4th Annual Shores & Islands Ohio Media Marketplace Brings Together Top Media and Industry Partners
SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO, June 9, 2026 --- The fourth-annual Shores & Islands Ohio Media Marketplace successfully took place on May 14, 2026 at Sawmill Creek Resort, bringing together key players in the tourism and media industries for a day of collaboration, networking, and destination storytelling.
This year’s event featured 26 local businesses, attractions, and community organizations showcasing their offerings to a curated group of 34 qualified media professionals. The Marketplace served as a valuable platform for media to connect directly with destination representatives, fostering new relationships and laying the groundwork for future travel coverage.
New this year, the marketplace included a networking lunch which featured a presentation by Shores & Islands Ohio on the destination’s Shore Explore trails. Guests were first educated about the trails which include the iconic Cheers Trail, the family-friendly Sweet Treats Trail, the historical Ottawa County History Mystery and Erie County Shoreline Stories trails (both commemorating America 250), and the all-new Art-Venture Trail – featuring public art and artist spaces. They then walked through the process of signing up for and utilizing the trails. The presentation even included some “visitors” from the 1860’s who talked about the importance of and ways to celebrate America 250 in the region.
In addition to the Marketplace, 12 content creators and their guests attended a VIP event at Cedar Point and participated in Friday FAM (familiarization) tours, offering a firsthand look at the region’s Shore Explore trails, which include unique attractions, culture, and hospitality.
Tour participants were split into four tour itineraries, following different trails and including stops from multiple trails. Content creators visited such locations as Put-in-Bay, Lakeside Chautauqua, African Safari Wildlife Park, The Arts Garage, Twin Oast Brewery, Gideon Owen Winery, outdoor sculptures and murals, unique dining spots, and more.
Three weeks since the event, the collective tour participants have created 122 video and multi-image posts on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook with a combined reach of more than 391,000 and an estimated media value of over $423,000!
“We are once again thrilled with the quality of engagement during and after this year’s Media Marketplace,” said Jill Bauer, S&IO Public Relations Manager. “The event continues to help tell the story of Shores & Islands Ohio as a tourism destination and the stories of our partners through meaningful media connections.”
Columbus content creator Aissatou Diallo of @SignedbyAissatou shared, “I genuinely enjoyed attending and thought it was such a well-organized and valuable event. It was great getting to connect with so many attractions, businesses, and tourism partners all in one space, and I left with so many ideas and new places I’d love to experience throughout the season."
Julie Miller of What Should We Do Today Columbus?, another creator who participated said, “I love attending the Marketplace and have made so many great contacts throughout the years! My family has made yearly trips to the Shores and Islands region thanks to those partnerships and connections.”
The Media Marketplace is a signature Shores & Islands Ohio event, positioning the region as a must-visit destination and offering media access to a wide range of experiences in one setting.
For more information about future media events or S&IO’s ongoing initiatives, please visit SHORESandISLANDS.com/media or contact jill@shoresandislands.com.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hxv6r7d3hrjchk6a0yjqd/AKSZ7jtKRfGz-lyU9giyORc?rlkey=9ioqkx70qgwgg9ymtxzfl8xg2&st=uucf5ebd&dl=0
ABOUT SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO
Shores & Islands Ohio is the Midwest’s favorite getaway. This coastal destination boasts 152 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, the best fishing on the Great Lakes, welcoming communities, rich history, a wine trail, and an abundance of family-friendly attractions. World-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park calls it home, along with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, other indoor and outdoor water parks, animal parks, sports venues, and more. Visitors enjoy ferries and cruises to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, and Kelleys Island. One of the country’s best areas for spring and fall bird migration, the area is overflowing with natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. More at SHORESandISLANDS.com
