Undeniably Kent State. That is the feeling the newly renovated Kent State University at Stark Conference Center emanates, with its contemporary, fashionable décor and blue-and-gold tones throughout.
“The Conference Center was a beautiful building before, but now it is the best in Stark County and perhaps all of Northeast Ohio,” says Conference Center Director Stephanie Monastra. “This was the first major makeover since the building opened nearly 15 years ago. It was time to update the space to meet the changing needs of our clients.”
The purpose of the overhaul was twofold, Monastra says.
“Not only did we aim to match the building’s overall look to the high level of service and hospitality we provide to our customers, but we also wanted the new appearance to exude the pride we feel in being part of Kent State University,” Monastra says. “Now, when you walk through the building, the blue-and-gold brand is evident. You know immediately you’re at Kent State.”
In addition to providing new paint and carpet throughout, the conference center renovations updated meeting room spaces and added new furniture, including soft seating and refurbished dining room tables and chairs.
The conference center’s culinary offerings also have been enhanced to provide customers with an expanded selection of food choices. Healthy options that align with the Kent State of Wellness initiative are now included along with the classic comfort foods and decadent desserts customers have come to love. A state-of-the-art soup and salad bar also is now available on a daily basis, alongside the chef’s executive lunch choice of the day. The culinary team accommodates dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free and vegetarian options.
The changes are not purely cosmetic. Monastra says the moment visitors enter the modernized space, they immediately sense a revitalized excitement surrounding the team’s commitment to providing clients with the best possible experience, regardless of occasion.
“As one of only two facilities in Northeast Ohio accredited by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), we are well-positioned to provide premium service for any type of meeting, conference or group outing,” Monastra says. “We’re striving to become the place where Northeast Ohio business leaders do business and the area’s thought leaders gather. We offer something for everyone, and we pride ourselves on the high level of customization and attention to detail that is afforded to each and every customer who walks through our doors.”
Monastra says this five-star experience does not impact the cost for customers.
“Our meeting package costs have remained the same for the last 10 years, so we are still providing our clients with superior customer service at a highly competitive price,” she says.
An open house will be scheduled in the near future. Find more information about the Kent State Stark Conference Center at www.kent.edu/stark/cucc/conference-center, or contact Janet Capocci, sales manager, at 330-244-3513.