The Ohioan Targets Event Bookings After Decades as a Corporate-Only Venue
August 19th, 2025
Article originally published in Exhibit City by Mark Herbert >
(The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, features a tranquil lakeside setting with illuminated fountains and event space overlooking the water. Photo courtesy of The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center.)
Renovated Lewis Center property adds outdoor space, flexible ballrooms, and exhibit upgrades as it shifts away from internal Nationwide use
The property now known as The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center, located about 20 miles north of downtown Columbus, Ohio, has undergone many changes in its 80-year history, beginning as a radio station in the 1940s, later serving as a Nationwide Insurance training site, and eventually operating as a low-profile conference center in the suburb of Lewis Center. This summer, the venue is stepping into a new role: an open-for-business event destination for planners across the region.
The shift comes with a new name, extensive renovations, and a clear goal: to bring in third-party bookings that were once out of reach.
The 20-acre campus has been overhauled to appeal to association planners, corporate groups, and tradeshows seeking a Midwestern option with flexible space, on-site lodging, and outdoor amenities. The improvements include upgraded ballrooms, expanded pre-function areas, refreshed guest rooms, and a new outdoor gathering space called the Grand Patio.
Kathryn Burton, chief operating officer of Columbus Hospitality Management, says the upgrades are about more than aesthetics. She points to increased interest from planners who had previously ruled out the venue due to layout or size constraints.
“One of the biggest differences now is capacity,” Burton says. “We can handle larger programs and offer more options for indoor-outdoor setups. We’ve had planners come back who hadn’t considered us previously due to capacity or layout. That’s no longer a limitation.”
The Grand Patio, which includes fireplaces and open-air seating, is already being used for receptions and networking functions. Inside, ceiling heights have been raised, lighting improved, and the flow between breakout and general session space redesigned to allow smoother transitions between segments.
“It’s quickly becoming a favorite among planners for cocktail receptions and evening events, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere,” she says.