3 Ohio Meeting Venues for Summer
From lakefront retreats to animal encounters to fun along one of Ohio’s great rivers, these meeting venues help make the long days of summer unforgettable.
Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center | Oregon
Nothing signifies summer like days on the waterfront, and when it comes to sunny-season meetings, Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center delivers. Plan your meeting in the center’s Grand Ballroom, which looks out over Lake Erie’s Maumee Bay. The ballroom can be separated into four smaller sections, and with its towering windows, it’s lauded for its natural light and gorgeous sunset views.
“We have a totally different feel than your standard corporate hotel,” says Amy Boyer, sales manager at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center. “The natural light looking out over the lake — you feel like you’re on a retreat. It’s very inspirational [and] there’s lots of things to do for bonding time.”
Planners can book extra activities for their meeting attendees, including firepit rentals for late-night s’mores or fishing charters that can provide a day on the water. Plus, outside companies that work with the lodge can come in and lead team-building sessions on the lawn, and a park naturalist from Maumee Bay State Park can offer guided hikes.
When evening arrives, in-house catering covers dinner plans, which range from casual cookouts to plated filet mignon dinners. Cocktail hours are also a hit, and drinks can be enjoyed in the hotel lounge, with beer and wine served at the firepits. Overnight events can book a block of rooms in the 120-room lodge or consider one of the 24 cottages along the golf course. 1750 State Park Rd. #2, Oregon 43616, 419-836-1466, maumeebaylodge.com
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens | Cincinnati
Take your attendees to the wild side at this Cincinnati attraction that offers 16 spaces for events ranging from presentations to parties. The Elephant Trek Overlook seats up to 160 and provides a view of the animals. Events held during the zoo’s operating hours include complimentary access for attendees, and planners can even add on a visit from ambassador animals, including snakes, lizards and penguins. 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati 45220, 513-281-4700, cincinnatizoo.org
Lorena Sternwheeler | Zanesville
When it’s time to host an employee-appreciation reception or celebration, climb aboard the Lorena Sternwheeler. This riverboat, which shoves off from Zanes Landing Park in Zanesville, has a capacity of 100, including a covered upper deck that can hold 45 and offers great views of the passing scenery while cruising down the Muskingum River. The sternwheeler offers space to gather while keeping the atmosphere relaxed. 137 W. Market St., Zanesville 43701, 740-607-1870, lorenasternwheeler.com