“This was ASAE’s first-ever Annual Meeting in Cleveland and it qualifies as one of our most successful meetings anywhere. The vibrant atmosphere and exceptional hospitality were key elements in making this event a memorable experience.”
Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO ASAE
Cleveland is evolving — and our waterfronts are leading the way. With nearly $5 billion of development in progress or planned along Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, these essential natural assets are being reimagined as vibrant spaces for connection, recreation and events. For meeting planners, that means new opportunities to engage attendees in fresh-air experiences just minutes from the convention district.
In fall 2026, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will unveil an expansion, including a 1,400-person performance space and harbor-front community park. Projects like Irishtown Bend Park (2027) and The Riverfront will transform Downtown’s riverfront into a dynamic destination with year-round activity and event potential.
Cleveland’s momentum is also reflected in the events we’re hosting — from ASAE’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Expo to the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games. Additionally, more organizations are choosing Cleveland for multi-year contracts, underscoring the city’s value and consistency and recognizing the partnership of Destination Cleveland’s Services team that supports planners every step of the way.
With 5,000 hotel rooms Downtown — including the recently opened Fidelity Hotel and upcoming additions like the AC Hotel by Marriott (2026) and W Hotel (2027) — Cleveland offers convenience and lodging variety. All downtown hotels are within a 15- to 20-minute walk of Huntington Convention Center.
“I’m feeling the hospitality in Cleveland.”
When you’re ready to choose America’s best mid-sized convention city, we’ll welcome you and make your event unforgettable.
David Gilbert President & CEO Destination Cleveland
Let’s be on a first-name basis. Any good partnership starts with great communication. We want to get to know you and your convention/meeting needs, just as much as you want to know the very people who’ll be along with you for the ride. Let’s chat. Visit www.thisiscleveland.com/meetings/contact-us to reach our team.
Sharrona
The Westin Cleveland Downtown features 484 guestrooms, including 38 suites, all offering stunning, uninterrupted views of Lake Erie or the Downtown Cleveland skyline. Additionally, with over 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the 9,050-square-foot Orchid Ballroom and Grand Foyer with floor to ceiling windows, we are the perfect choice for your upcoming meeting and event space needs. Our central location, just steps from the Huntington Convention Center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, all of the sports and concert venues and the Downtown entertainment districts, makes us convenient for both business and leisure travelers looking to explore The Land.
New
“Destination Cleveland is the best DMO that I work with ... but what is different about Cleveland is it is so much more community; they truly work together.”
Deborah Borak,
Vice President/Team Director Conference Direct
projects and partnerships set to transform Cleveland’s
lakefront and riverfront.
“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water,” said the late Loren Eiseley, American philosopher and natural science writer. With Lake Erie to its north and the Cuyahoga River winding its way through the city and beyond, Cleveland was shaped by this most fluid element.
Cleveland’s waterfronts provided the city with a stage for early industrialization, energy production and dominance in transportation. And while that act isn’t over, a new era is beginning. Add to all that, new and improved access to outdoor and recreational opportunities add to Cleveland’s growing reputation as a destination for health and wellness. There are shovels in the ground, cranes in the air and pilings in the water as the result of transformational projects, as well as many civic, private and
nonprofit collaborations. With waterfront investments totaling nearly $5 billion, Downtown Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the entire region, are set to see economic gain and national attention.
The city’s Shore-to-Core-to-Shore development plan, designed to reconnect Cleveland’s downtown business district with its two waterfronts, is helping guide the way.
“There is a lot of momentum along the lakefront and along the river,” says Brian Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks chief executive officer. A boater himself and self-described ‘water-centric person,’ Zimmerman adds, “Even more cruise ships are coming into town. There are many reasons we should now be recognized as a great waterfront city.”
One of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie is a mirror of Cleveland’s historical, economic, cultural and recreational past, present and future. Enhanced connectivity marks a new chapter for the city.
North Coast Connector: The land bridge, part of the $447 million North Coast Connector project, has been described by Scott Skinner, executive director of the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation, as a floating park. Six acres of new land, extending the city’s downtown park-like Malls to Lake Erie, will be built above railroad tracks and reconfigured roadways. The bridge will provide pedestrians and non-motorized traffic safe and easy connectivity. Think of it this way: Right now, it would take someone 40 minutes to walk from the Huntington Convention Center to the lakefront. With bridge access, it will take five minutes.
The land bridge, part of the $284 million Phase 1 of the project, is fully funded with federal, state and bondissue money. Construction is expected to begin in late 2027 with a 2030 completion date circled. Phase 1 also includes the realignment of the Shoreway (OH-2) to create a more city boulevardlike configuration.
“The North Coast Connector will fundamentally change how the lakefront interacts with Downtown,” says Skinner, adding that while complete design plans have not yet been finalized, the connection project is moving forward.
“Fifty acres is really a new neighborhood in Cleveland,” says Skinner. “We spent three years engaging with Clevelanders and people across Cuyahoga County to understand what they wanted to see for the Downtown waterfront. That’s access to public space and economic development opportunities.”
