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Named one of The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2019, as well as one of Food & Wine magazine’s 32 Places to Go (And Eat) in 2019, Columbus, Ohio, is quickly becoming a must-visit city. It’s not only the vibrant blend of arts and culture, dining, and sports that keeps Columbus climbing higher and higher on meeting planners’ short lists of host cities—it’s also the inclusivity.
For seven years and counting, Columbus has received the highest possible score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion on municipal law and policy. Expedia has also declared Columbus to be one of the most exciting LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations in the world. This means all of your attendees will feel not just welcome, but like they truly belong, in a place that’s smart, open-minded and progressive both inside and outside the confines of the conference rooms.
Come One, Come All
Home to a thriving LGBTQ community (the 15th largest in the nation, with more LGBTQ citizens per capita than New York City or Miami), your attendees can easily find LGBTQ-friendly off-the-clock fun just a quick stroll or free CBUS ride from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and its several adjacent TAG Approved® hotels. Plan an outing to German Village—full of locally owned restaurants, boutiques and an old-school bar scene—or encourage attendees to spend some of their free time exploring the shops, galleries, parks, craft breweries and eateries in the nearby Short North Arts District. Come nightfall, the Arena District is just a short walk away and bursting with energy and entertainment options for all.
Committed to Inclusion
In addition to a handy LGBTQ visitor’s guide—Out in Columbus— Ohio’s capital has an Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which was developed to ensure that Columbus remains an inclusive city for residents and visitors alike. Along with a city-wide, non-discrimination policy, the long-standing embrace of LGBTQ protections since the 1970s is what keeps events such as the LGBTQ Health Equity Conference and the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series coming back again and again. This dedication to nurturing a culture of diversity and open collaboration makes it clear that here, everyone has a seat at the table. That’s not only good for your registration numbers, it’s also good for business.