Archive for August, 2018
Tourism officials headed to Chicago to promote Columbus
Original Article By Marla Matzer Rose | The Columbus Dispatch

Experience Columbus officials will travel to Chicago over the next few days to attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Association Executives. The group, whose members belong to other organizations that plan meetings around the country, will come to Columbus for the first time in 2019. It’s considered a big win for Columbus that could bring more than half a billion dollars in visitor spending to Columbus over the next several years.
The tourism professionals at Experience Columbus focus on getting people to come here.
This weekend, they’re taking their show on the road to Chicago. Joined by about 30 civic and business leaders, their plan is to promote Columbus to members of the American Society of Association Executives. The group, which is holding its annual meeting in the Windy City, represents key decision-makers on convention destinations.
The group will hold its annual meeting in Columbus next year, and the local contingent hopes to get an early start on making an impression.
Brian Ross, CEO of Experience Columbus, has called landing the meeting “a game-changer for our community.”
Next year, more than 5,000 attendees will fill 16,800 hotel rooms around Downtown Columbus, generating more than $16 million in direct visitor spending.
But there’s much more to be gained.
The association executives’ annual meeting is known as the Super Bowl of meetings because, if a city is found to have a lot going for it, it could land meetings and conventions for that will fill halls and hotel rooms for years to come.
Within just five years, Columbus could reap an estimated $500 million in future association-meeting business booked by ASAE members who like what they see in a city that hadn’t made an impression before.
“This brings so much credibility and awareness to our city,” Ross said.
The list of those traveling to Chicago includes Mayor Andrew J. Ginther; Columbus Councilman Shannon Hardin; all three Franklin County commissioners; Tom Katzenmeyer of the Greater Columbus Arts Council; Steve Lyons of the Columbus Partnership; Doug Ulman of Pelotonia; and Chris Coffin, general manager of the Hilton Columbus Downtown.
Most will be on hand Tuesday when Columbus hosts the Chicago event’s final-day luncheon and officially is “passed the baton” as next year’s ASAE meeting host.
It took a year of planning and investment to land the meeting of association executives, an effort that started in 2015.
In January 2016, the group’s president and CEO, John H. Graham, and two other ASAE representatives came to Columbus for a 24-hour site visit that included a helicopter tour of Downtown with Ginther.
The group’s leaders cited strong public-private support in Columbus, and the city’s revitalized Downtown, as among the key attractions that led to the decision to hold the 2019 meeting here.
Ross said that with Columbus taking center stage in front of officials of top hotel chains, tourism powerhouses such as Disney and other convention bureaus, the awareness of the city and its attractions will be spotlighted to those who matter most.
Firsthand experiences and word of mouth can have a greater impact than traditional advertising and marketing.
“You can’t buy that kind of PR,” Ross said.
But while it can’t be bought, it isn’t free.
Columbus has committed to raising $4 million ahead of the association group’s 2019 meeting to help defray costs. It also will be on the hunt for volunteers as it approaches central Ohio companies and organizations about donating to the cause.
Worthington Industries is one local company that has long been committed to boosting the profile of Columbus. Cathy Lyttle, vice president of communications and investor relations for the company, became chairwoman of the Experience Columbus board last year and will make the trip to Chicago.
“We feel it’s our corporate responsibility to support organizations like Experience Columbus because they’re selling our city,” Lyttle said. “We know that growing conventions and tourism strengthens our economy. It supports infrastructure, our social services, and enhances quality of life.”
Lyttle said she believes that bringing in meetings and visitors definitely has an impact on economic development.
“I do think we’ve attracted new companies (to central Ohio) by raising the profile of the city,” she said. “Profile and image definitely mean something.”
And Lyttle said some groups already are considering Columbus more seriously because the association group has put it in the rotation with cities such as Toronto, Las Vegas and Chicago.
The next few days will be a whirlwind of meetings, entertaining and handshakes. Then the planning for 2019 will resume back at Experience Columbus’ Arena District offices.
What’s Around: Dog-Friendly Places in Columbus
When you’re living in a downtown Columbus apartment with a dog, finding fun places to take them for some fresh air and social interaction is a must for making them happier and healthier.
Fortunately, there are tons of great dog-friendly parks and patios for you and your furry friend to explore and enjoy. Who knows? You might even end up making some new friends along the way!
In our latest installment of What’s Around – a series from Columbus Downtown Apartments that gives residents a look at the various shopping, culture and entertainment options available in their backyard – we explore some of the best dog-friendly places in Columbus
1.Hofbräuhaus in Grandview Yard

