An important component of Kent State University's mission is workforce development. Business and civic leaders, partnering with Kent Stark to enhance employee performance, recognize that training and development are essential for growth and success in a knowledge-based economy. Therefore, each year more than 4,000 employees - from as many as 100 companies - participate in training and development programs, customized and delivered by professionals in the Office of Corporate and Community Services and its network of providers. As the new century begins, Kent State Stark is moving in an exciting direction to provide even greater opportunities for professional development programs. A specially planned property, the Professional Education and Conference Center opened in the summer of 2000.

The Professional Education and Conference Center offers a distraction-free environment, professional meeting and event planners, state-of-the-art technology and all-inclusive package pricing. Custom-designed training packages are also available. The Conference Center also provides an exceptional venue for hospitality services ranging from gala receptions to formal dining events.

What is an Executive Conference Center?

Kent State Stark uses the term "conference center" as defined by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). This concept is the foundation upon which the building's design parameters were developed.

The conference center provides a highly effective and productive environment for conferences, meetings and training programs. All aspects of the facility's design (including the meeting core, dining, technological equipment, support areas and professional conference services) are planned to enhance the goals and outcome of any type of event.

The benefits for utilizing a conference center include a specially focused, distraction-free environment, along with a substantial inventory of sophisticated audio-visual equipment with on-site technicians. Comfortable furnishings and dining that is tailored to the client's schedule are additional benefits. Conference center planners, who act as the client's partner to ensure that all details run smoothly (from booking to post-conference evaluation), are a critical component of the facility.