the 6,000-square-foot Timken Great Hall, 22-person Smith Board Room and 52-person tiered Hoover Seminar Room.

For smaller group outings and meetings, Canton Stark County features a collection of historical attractions, restaurants, museums, wineries and outdoor spaces with rental and event capabilities. More than a premier sports museum and showplace with 115,000 square feet of exhibits, Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame houses a 3,180-square-foot Event Center, a 3,960-square-foot Plaza Tent and a 750-square-foot Conference Room. The William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum celebrates the 25th president and Canton's favorite son; it also features a planetarium and science-related exhibits. Groups can take part in interactive science activities or enjoy a planetarium program, as well as join a guided tour. The Massillon Museum showcases an impressive collection of art and history objects, as well as welcomes private events in the 100-person Fred F. Silk Community Room and 250-person Gallery.

Groups can enjoy the great outdoors at Wilmot's The Wilderness Center, a nonprofit nature center home to more than 10 miles of trails, an animal observation area, planetarium and an interactive nature learning room. The Wilderness Center offers team building activities and indoor and outdoor event spaces, ranging from a 500-person auditorium to picnic shelters and three-season classrooms. Hartville's Maize Valley Market and Winery welcomes tours to join tastings and tours, as well as sample more than 100 meats and cheeses at its deli, and indulge in treats at its bakery and summer farmers market. The 150-year-old hand hewn beams surround Maize Valley Market and Winery's tasting room, while its private room features a cathedral ceiling, large bay windows and outdoor brick patio.