Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler
In a shrinking world filled with gadgets like GPS devices, destinations are found after satellites triangulate the position. So if you are looking for the ideal place to meet in Southwest Ohio, your position may triangulate from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus, resulting in Wilmington.
Not only is it a retreat from the big cities, but it is also close enough to take advantage of their hot spots. Conveniently intersected by I-71 and close to three International airports and its own county airport for small aircraft, Wilmington is a day’s drive from 60 percent of the U.S. population.
You need six things when selecting the perfect meeting site. Location, location, and location are the first three, followed by quality, variety, and quantity of meeting facilities, restaurants, and entertainment.
Business or pleasure, it doesn’t matter; Wilmington and the surrounding Clinton County can host your group or event. Conventions, roadshows, and executive retreats to weddings, reunions, and clubs frequent bookings. Special events feature scrapbooking, antiques, fashion, pottery, and dog shows.
The bottom line is that you still have access to the big cities, but your meetings are more affordable without sacrificing service or quality.
The Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau provides meeting planners with personalized and custom services to ensure every event succeeds. This includes site inspections of hotels and attractions, assistance securing accommodations, pre-event mailings, welcome packets for guests, and itineraries for group or spousal programs.
It’s no wonder the tagline for Clinton County is “An Open Invitation.”
The Roberts Conference Centre is the region’s largest and most diverse conference facility, with 80,000 square feet and 24-foot ceilings. It features a large, sweeping exhibition space, a grand ballroom, an executive boardroom, and numerous breakouts perfect for board retreats, strategy meetings, or workshop sessions.
Other choices for locating meetings that need high-tech assistance and modern ambiance are the state-of-the-art teleconferencing center at Wilmington College and The Hampton Inn. The teleconferencing center is ideal for smaller groups that require a high-tech advantage, while the Hampton offers a convenient and resourceful meeting room for up to 100 people, as well as a private board room. Laurel Oaks, another high-tech choice, is the perfect location for bringing people together regionally or nationally through video conferencing.
Aside from the traditional meeting facilities, Clinton County also offers various non-traditional meeting spaces.
The historic and ornate Murphy Theatre is a 750-seat venue available for meetings when not in use for theatrical productions. Another unique place is The Loft. It provides an intimate setting in a 9,000-square-foot ballroom with two access doors to an elevated outdoor terrace and private meeting rooms. It is a favorite in historic downtown Wilmington for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, private and corporate parties, fundraising events, and more. Across the street is The General Denver Hotel, known as the epitome of grace and service. Their private meeting space is perfect for groups who want to be treated extra special. And for history buffs, there’s no place to meet like the conference room at The Clinton County History Center.
Not only is Wilmington and surrounding Clinton County ideal for meeting accommodations, but it also offers “An Open Invitation” to those desiring a destination that includes fantastic shopping, a relaxing pace, natural beauty, roads less traveled, behind the scene tours, great towns at a great value and one-of-a-kind special events.
But what sets Clinton County apart is its world-class hospitality. You’ll arrive as a visitor but leave as a friend.
While the three nearby, large metro areas are often attractive destination points for travelers based on their ability to offer many attractions in a concentrated geographical area, an alternative destination is often overlooked. Clinton County is primarily a rural community slightly off the beaten path with treasures of its own. The ambiance of rural America is not a myth; it is as real as the people who reside there, who cherish old-fashioned values, who are neighborly, and who know what it is to be hospitable.
Those who travel to rural America are looking for something special. They want to “experience” something. The sight of a sign advertising merchandise that is homegrown and homemade excites them. They know that heritage shapes a community and that it has integrity if it preserves its heritage. They find worth in historic relics, architecture, and art. They prefer not to fight the masses when they tour museums, shop for antiques or decide to end their day with a quiet dinner.
Clinton County and Wilmington are rich in the history of bygone days with deep pride for their Quaker heritage. It’s where unique shopping opportunities prevail, and local artisans display their wares. In Clinton County, fresh produce can still be found at roadside stands. Nature is a strong force there, and two area state parks provide every opportunity to enjoy nature at its best. Clinton County is also home to the nation’s only Banana Split Festival. Another favorite event is the Wilmington Art & Pottery Festival. The Corn Festival pays tribute to the areas’ deep agricultural roots For the holiday season, enjoy the thrilling Holidazzle Illuminated Parade & Festival.