Confident that his team can deliver on what residents want, Skinner is looking forward to selected partner developers sitting down at the table in 2026 to get the ball rolling for this major lakefront development. In addition to public space, the area would be ripe for hospitality, bars, restaurants, retail, office, entertainment and residential plans. A fishing and beach pier, sports courts, playgrounds and a dog park are also ideas on the table. In addition, a Multimodal Transportation Center would bring Amtrak and RTA under one roof.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Expansion: By fall 2026, a $175 million renovation and expansion to the museum that opened in 1995 should be complete. About 50,000 square feet will be added to the existing 155,000 square feet, creating space for a new stage area, exhibit spaces and offices. The popular pyramid structure designed by architect I.M. Pei will remain. However, a new, triangle-shaped roof will cover the expansion. Look for larger traveling exhibits, bigger concerts and even greater impact to North Coast Harbor and Cleveland’s visitor economy.
Two new public gateways — one indoors and the other outdoors — will provide better connection to the lakefront. A new community park complete with ADA-compliant greenspace will complement the transformation.
CHEERS: At the end of this decade, cartographers will be busy updating maps that include changes to the Lake Erie shoreline a few miles east of Downtown Cleveland between the East 55th Street Marina and Gordon Park. Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS) plans to reshape Cleveland’s shoreline and create a new island. The goal is to create 100 acres of new parkland, provide additional recreational opportunities for residents and bring economic growth to the area. In the engineering and design stage now, the $300 million project is scheduled to start in 2029.
CHEERS creates more access to Lake Erie,” says Zimmerman. “It is a combined effort between the Port of Cleveland, Black Environmental Leaders, NEORSD, Cleveland Metroparks, the City of Cleveland, ODNR, ODOT and a host of others.”
Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center and Gordon Park Expansion: The first endeavor of its kind along Lake Erie in Ohio, the sailing center has generated even more excitement than anticipated. Construction of the $18.5 million facility began in 2025 with an expected completion date of 2026. The 24,000-square-foot center and accompanying Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Boathouse, will provide new public access, skills classes and sailing opportunities to Cleveland’s East Side. Zimmerman notes that the center will also be a year-round destination for education, community and sporting events, retail, recreation, dining and marina operations.
The 48-acre Gordon Park, east of the East 55th Street Marina, came under the operation and management of the Cleveland Metroparks in 2023. Zimmerman says work began the winter of 2025 on a $10 million reimagining of the park. Amenities
on the drawing board include walking trails, a great lawn, play environments, a pavilion and a sunset bridge.
Mandel Community Trail: In 2026 this new 2.7-mile, off-road segment of the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway between East 9th Street and East 55th Street will be completed along North Marginal Road. The $10.8 million project is a vital link, providing access through the Downtown, St. Clair-Superior and Glenville neighborhoods. Zimmerman says the trail will help guide people from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center, Gordon Park and other well-known destinations to the arts and cultural institutions of University Circle.
In 2025, the iconic Euclid Beach Park Arch, once the entrance to a beloved amusement park that opened in 1895 and closed in 1969, was moved from its original location. For many years, it towered over the narrow East 159th Street in danger of being struck by traffic. Its new home is about 150 feet away in the future home of Euclid Beach Arch Park.
The moving of the arch was a physical accomplishment, but also further confirmation of continued commitment to the historic park area and shoreline.
In recognition of those memories and to create better access for all, the $10 million Euclid Beach Transformation Plan will create a continuous shoreline park in the area and will be managed by the Cleveland Metroparks. Composed of three public spaces, including Euclid Beach, Villa Angela Park and Wildwood Marina, the plan calls for adding 30 acres of green space.
The City of Cleveland also hopes to revitalize its Collinwood neighborhood within the park land. A master plan includes the reimagining of Lakeshore Boulevard and East 185th Street Corridor for local economic growth.
Flowing into Lake Erie, the nearly 85-mile-long Cuyahoga River was once known for being both polluted and neglected. But the “Crooked River” has since reclaimed its role as a critical provider of commerce, power, transportation and recreation. Now a National Heritage River, the Cuyahoga River is recognized for its ongoing environmental protection efforts and its contributions to Cleveland.
The Riverfront Cleveland: Progress continues to radically change the property along the Cuyahoga River below Tower City and Rocket Arena. Eventually the area will include 3.5 million square feet of new development and adaptive reuse, plus 35 acres of public and private land. The $3.5 billion riverfront transformation by Bedrock (part of the Rock family of real estate and placemaking companies), features plans for a potential one million square feet of office and retail space, 2,000 residential units and 12 acres of waterfront public space with a kayak launch.
Riverfront Cleveland also is part of Cleveland’s Shore-to-Core-to-Shore multi-decade development plan to improve the city’s connectivity for all residents and visitors.
Phase 1 work continues on the three-story Cleveland Clinic Peak Performance Center, which will serve as the new Cleveland Cavaliers NBA training facility. The center, expected to be completed in 2027, also will provide sports medical care to local and global athletes.
