Clinton County welcomed the annual state tourism conference, according to the Wilmington News Journal, drawing visitors from across Ohio for a Wednesday-through-Friday run. The county had won the hosting bid in 2025. Susan Valentine-Scott, executive director of the Clinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Melissa Hedrick led the effort to bring the event there.
More than 300 people attended the main program at the Roberts Center, where breakout sessions took place and state awards were presented. The Paul Sherlock Award, described as recognizing professional, personal and career excellence in tourism, went to Jason Fallon of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, who also has ties to the Ohio State Fair. Ruby Awards were also presented; Clinton County was nominated but did not win. Commissioner Kerry Steed was invited to help open conference and spoke at the opening dinner about the county and its offerings.
Schappacher Farms hosted an outdoor dinner with a bonfire, hayrides, a pig roast by Baker Street Culinary, sides from Harvest House Catering and live farm animals. Jonathan McKay ran a pie auction benefiting Leadership Clinton Youth Collaborative. He was helped by his wife Shelby Boatman-McKay, friend and realtor Bobi Gray, and Gray's daughters. The auction brought in almost $1,500, and attendees enjoyed the entertainment. Music and local Tin-Cap cider were part of the evening, and McKay shared county history facts while pies were sold.
The night ended with a concert at the Murphy Theatre. Organizers planned to close the conference Friday by announcing next year's host county. The report included photos credited to Jonathan McKay.