Visit Canton Industry Development Day 2026

Have a question about the day? Reach out to Gabe Baker, Visit Canton Partner Content Coordinator, at [email protected].

Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park
5712 12th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708

Join Visit Canton and fellow tourism, arts, and community leaders for Industry Development Day 2026, a FREE half-day conference designed to strengthen partnerships, share industry insights, and inspire new ideas that grow Stark County's visitor economy.

This year's Industry Development Day is a can't-miss opportunity as you prepare for 2027. Enjoy breakfast, networking, and a morning of meaningful conversations with fellow tourism partners, community leaders, and media representatives while gaining valuable insights into the future of Stark County's visitor economy. You'll also have the opportunity to share what's on the horizon for your organization, connect directly with the Visit Canton team, and ensure we're part of your planning so we can help promote, support, and amplify your efforts.

Leave with new ideas, stronger connections, and practical resources to help your organization and Stark County’s tourism industry thrive in 2027!

Visit Canton Industry Development Day is FREE to attend. Registration is required. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible to avoid a cancellation fee. Can't stay for the entire morning? Registration is available for those only able to attend the breakfast session or only the educational programming.

Industry Development Day Schedule

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Registration & Media Expo

Start the morning by connecting with media partners, media sales representatives, and marketing vendors while networking with fellow tourism professionals. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and explore promotional opportunities for your organization.

8:45 AM – 10:00 AM | Breakfast, Welcome & The Economic Impact Conversation: A Panel with Stark County Economic & Community Leaders

An engaging discussion on the visitor economy, emerging trends, and the opportunities ahead for Stark County's communities and businesses. Panelists will share insights on how tourism, economic development, and community collaboration continue to shape the future of our region.

Featured Panelists:

• Stephen Mackenzie – President & CEO, Stark Economic Development Board (SEDB)
• Jacob Duritsky – Vice President, Strategy & Research, Team NEO
• Rick Baxter – President, Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce
• Peter Zahirsky – Director of Economic Development, City of Canton
• Ted Herncane - Development Director, City of Massillon

10:05 AM – 11:00 AM | The 30-Second Tourism Pitch Challenge
Here's the fun part! Partners will have the opportunity to showcase their organization in a fast-paced, high-energy competition designed to highlight the experiences, events, and attractions that make Stark County special.
Participating organizations will have 30 seconds to answer three questions:

• Who are you?

• Why should visitors experience your organization?

• What are you most excited about for 2027?

Attendees will vote live for fun awards celebrating the best pitches, including the Coach's Pick Award, Secret Play Award, Hall of Fame Moment Award, Rookie of the Year Award, and Gold Jacket Award.

11:10 AM – 11:40 AM | The Partnership Playbook: Collaboration That Creates Destinations

A 30-minute conversation highlighting successful collaborations that are creating memorable visitor experiences across Stark County. Panelists will share how partnerships, community connections, and creative thinking have helped bring new experiences to life, engage visitors, and strengthen the destination.

Featured Panelists:

• Alexandra Nicholas Coon – CEO, Massillon Museum

• Lynn Shimko – Community Connector, 720 MKT

• Rick Guiley – Louisville Umbrella Alley

• Kaylie Yaceczko – Producer, Stark County PastPort Project, Red Point Digital

11:40 AM – 12:00 PM | Tourism Pitch Challenge Awards, Closing Remarks & Visit Canton Networking

Celebrate the Tourism Pitch Challenge winners, hear final announcements, and connect with Visit Canton team members at networking tables to learn more about marketing opportunities, grant programs, partner resources, sales initiatives, and upcoming programming.