Irishtown Bend Park: When completed, this will be one of the largest waterfront parks between New York City and Chicago. Its 25 acres includes 17 acres of new green space, which will boast 1,000 newly planted trees. Irishtown Bend Park will be managed by the Cleveland Metroparks when the $65 million stabilization of its hillside by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is completed by the end of 2025.
Park construction begins in 2026 with amenities including walking trails, an accessible play area for children, boardwalk, a two-acre event lawn with stage, a natural outdoor amphitheater and picnic and grilling areas.
Unique to the park is its Irishtown Bend Archaeological District Heritage Site, which is on the National Register of Historical Places. During the 1800s, Irish and European immigrants settled on the bend and became part of Cleveland’s multicultural fabric. Artifacts revealed during digs that it was a working-class settlement. Physical doorways will mark the locations of historic homes in the area.
Considered a neighborhood park in Ohio City, Irishtown Bend Park also is a regional project, according to Deanna Palermo, director of foundation relations for LAND Studio, a non-profit park advocate, instrumental in the $110 million park’s development. The Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail will run through the park, completing the link to a network of park districts trails.
“The last quarter mile, when completed, will connect Lake Erie 100 miles to the south and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park,” says Palermo. “It’s the most complicated section of the
whole trail network, but you won’t ever have to get off the trail to get to the Lake.”
Scranton Peninsula: Yesterday there were no residential opportunities in Scranton Peninsula in the Flats. Today there are amazing high-end rental and single-family housing that has created instant camaraderie among new neighbors.
Located on the Cuyahoga River, The Collins at the Riverbend includes 301 apartments and 15 townhomes in two five-story buildings. The two buildings at Silver Hills at the Flats features a riverfront pool and mostly one-bedroom units. Both new properties are near
BrewDog Cleveland, the Towpath Trail and easy paddleboarding access.
Canal Basin Park: The centerpiece of this 22-acre city greenspace, located in Downtown Cleveland on the east side of The Flats, will be an “ecological interpretation” of the historic Canal Basin that ceased to exist after 1874.
The basin (where the Ohio and Erie Canal met the Cuyahoga River) served as a hub, bringing people, goods and news into Cleveland’s first settlement and first center of commerce, according to Mera Cardenas, executive director of Canalway Partners.
“The basin will serve two purposes. It will be a very unique water feature for the park and serve as a sense of arrival for people coming from other (connecting) parks. And it will also take rainwater runoff from Veterans Memorial Bridge and the RTA Viaduct, circulate and clean it.”
Tentative plans for the new Canal Basin Park were approved in early 2025 with construction eyed for a 2026 start. When completed, the $30 million development will include a Cuyahoga River-themed playground, an accessible riverfront edge with boardwalk and the pedestrianization of Merwin Avenue. It’s predicted the park will be a connective hub to The Flats East Bank entertainment district.
“You have large convention hotels, unique historic hotels, boutique hotels ... intimate gathering spaces ... I’m seeing opportunities to bring some of my groups back.”
Stephanie Dylkiewicz, Director, Strategic Event Management Association Management Center
Cleveland’s multibillion dollar makeover continues, much within walking distance of 5,000 hotel rooms and the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Transformation: The $1.6 billion evolution of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport kicked off in 2025. Slated to open in 2032, the initial phase will bring an immediate impact with 3,600 new public parking spaces, a new ground transportation center and a redeveloped RTA Rapid station featuring a new platform and pedestrian tunnel. A new, modern terminal will be built with window walls, high ceilings, expansive ticketing areas and upgraded security checkpoints to enhance the traveler experience. Future phases include new concourses, aprons and airfield improvements.
In the meantime, it’s easier than ever to get here, thanks to expanded air service on numerous airlines. Take advantage of new direct flights with Frontier Airlines’ new crew base or hop aboard newer nonstop flights from places like Seattle (Alaska Airlines) and Dublin (Aer Lingus). “Airports often represent the first and last impression for area visitors. It is our mission to transform the user experience, beginning with creating a new front door to welcome all guests. In a collaborative effort with our airline partners, we’re making definitive moves in pursuit of that ambitious goal,” said Bryant L. Francis, director of Port Control.
Fidelity Hotel: This newly opened 97room boutique hotel with a board room and 1,660-square-foot ballroom adds a throwback feel to the Gilded Age. Tucked away on East 6th Street, highlights of this intimate property include The Club Room, an art deco speakeasy-style bar and restaurant that exudes retro glam.
AC Hotel: In 2026, the historic 1896 New England Building will drop its Holiday Inn Express flag and reopen as Cleveland’s first AC Hotel by Marriott, featuring 141 fully modernized rooms while honoring its landmark heritage.
W Hotel: A multiphase approach of the 40-story Erieview Tower is expected to bring a 210-room W Hotel, plus a 15,000-square-foot ballroom and a 38th floor restaurant. Stay tuned for a 2027 opening.
