This alert contains information on the conventions and sporting events that will be arriving in March and April 2026. We hope you find this information useful for scheduling and to help welcome attendees.
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OHSAA Boys & Girls State Bowling Championships | February 27-March 8 |
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The Ohio High School Athletic Association is headquartered in Columbus and hosts several state championships in the city. The OHSAA Bowling Championships feature boys’ and girls’ Division I and II teams and individuals competing for state titles.
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The Nike Gauntlet | February 28-March 1 |
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The Nike Circuit produces events designed not only to showcase the athleticism of its athletes but also to be more than “just another tournament.” The Gauntlet is a new event in Columbus and the second event hosted by the Nike Circuit.
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Attendance: 5,000
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center
Group Contact: Kathy Beals
Sports Commission Contact: Ariana Tyler
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SheBelieves Cup: U.S. Women's National Team vs. Canada; Argentina vs. Colombia | March 4 |
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2026 Arnold Sports Festival | March 5-8 |
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The Arnold Sports Festival is an annual multi-sport event held in Columbus, Ohio, featuring competitions across dozens of sports, exhibits, demonstrations, and entertainment. The Arnold Expo the heart of the festival returns in 2026 with hundreds of booths showcasing the latest in sports equipment, apparel, nutrition, and more, plus nonstop competitions and entertainment across multiple stages.
2026 Arnold Expo Hours:
Friday, March 6: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 7: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 8: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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2026 State Gymnastics Championships | March 7-8 |
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Team competition will be on Saturday and individual competition will be on Sunday. There is a parking fee of $5 at Hilliard Bradley HS. Championship tickets will be on sale for $10 for students and $16 for adults.
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Trilogy Health Services Cluster Meeting 2026 - Sales Summit & Synergy | March 9-12 |
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Trilogy Health Services provides senior living and long-term healthcare, including independent and assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitative services – all with a focus on customer service.
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Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation 2026 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo | March 11-13 |
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As one of the nation’s largest events dedicated to workplace safety and health, the Safety Congress & Expo brings together thousands of professionals to explore forward-thinking strategies, cutting-edge technology, and practical solutions that make workplaces safer and healthier.
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2026 National Collegiate Rifle Championships | March 13-14 |
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The competitive events for the National Collegiate Men’s and Women’s Rifle Championships will be individual smallbore rifle three-position (60 shots) and air rifle (60 shots), with finals in each event, team smallbore rifle three-position, and team air rifle. Practice starts on Thursday, with competition being held on Friday and Saturday.
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2026 Hockey Time Productions- Buckeye Classic Tournament Series Columbus | March 13-15 |
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This is a USA Hockey sanctioned event and all teams will play 4-5 games throughout the weekend. Divisions for the tournament include: 9U/10U, 11U/12U, 13U/14U, 15U/16U, and 17U/18U. Admission is free but there is a parking fee of $5 per day or $14 for the weekend.
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Familylife Weekend to Remember Columbus-Spring 2026 | March 13-15 |
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At the intersection of a faith-based marriage conference and romantic retreat from everyday life, Weekend to Remember helps couples do just that — choose oneness.
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2026 Boys and Girls State Wrestling Championships | March 13-15 |
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Wrestling will return to Ohio State in March. Seeding will occur on February 8. There will be five sessions throughout the weekend. Be sure to check the Schottenstein Center website for updates on doors open and tickets.
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2026 Boys State Ice Hockey Championships | March 14-15 |
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Regional tournament brackets include the following regions: Bowling Green, Brooklym, Columbus, and Kent. Regional tickets will be $5 for students and $12 for adults. Semifinal and championship tickets are $15 for students and $20 for adults.
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2026 Girls Irish Inferno | March 14-15 |
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This is a two-day tournament and there will be two waves on both days (8AM and 230PM). Divisions include: 10U, 11 Regional, 12 Regional, 13 Regional, 14 Regional, 15 Regional, 16 Regional, 17 Regional, and 18 Regional.
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Founder Regina Symons and the ACP Staff have been bringing amazing championships to talented athletes, dedicated coaches and supportive parents for over 35 years. Competition starts early in the morning and runs until late in the evening.
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2026 OVR- Girls National Bid Tournament | March 20-22 |
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This is a three-day tournament. Divisions include: 11 National, 12 National, 13 National, 14 Freedom, 14 National, 15 Freedom, and 15 National. Admission to this event will be $15/day. Doors will open at 7am each morning with the first match starting at 8am each morning.
