Don Patterson Award of Excellence

Who Was Don Patterson?

Donald L. Patterson

Founding President & CEO, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (1973–1993)

Donald L. Patterson was the architect of destination marketing in Summit County. Appointed the first President & CEO when the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau was created in 1973, he built the organization from the ground up—establishing its mission, early sales and servicing practices for meetings and group tours, and the region’s first comprehensive visitor marketing materials. Under his leadership, the bureau elevated Akron/Summit’s profile by promoting cornerstone attractions such as Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Blossom Music Center, the All-American Soap Box Derby, and the then-new Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, while strategically courting state associations and regional meetings to support local hotels and businesses.

Patterson was a tireless coalition-builder, partnering with the City of Akron, Summit County, and civic and business leaders to position the community as a welcoming, competitive destination during a period of economic transition. He championed the need for stronger convention infrastructure downtown, helping lay groundwork that would culminate shortly after his passing in 1993 with the opening of the John S. Knight Center.

The Donald L. Patterson Award is named in honor of his integrity, collaboration, and steadfast advocacy for Akron/Summit County. It recognizes individuals whose leadership advances the region’s hospitality economy, forges enduring partnerships, and exemplifies the service-minded spirit that defined Patterson’s 20 years at the helm of the CVB.

• Show strong leadership in the advancement of the OACVB
• Show leadership within the Ohio Travel Industry
• Have been an educator to OACVB members, especially to those new to OACVB -available and approachable
• Have put forth extra effort (beyond duties as an OACVB member or officer) toward the betterment and growth of OACVB
• Have promoted OACVB and tourism in Ohio to the betterment of both
• Worked on special OACVB programs, events and promotions assisting with the growth of OACVB and the travel industry
• As an OACVB member, must have been an active member for a minimum of 3 years, for others, must have worked on a special OACVB promotion, project, ad-hoc committee or advance OACVB in some special manner

Who can be nominated? CVB directors, former CVB directors, CVB staff persons, legislators, state officials, OACVB employee, or others who have put forth a special effort to assist and promote OACVB

• Nominating form must be completed and signed and can include up to two type-written 8 ½ x 11 attachments addressing eligibility of nominee
• Up to three 8 ½ x 11 sheets of other supporting material can also be submitted
• Nomination should include a second letter of support by another OACVB member.

Any OACVB member can nominate one individual by completing a nomination form and including supporting material. Send or email to the OACVB office in care of the Don Patterson Committee. Or send to Dee Grossman, chair of the Don Patterson Award Committee at director@traveltusc.com.

The Don Patterson Award of Excellence is presented during the Annual President’s Luncheon which takes place on November 14. The nominator and the award winner should be available on that day. Applications must be received by the committee no later than Friday October 31 at 5PM EST.