Marriott Tribute: In the Gateway District, the 125-year-old Rose Building is being refreshed as a 123room Marriott Tribute hotel with nine floors of luxe accommodations (plus 154 Marriott-branded apartments). Behind the bronze ground-floor façade, a restaurant and retail will enliven a corner once considered the city’s hub at East 9th and Prospect.
Ohio City Boutique Hotel: Tucked away in Ohio City’s Market District and within walking distance of Great Lakes Brewing Co. and West Side Market, plans are underway for a $55 million, 129-room Marriott Tribute hotel. Featuring two food service venues, it would be the neighborhood’s first hotel and of mass timber construction.
Globe Iron: Concert promotor AEG Presents, which runs shows for both the Agora and Jacobs Pavilion, recently opened a 1,200-capacility live music and event venue in the Flats West Bank. The intimate setting showcases a hall ripe with industrial chic and Midwestern appeal. Features include a large stage, general admission area, three bars and an upstairs mezzanine area with a VIP-only lookout.
Rock Block: Connecting East 4th Street dining and entertainment to Rocket Arena and Progressive Field, construction on the new Rock Block is anticipated to begin early 2026, with a mid-2027 opening. Phase one includes Cosm, an immersive entertainment and hospitality venue coming to Downtown Cleveland’s Gateway District across from Rocket Area — only the fifth location in the country. Highlights of the project include an 87-foot-diameter, 12K-resolution LED dome, a highresolution wall-to-wall LED display, food and beverage service, outdoor seating, and rooftop patio gathering spaces. Programming will feature live sporting events, movies and educational content. Phase two of the 3-acre site could include mid- to highrise towers with residential, office, hotel, retail and parking spaces.
Proposed Soccer Stadium: Adjacent to Progressive Field, the Cleveland Soccer Group has submitted a bid for a new $50 million, 10,000-seat stadium. The venue could host two professional, developmental-league teams — a Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Pro team and a Major League Soccer (MLS) Next Pro men’s team.
These companies are planting their flag and expanding their presence in Cleveland.
The Sherwin-Williams Co.: SherwinWilliams is getting closer to making Downtown its global headquarters, thanks to ongoing construction of a 36-story tower that will house approximately 3,100 employees. The shiny new HQ — conveniently located on the front porch of Public Square — is set for completion in October 2025.
Cleveland Clinic: The world-renown health care leader is building $1.3 billion worth of capital projects. That includes the 1 million-square-foot Neurological Institute rising on its main campus. The renovation and expansion of the Cole Eye Institute includes construction of a fourstory, 150,000-square-foot expansion with additional operating and procedure rooms. Recently, construction began on a 296,000-square-foot research space called the Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health. It will be the largest research initiative in the hospital’s history.
Cannon Healthcare USA: Canon Healthcare USA has made Cleveland its home by acquiring a 41,630-square-foot facility in University Circle, not far from Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. Even better, Canon plans to partner with its new neighbor on next-level imaging and health care technologies (think MRI, CT and ultrasound) to better diagnose and treat patients.
Blue Abyss: The UK-based aerospace company plans to build a $250 million commercial astronaut training and research facility near NASA Glenn Research Center — featuring a 50-meter-deep pool that mimics the extreme conditions of outer space and deep sea exploration.
During the past decade, Downtown’s population saw a 22% increase, making it one of Cleveland’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. By 2032, an estimated 26,000 people will call the city center home. Complementing this diverse and thriving community is a variety of places to call home, from repurposed historic buildings to new constructions.
The Buckley Residence: As part of a $44 million renovation of the historic Buckley Building in Playhouse Square, Cleveland’s theater district, 84 units are available at The Buckley Residence.
Erieview Tower: The $100 million redevelopment of the 40-story Erieview Tower includes 300,000 square feet of renovated office space and 227 apartments managed by W Residences. Possibilities point to a rooftop bar, restaurant and spa.
Residences at 700: Work is underway on a $46 million conversion of the historic Electric Building, built in 1898, into 120 market-rate apartments in the Gateway District. An elevated sports bar, Tom’s Watch Bar — featuring wall-to-wall screens — will occupy the ground floor.
Skyline 776: Rising 23 stories above lower Euclid Avenue, the new $92.5 million building is now open. Featuring 304 apartments, dining and drinks are steps away from residents’ doors. The rooftop Sky Club boasts a top-level pool, weekend full-service bar and light lunch.
Ten60 Bolivar: This new $54 million housing option, which includes 184-units, is within walking distance of both Progressive Field and Playhouse Square.
Driven by Cleveland Clinic growth and new jobs in the Opportunity Corridor, nearby neighborhoods on Cleveland’s East Side are experiencing new residential development.
MidTown: The Residences at Life at Agora offer 48 apartments in the same building as the iconic Agora Theater and Ballroom on Euclid Avenue, with easy access to the RTA HealthLine. Just blocks away, the new MidTown Collaboration Center fosters innovation and community, housing Black Frog Ohio’s second Black-owned brewery — and Sixty6Lounge, a jazz club.
