Community Ambassadors
Each year, Destination Dayton recognizes outstanding meeting and event planners who were instrumental in bringing their organization’s event to Dayton/Montgomery County during the previous year. Meeting and event planners are the key decision makers when it comes to selecting a destination or site for a group’s convention or event. Each of the individuals is presented with an official leather flight jacket, from Dayton, the Birthplace of Aviation at our annual Community Ambassador Celebration & Awards Breakfast.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Dayton Ambassador Award Winners!
Pictured (left to right): Rod Waters, Bart Woodley, Elizabeth (Bette) Kenward and Warren Mansfield
At our 2026 Community Ambassador Awards Celebration Breakfast, held May 15 at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, we recognized five event planners - who collectively brought events generating nearly $ 36.7 million in direct spending estimated economic impact to Dayton/Montgomery County in 2025 - as our 2026 Destination Dayton Ambassador Award Winners. They join a prestigious group of more than 150 individuals recognized since the award's inception in 1992.
The 2026 Award Winners are:
• Elizabeth (Bette) Kenward: American Rosie the Riveter Association National Convention
• Warren Mansfield: Fairlane Club of America National Meet
• Congressman Mike Turner: 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly - Spring Session
• Rod Waters: Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers 2025 Conference
• Bart Woodley: WGI Sport of the Arts World Championships
In addition, Destination Dayton presented the inaugural Wright Spirit Awards, recognizing two business and community leaders who have made significant contributions to elevating Greater Dayton’s profile and strengthening the region’s economic vitality. The 2026 recipients of the Wright Spirit Award are:
• Kevin Burch, Retired Trucking Company CEO/Past Chairman ATA & TCA
• University of Dayton Arena Staff
Watch Video Interviews with the Winners
Meetings and conventions are big business in Dayton and Montgomery County! The dollars generated have enormous, positive impact on our economy. Interested in bring your next meeting or event to Destination Dayton? Learn more here!
