Dayton is a bustling urban center surrounded by close-knit neighborhoods. It is a hotbed for fine arts, ranked among the very best in the nation. It is the epicenter of international aviation and aerospace. It is home to bountiful and well-maintained parks and rivers. It is the virtual center of commerce in America.

To learn more about this welcoming city, we connected with Rev. Dr. Crystal Walker, Director of Sales & Services from the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau.

What makes Dayton a great destination for faith-based meetings?

Dayton has a diverse array of hotels and meeting venues to suit a variety of needs and budgets.
Highly accessible location for event attendees–over 60% of the U.S. population is within a day's drive of Dayton, and the Dayton International Airport is serviced by the major carriers.
Dayton prides itself in being a welcoming city. We have a strong interfaith community. Dayton offers big city amenities coupled with midwestern charm and hospitality!
Your group is a "big fish" in our pond. Obtain great value for your dollar in Dayton.
We have a successful track-record of hosting faith-based conferences -we take pride in hosting these groups.
Your Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau representative, Crystal Walker, Director of Sales & Services, is also an ordained minister – she understands and cares about your needs, and is committed to providing you and your group an outstanding experience in Dayton.
The Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau goes above and beyond to ensure the successful promotion and implementation of your event. We provide numerous complimentary services ranging from registration assistance, welcome videos, staffed Dayton Information Stations, to micro-websites and more.

What is unique and interesting about Dayton to visiting groups?

Dayton, the Birthplace of Aviation & So Much More, was home to the Wright Brothers who invented manned- powered flight. In fact, at the turn of the 20th century, Dayton had more patents per capita than any city in the U.S. Groups can learn about Dayton's many inventions that changed the world-such as the airplane, electric car starter, freon and refrigeration---and they can capture Dayton's innovative spirit when they visit! Dayton truly offers unique-in-all-the-world attractions such as the free National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carillon Historical Park, the Wright Brothers National Museum, and the Dayton Art Institute, as well as outstanding outdoor recreation, and arts and cultural opportunities.

What are some cultural experiences in your city that groups may enjoy?

Cesar Peli-designed Schuster Performing Arts Center, watch the nation's second oldest ballet or listen to the renowned Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Catch a performance by the internationally recognized Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), explore the city's many outdoor murals, experience a multitude of works in the Dayton Art Institute, or hear prose and poetry in the Dayton home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first internationally recognized African American poet-laureate and writer.

In the summer, top-name acts perform at the Fraze Pavilion’s 4,300-seat outdoor amphitheater, and the 4,200-seat outdoor covered pavilion Rose Music Center at The Heights. Admire rotating exhibits by local and regional artists at The Contemporary Dayton (Visual Arts Center) and the Front Street Gallery. Dabble in an art workshop or class at The Contemporary Dayton, or the K12 Gallery & TEJAS. The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton's only professional theater company offers performances in the Loft Theatre.

What are some new or upcoming enhancements in your city that event planners should know about?

Recently completed $29 million Dayton International Airport terminal modernization and renovation. Dayton's airport is truly "Easy To and Through!"
Free RTA Flyer–Fast and easy free rides on the Dayton Regional Transit Authority "Flyer" buses make it easy for visitors to connect to major destinations, retail and restaurants in the Greater Dayton downtown area.
Two new hotel properties are opening in 2020 (both just 7 miles south of the Dayton International Airport and 8 miles north of the Dayton Convention Center): Holiday Inn Express, 96 rooms; Fairfield Inn & Suites, 100 rooms.
Two more new properties on the horizon for downtown Dayton to open in 2020/2021 include a new Hilton Tapestry 118-room boutique hotel in the historic Barclay Building, and a 134-room AC Hotel by Marriott in the former Mendelson’s property across from the Dayton Dragons Day Air Ballpark.