University Circle: More than 500 new residential units are opening or under construction near Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic and the city’s major cultural institutions. This includes Skyline on Stokes, a newly opened 261-unit complex. Nearby, East Stokes Tower is set to break ground in 2026.
The 262-foot building will include 287 apartments, five townhomes along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 17,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. It’s the next phase of the Circle Square development, which also calls for a future hotel.
Cleveland’s near West Side neighborhoods continue to see new development near the city’s waterfronts.
Ohio City: Near the Detroit-Superior Bridge and steps from the upcoming Irishtown Bend Park along the Cuyahoga River, the $82.5 million Bridgeworks development is set to bring 219 apartments and 1,200 square feet of retail space to the neighborhood by mid-2027.
Detroit Shoreway: Construction is underway on a new $92 million high-rise residential building overlooking Edgewater Beach along Lake Erie. Dubbed Shoreway Tower, the 13-story, 110-unit building is expected to open in 2027 and is just steps from dining and entertainment options in the neighborhood.
By The Numbers
$4.8 Billion IN INVESTMENT UNDERWAY OR PLANNED IN DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND
$51 MILLION HUNTINGTON CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION ADDS
104,000 SQUARE FEET
HOTEL PROJECTS IN AND AROUND DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND ARE INFUSING 559 NEW ROOMS INTO THE CITY’S HOSPITALITY SECTOR
$1.6 Billion
MODERNIZATION OF CLEVELAND HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS PLANNED FOR COMPLETION BY 2032
#1
CITY NATIONALLY FOR OFFICE SPACE CONVERSION INTO RESIDENTIAL
26,000 DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS BY 2032
15.6%
LOWER COST OF LIVING THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE #1
MOST DIVERSE CITY IN OHIO
CENTROVILLA25, A $14 MILLION HUB BOOSTING HISPANIC BUSINESSES, OPENS IN 2025
25+ 4
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS WITH 40,000+ ANNUAL GRADUATES
20 FORTUNE 1000 COMPANIES LOCATED IN NORTHEAST OHIO
“Superman” movie
FILMING OF THE NEW “SUPERMAN” MOVIE GENERATED NEARLY $37 MILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT TO GREATER CLEVELAND IN JUST SIX WEEKS
ully re res ed in our otel o ers guest rooms s uare eet o e ent space directly connected access to t e on ention enter and al ability to t e Roc Roll all o ame Roc et rena ast t treet lay ouse uare and more
argest otel in o nto n le eland
Recently updated guest rooms and public space
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601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH
Spectacular soaring ceilings, light-filled spaces and stunning views of the Cleveland skyline and North Coast Harbor create a one-of-a-kind setting for your private event, business gathering, or wedding reception. Sophisticated or casual, we can do it all.
From small, breakout meetings to a full-museum rental for 4,000 guests, the Science Center is downtown Cleveland’s best engineered events venue. Space is available for day or evening rentals and the Science Center offers outstanding event planning assistance and customizable catering options. Get creative with us and give your guests an unforgettable experience.
PRIVATE EVENT RENTALS INCLUDE:
• Complimentary parking in our attached garage
• Event planning services
• Event set-up and tear-down
• An offering of tables and chairs
216.696.4941
SpecialEvents@glsc.org GreatScience.com
Building on a manufacturing heritage, world-class health care community and vibrant entrepreneurial culture, Cleveland is a rich hub for innovation.
Cleveland’s 21st-century economic and employment environment builds on the city’s rich industrial and entrepreneurial heritage. It’s now the 17th largest U.S. region with a $275 billion economy and a population of 3.7 million people. There are 109,000 diverse companies, many of which have a health-tech or high-tech focus.
Cleveland has the most concentrated area of hospitals and medical research centers in the nation. From 2007 to 2019, output for health care in the Northeast Ohio Region grew nearly 46% or $2.9 billion, to become the second largest sector of the regional economy.
Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals alone are the city’s largest employers with a combined workforce of more than 49,000. Cleveland Clinic’s main campus is essentially a city within itself, requiring its own zip code. Its physical expansion shows no signs of slowing down.
In particular, Cleveland Clinic is capitalizing on IBM’s latest development, IBM Watson Health. It is a cognitive system enabling a new partnership between people and computers as health care becomes even more dependent on technology.
“People from around the world who have the means to go anywhere in the world for care choose to come here,”
said Baiju Shah, president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership, which serves as the region’s chamber of commerce, supporting local businesses and weighing in on major issues affecting the community. “They do so because our clinicians, our caregivers and our researchers are not only excellent, but are also on the frontiers of medicine.”