When the sun is out and Columbus’ patios are calling your name, you and your furry friend can both relax in Hofbräuhaus’ Biergarten! This popular patio is dog-friendly and offers spacious outdoor seating. Check out the Hofbrauhounds614 page on Instagram – which is dedicated to sharing adorable dogspottings at the Grandview Yard location!
2. Columbus Downtown Dog Park
3. Goodwood Columbus
At Goodwood Brewing, bringing your four-legged companion along to chill with you on their patio is A-OK! Located in the heart of the Arena District, this lively bar prides themselves on having a large, conveniently located dog-friendly patio. Enjoy their delicious food and drink specials, without feeling guilty that your pup is missing you at home.
4. Habaneros Fresh Mexican Grill

Take your dog on a dinner date! Habaneros Grandview Yard location has a dog-friendly patio that is sure to make your furry friend’s tag wag. Treat yourself to their authentic Mexican street tacos, mezcal or delicious appetizers while enjoying the company of your dog.
5. Tail Wags Playground
A frequently asked question of dog-owning apartment residents new to Columbus is: where do I walk my dog in the winter? Enter Tail Wags Playground: Columbus’ first indoor dog park! This unique dog park features more than 5,000 square feet of space for your dog to roam free, a lounge with free Wi-Fi and coffee and fun, dog-friendly events. It should be noted, however, that Tail Wags is a member-based dog park with specific requirements for joining.
Have any other favorite dog-friendly hot spots in Columbus? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
Moving from a Columbus Apartment to a Condominium
Thinking about making the transition from a downtown Columbus apartment to a condominium? Skyrocketing demand for housing, combined with limited inventory in downtown Columbus, is making it harder than ever for apartment residents to make the jump.
Luckily, we have the inside scoop on available luxury condominiums in downtown Columbus and Grandview Heights.
If you want to make the move from leaser to owner without giving up the downtown lifestyle, walkability and commute–here are a couple great options to consider.

Parks Edge
If you’re considering upgrading to a condo from Arena Crossing, Flats on Vine, Flats II or any other apartment complex in downtown Columbus, then Parks Edge could be the perfect fit for you.
Located in Columbus’ Arena District, Parks Edge residents are within walking distance to some of the city’s most desirable hotspots–including sports, concert and event destinations like Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park and the Greater Columbus Convention Center, as well as a myriad of great bars, restaurants and coffee shops.
Seasonal events in downtown Columbus are also in luxuriously close proximity to Parks Edge–for example, residents can watch the Red, White and Boom fireworks display and festivities right from their condo balcony.
Condo units feature breathtaking views of the Columbus skyline and Scioto River, while also offering world-class comforts and amenities. A starting price of $465K also includes a 15-year, 100% property tax abatement. In other words, residents don’t have to pay a dime in property tax for 15 years!
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A TOUR OF PARKS EDGE CONDOMINIUMS

828 at the Yard
Fall in love with Grandview Heights after living in Grandview Yard apartments? Now’s your chance to own property in one of Columbus’ most sought-after neighborhoods.
Situated just northwest of downtown Columbus, 828 at the Yard is a brand-new, high-end condominium development located within Grandview Yard. It’s a perfect solution for people that appreciate the quiet comforts of the suburbs, while also wanting quick and easy access to the city.
In addition to green courtyards and tree-lined streets, unique local events–including craft brew festival Grandview Digfest, cycling championship Tour de Grandview and summertime sidewalk market Grandview Hop–can be found right outside the door of 828.
Residents are within walking distance to popular local stores–such as Grandview Mercantile and Edgework Creative–to shop and decorate their condo, as well as trendy bars, restaurants and event spaces–such as Hofbrauhaus Bier Hall and The Grand Event Center.
828 at the Yard residents also enjoy full access to Yard Club–a one-of-a-kind amenity building and clubhouse featuring perks like a large outdoor patio, year-round spa, resort-style pool and hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center, community room and much more.
A starting price of $425K also includes a 15-year, 50% property tax abatement–effectively slashing your property taxes in half for more than decade.