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The International Studies Association, Inc. 2026 Annual Convention | March 22-25 |
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The ISA is one of the oldest interdisciplinary associations dedicated to understanding international, transnational and global affairs. Through its highly attended Annual Convention and regional/international conferences, the Association promotes rigorous discussion, research and writing on a broad range of topics within International Studies, broadly construed.
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Wildlife Management Institute 2026 North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference | March 29 - April 3 |
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For 90 years, WMI has administered the North American Wildlife and Natural Resource Conference. The North American Conference sessions, workshops and more than 150 separate meetings and functions, serve as the annual forum to set conservation policy in North America.
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American Counseling Association 2026 ACA Annual Conference & Expo | April 9-11 |
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Hear from experts in the field, make meaningful connections and get the best strategies and tools to support your clients, maintain your licensure and move the profession forward at the ACA Conference & Expo—the must-attend annual event for professional counselors.
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Kappa Alpha Psi Fratrnity, Inc. 2026 East Central Province Council (Regional Meeting) | April 9-12 |
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Hear from experts in the field, make meaningful connections and get the best strategies and tools to support your clients, maintain your licensure and move the profession forward at the ACA Conference & Expo—the must-attend annual event for professional counselors.
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USA Gymnastics Region 5 - Level 9/10 Championship | April 9-12 |
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Building Performance Association 2026 Annual National Home Performance Conference | | April 13-16 |
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For four decades, the National Home Performance Conference has been a launching pad for ideas, partnerships, and real progress in home performance, weatherization, and healthy housing.
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Ohio Association of School Business Officials 2026 Annual Conference and Expo | April 14-17 |
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This one-of-a-kind event offers Ohio school business officials the opportunity to learn and network. It also is the a unique opportunity for school business officials and school business product/service vendors to have beneficial conversations.
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OVR Girls Junior National Championships | April 16-19 |
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Girls Club Ohio Nike Challenge Cup | April 18-19 |
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2026 Annual Honda Supplier Conference | April 20-22 |
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America has been home to Honda associates since the company opened its first storefront office in Los Angeles in 1959. For more than 60 years, Honda has invested in its U.S. operations, created jobs, and contributed to the U.S. economy as a committed corporate citizen in America.
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Ohio Credit Union League 2026 inVest 48 | April 20-22 |
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Innovative ideas and powerful collaboration push our industry forward and take your credit union higher. This collaborative energy comes to life at inVest48. Join us for 48 hours of access to everything you need to grow your business, expand your skills, and spark connections.
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Big Ten Women’s Tennis Championship | April 23-26 |
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2026 95th Great Lakes Regional Conference | April 23-26 |
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”
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OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon | April 25 |
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Attendance: 35,000
Location: Throughout Columbus Downtown, Short North Arts District, University District, and German Village; Starting line: High & Town Streets; Finish line: Columbus Commons
Facebook: facebook.com/CapCityHalf/
Group Contact: Eric Archibald
Sports Commission Contact: Ariana Tyler
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Boys Club Ohio Nike Challenge Cup | April 25-26 |
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Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools 2026 ATLIS National Convention | April 26-29 |
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The ATLIS Annual Conference is the premier gathering for independent school technology professionals. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, find innovative strategies that address the unique challenges and opportunities in independent school technology, or simply connect with peers who understand your daily challenges, the ATLIS Conference is the place to be.
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Attendance: 550
Meals: Attendees are on their own for dinner on April 28 only.
Location: Hilton Columbus Downtown
Group Contact: Andrea Bushlow
Experience Columbus Contact: Carrie Thiel
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Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industries 2026 Spring TAPPICon® | April 26-29 |
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TAPPICon® is all about learning, networking, discovery, and connecting the industry. It brings together the global forest products industry for an experience unlike any other. The newly unified program provides a variety of unique connections and the ability to build long-lasting relationships with suppliers and industry innovators.
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The Convention and Sports Alert is published monthly to assist area restaurants, hotels and other facilities in anticipating their staffing and supply needs. To add a recipient to receive this email, have them fill out this form. To change or delete an email recipient, please contact Jenese Tchokouani at jtchokouani@experiencecolumbus.com.
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