Northeast Ohio has made significant strides in advanced manufacturing, thanks to innovative technologies and the ongoing growth of area job creators. About 10,000 regional smart manufacturing positions have been created in the last two years, fueled by booming sectors that include biomedical devices and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). And the wins keep coming Cleveland-Cliffs, the largest flat-rolled steel company in North America, joined the ranks of the Fortune 500 through
acquisitions of AK Steel and ArcelorMittal USA. In addition, paint and coatings giant The Sherwin-Williams Co. recently became a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Companies that are seeing success in
HEALTH
“Cleveland has banded together to accelerate the growth and prosperity that leads to a thriving region,” Shah said. “We’ve adopted a series of values that begin with the word ‘in’ — innovative, involved, inclusive, inspired, integrity, interconnected and most importantly, unity — which ensures we are ‘all-in’ — to make Cleveland great.” Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) helps manufacturers in Northeast Ohio grow their business operations, workforces and startups. The 38-year-old nonprofit celebrated the completion of its new 53,000-squarefoot headquarters in the renovated Margaret Ireland Elementary School in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood.
Recently ranked No. 2 in the country with a 19.9% inflow of tech workers, it’s easy to see why Cleveland is quickly becoming a hub for innovation and technology.
Cleveland is becoming a hub for data centers, thanks to its robust fiber network
and power infrastructure. At the I-X Center, 1.5 million square feet will be converted into a data center for a Fortune 100 company.
“Cleveland is home to one of the most diverse industrial regions in the country,” Shah said. “Companies have always been leaders in metals, materials, electronics and controls. Now, they’re at the forefront of adopting technology to create better and innovative products.”
Recognizing the importance of positioning the Cleveland region as a high-performing, growing and diverse metropolitan area, The Cleveland Talent Alliance, a consortium of public, private and nonprofit organizations established a goal of attracting new talent in the growth sectors of IT/technology (including financial services), health care and smart manufacturing.
By The Numbers
AEROSPACE + AVIATION
“One of the best things about Cleveland is it’s walkable. You have the convention center that is underground, but then you have the green space above it, then you have all the hotels, and they all connect themselves, it’s very convenient.”
Steve
Bailey, Chief of Event Business Development Netlynx Sports
With a $51 million upgrade, the city’s premier convention center and its new amenities are poised to enhance Cleveland’s reputation as an exceptional event destination.
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland: As part of a remarkable $51 million update completed in July 2024, the 25% expanded footprint of the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland now offers a bigger second ballroom, an outdoor terrace, upgraded restrooms and new escalators for easier event flow. Now spanning nearly 519,000 square feet, the space seamlessly accommodates large-scale events or multiple groups at once with meeting and pre-function spaces accounting for 293,840 square feet. The impressive 104,000-square-foot expansion encompasses state-of-the-art technology, 50 spacious meeting rooms and new prefunction spaces. Visitors can meet in style with four luxury suites featuring big-screen TVs and pool tables or host a grand event in the redesigned 20,000-square-foot
Atrium Ballroom (which can be divided into six rooms). Meanwhile, the new 11,000-square-foot rooftop terrace is ideal for receptions, offering panoramic city views. Pairing these spectacular amenities with the many nearby restaurants, theaters, sports venues and nearly 5,000 hotel rooms make it a truly exceptional event destination. “Since the center opened in 2013, it has had a measurable economic impact of $1
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
1 MILLION square feet
convention center campus connects to Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Public Auditorium and Outdoor Mall green space
518,840 square feet of meeting and event space
225,000 square feet of class A exhibit space, divisible into 3 exhibition halls
32,000 square-foot columnfree grand ballroom
billion — representing money brought into Cleveland from outsiders,” says Destination Cleveland President and CEO David Gilbert. “This investment indicates
Destination Cleveland is committed to learning and acting to ensure our work equitably, intentionally and inclusively addresses systemic racism as a public health crisis and recognizes, celebrates and contributes to our destination city’s diversity.
CONTINUAL LISTENING:
Destination Cleveland engaged Black and Latinx residents to understand the challenges faced by people of color (POC)-owned businesses and perceptions of how we promote Cleveland. The organization is committed to ongoing listening and learning to enrich our work.
ATTRACT PEOPLE:
Destination Cleveland’s paid marketing and meetings and conventions attraction efforts will have an increasing and significant focus on garnering visitors from geographic markets with dominant POC populations and conferences with majority POC attendees. Additionally, owned content will be offered in languages beyond English.
IMPROVE PERCEPTIONS:
Destination Cleveland’s marketing creative, content and imagery will reflect Cleveland’s diverse communities, from under-represented groups to LGBTQ+ and residents with disabilities.
ENHANCE EXPERIENCES:
To ensure all businesses can benefit from a growing tourism economy, Destination Cleveland will intentionally and regularly support, build relationships and engage with and amplify more businesses owned by the community’s diverse populations.
ORGANIZATIONAL FOUNDATION:
Destination Cleveland will enhance recruiting and sourcing practices to increase diversity among its employees, Board of Directors and vendors.
20,000 SQUARE FOOT
ATRIUM BALLROOM
11,000 SQUARE FOOT
ROOFTOP TERRACE
meeting rooms totaling 100,450 square feet
100,000 square feet of pre-function space
No. 4
convention center in highly walkable places by PCMA ConveneMagazine
that Cleveland is serious about growing its tourism industry and enhancing the community’s popularity and reputation as a host of meetings and conventions.”
The following associations and organizations have booked or recently held a successful meeting here:
The Links, Incorporated (May 2025)
National Urban League Conference (July 2025)
National Association of Black Journalists Conference (August 2025)
National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals Annual Conference (November 2028)
A thriving downtown provides visitors with 20 hotels and nearly 5,000 rooms.
Number of Rooms: 563 guestrooms & 37 suites
Meeting Space: 20 meeting rooms totaling 45,263
sq. ft., largest meeting room: 20,587 sq. ft.
Proximity to CC: connected
Number of Rooms: 441 guestrooms & 50 suites
Meeting Space: 30 meeting rooms totaling 59,888
sq. ft., largest meeting room: 22,590 sq. ft.
Proximity to CC: 5-minute walk
Number of Rooms: 447 rooms & 37 suites Meeting Space: 17 meeting rooms totaling 20,210
Number of Rooms: 232 guestrooms & 8 suites
Meeting Space: 11 meeting rooms totaling 11,169 sq. ft., largest meeting room: 2,346 sq. ft.
Proximity to CC: 15-minute walk The Ritz-Carlton,
Number of Rooms: 175 rooms & 28 suites
Meeting Space: 10 meeting rooms totaling 20,358 sq. ft., largest meeting room:
By The Numbers
Rooms
25,000
Number of Rooms: 385 guestrooms & 15 suites
Meeting Space: 16 meeting rooms totaling 17,078
Number of Rooms: 258 guestrooms & 35 suites
Meeting Space: 14 meeting rooms totaling 13,670
sq. ft., largest meeting room: 7,000 sq. ft.
Proximity to CC: 5-minute walk
Cleveland is a city with world-class experiences without the world-class ego. A place that invites people to come as they are. And for that, you’re welcome.
A visit to Cleveland is full of possibilities. Whether you are looking for highly ranked museums, restaurants owned by award-winning chefs or waterfront activities, this city has it all … and then some.
The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland’s proximity to Downtown’s hotels, restaurants, retail, greenspaces and lakefront attractions encourage visitors to explore by foot. In Downtown Cleveland, everything is within reach.
“I’ve lived in Los Angeles; Scottsdale, Arizona; Austin, Texas; and Chicago twice,” says Gordon Taylor III, vice president of convention sales and services at Destination Cleveland, who moved here from The Windy City in August 2019. “Visiting [Chicago art attractions] is overwhelming as you struggle to fight traffic and find parking — which costs a lot of money. Here in Cleveland, University Circle is a five-minute drive from Downtown, and the neighborhood is easy to navigate. Cleveland is truly the town for me and my family.”
A walk down Euclid Avenue will take you from the historic theaters of Playhouse Square to the inviting Public Square, complete with a splash pad, walking paths, planting benches and a
restaurant. The space frequently puts on free yoga sessions, live music and large events.
Downtown’s Restaurant Row, East Fourth Street, gives everyone a reason to raise a glass. Soon bar-goers can continue their celebrations outdoors in the City’s first Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).
Destination Cleveland, in collaboration with public, private and civic partners created “Illuminate CLE,” a permanent, vivid illuminating lighting experience in Downtown Cleveland helping to extend the hours people spend Downtown. The six-minute show blends light, architecture and music from local artists while enhancing walkability and connectivity.
Cleveland artists are invited by Destination Cleveland and Graffiti HeART to vie for the opportunity to showcase their art on the walls of prominent Downtown locations.
“Not many people realize that its designated as
a global destination … that you attract from all over the world, and that’s because of all your culture, there’s a true sense of place here,
and I think, artistic, theater, sports, music … I think it’s an amazing city and we call it a hidden gem.”
Lori
Jenks, SVP Event Operations
Selected murals will exemplify the values, connection and creativity of The Land while reinforcing the City’s efforts to promote diversity, inclusion and belonging.
“2025 was a big year for Cleveland with the NCAA Men’s D1 Basketball Tournament first and second rounds, the National Urban League Conference and the National Association of Black Journalists Conference,” says Marie Scalia, chief marketing officer at Destination Cleveland. “Our waterfront amenities, vibrant entertainment districts, diverse neighborhood assets and so many other top-tier assets offer attendees of these and other events countless opportunities to experience the area.”
Wow your guests with an unforgettable event held at one of Cleveland’s many unique venues. Art buffs, music lovers, sports fanatics and more will revel at the opportunity to explore and enjoy captivating spaces during your meeting or event.
The Agora
Cleveland Museum of Art
Edgewater Park
Huntington Bank Field
Great Lakes Science Center
House of Blues Cleveland
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
Karamu House
Playhouse Square
Progressive Field
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rocket Arena
The Rotunda at The 9 Studio West 117
Cleveland Makes The List
TRAVEL + LEISURE HIGHLIGHTED CLEVELAND AS THE “MOST AFFORDABLE U.S. CITY TO LIVE COMFORTABLY”
FROMMER’S LISTED CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK AMONG ITS “BEST PLACES TO GO IN 2025”
ADP RESEARCH NAMED CLEVELAND ONE OF THE “TOP 10 BEST CITIES FOR NEW GRADUATES”
RESONANCE RANKED CLEVELAND ONE OF “AMERICA’S BEST CITIES”
TRAVEL + LEISURE NAMED CLEVELAND TO ITS “50 BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2024”
FORBES ADVISOR INCLUDED CLEVELAND AMONG THE “TOP 18 PLACES TO TRAVEL IN THE U.S. IN 2024”
SMART GROWTH AMERICA RANKED CLEVELAND NO. 17 ON ITS LIST OF THE “20 MOST WALKABLE CITIES IN THE U.S.”
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL DECLARED, “THE NEW CENTER OF THE WORLD IS CLEVELAND”
MIDWEST LIVING RECOGNIZED CLEVELAND AS “ONE OF THE BEST VACATIONS FOR DISABLED ADULTS”
MEETINGS TODAY NAMED DESTINATION CLEVELAND ONE OF THE “BEST MIDAMERICAN DMOS”
TRAVEL + LEISURE DUBBED CLEVELAND AMONG THE “TOP 10 BEST FOOD CITIES IN THE U.S.”
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKED CLEVELAND AMONG THE “MOST FUN PLACES TO LIVE IN THE U.S.”
CNN RECOGNIZED CLEVELAND AS ONE OF THE “TOP 10 MOST INNOVATIVE CITIES”
Our culinary scene reflects entrepreneurial chef-owners who are introducing creative concepts based in ethnic cuisine.
Northeast Ohio is full of restaurants operating diverse and minority-owned destinations that satisfy our culinary cravings. Nosh on empanadas at Half Moon Bakery on the near west side. Head to Seti’s Polish Boy truck for a lunch you can take on the road. Work your way through AsiaTown’s eateries like Ball Ball Waffle, Li Wah and Superior Pho. Kick it up with authentic Puerto Rican food at Rincon Criollo. This is just the start. Mark your agenda with your favorites to try.
Rise and shine with a tasty drink at Lionheart Coffee, which specializes in organic, fair-trade roasts. Meanwhile, the Roaming Biscuit in Hingetown offers delectable homemade breakfast sandwiches and biscuits. Indulge in southern cuisine by chowing on walleye cakes, shrimp and grits, catfish fingers, collard greens, sweet potato pie and peach cobbler at Zanzibar Soul Fusion. Savor flavors inspired by the diverse culture of New Orleans at House of Creole, featuring unique Cajun and seafood dishes and craft cocktails. With a goal to make good food accessible to all, Yum Village brings fresh-made, chefprepared Afro-Caribbean ready-to-eat meals to hungry, on-the-go city dwellers and visitors. Filter, an exciting dining experience, adds a dose of nightlife and entertainment to the Warehouse District with visual focal points, a rotating stream of DJs and full-service fine dining.
Check out the newest eateries located just steps away from Downtown hotels and the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
Club Room: Located within Fidelity Hotel, step into a world of refined American classics at this new space, where every dish is a fresh, flavorful nod to Cleveland’s best regional ingredients.
Juliet: In the Warehouse District, this charming spot is celebrating classic French cuisine, inviting guests to savor a taste of Parisian elegance in the heart of the city.
Ebreeq Coffee House: The Euclid Avenue/Public Square area recently welcomed a unique coffee house that transports patrons across the world with its traditional Middle Eastern drinks, including rich Yemeni coffee infused with cardamom and saffron.
Jolene’s Honky Tonk: Tip your hats to a boot-stompin’ good time at this four-floor, music-themed bar on East 4th Street that brings the spirit of a honky-tonk to Downtown Cleveland, complete with a casual menu of southern comfort food.
The Friar’s Table: This unique collaboration between Playhouse Square, EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute and Cleveland Capuchin Ministries has a dual mission — serve a menu filled with locally sourced ingredients inspired by monastic culinary traditions while providing a dedicated training ground for formerly incarcerated individuals, refugees and immigrants to build successful careers.
EATERIES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF HOTELS AND HUNTINGTON CONVENTION CENTER OF CLEVELAND
NEARLY 30 NEW DOWNTOWN DINING LOCATIONS SINCE 2024
JAMES BEARD AWARD SEMIFINALISTS AND WINNERS
NEARLY 50 CRAFT BREWERIES LOCATED IN THE CLEVELAND AREA
CLEVELAND AREA BLACK-OWNED EATERIES
MARKET IN THE U.S.
The Whiskey Bar: A premier speakeasy-style destination has arrived in the Gateway District, offering an extensive selection of over 400 types of whiskey, as well as high-quality cocktails in an intimate setting complete with live acoustic music on weekends.
Encore: Paying homage to the theater district, this elegant Playhouse Square lounge (perfect for a post-show drink) is crafting cocktails to be a visual and sensory experience, drawing inspiration from similar concepts in Chicago and London.
