Make the Most of Your Visit to Columbus for NHPC’26
February 18, 2026
Columbus, Ohio is a centrally-located city full of pleasant surprises. When we were searching for the destination for our national conference’s 40th anniversary, we knew it needed to be a destination attendees from across the nation could easily travel to.
Columbus made the choice easy for us. Flights are half a day or less, and a lot of Midwest and East Coast residents can even drive to this year’s event! The Columbus airport is big enough to offer flights to and from many destinations, while it’s small enough for a stress-free arrival and departure.
Plus, downtown Columbus is full of energy and excitement. This year’s conference is hosted at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, located in the middle of all the city’s action. Visit a local coffee shop before sessions kick off in the morning, enjoy a drink, or grab dinner with your new connections.
Hotels Near the Greater Columbus Convention Center
We have secured three headquarter hotels for NHPC’26, all within walking distance of the convention center. The rates listed below are exclusive to BPA’s room block.
- Hilton Columbus Downtown – $269/night + tax (connected to the convention center)
- Hyatt Regency Columbus – $239/night + tax (connected to the convention center)
- Sonesta Columbus Downtown – $239/night + tax (connected via a covered walkway to the convention center)
Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio & Special Discounts
Whether you’re looking for food, attractions, special events, or transportation options, explore our Experience Columbus guide with special discounts.
Be sure to check out the free Attendee Savings Pass to access special deals and discounts.
A Few Places to Visit Nearby
North Market – Downtown
59 Spruce St. | Columbus, Ohio 43215
Less than a five-minute walk from the convention center, this destination features international cuisine, wine and beer, and unique gifts.
Brewcadia
467 North High St. | Columbus, Ohio 43215
Into old school arcade games? Enjoy drinks and a few games as you unwind in the evening.
German Village & Brewery District
Just south of downtown Columbus lies German Village. Check out coffee shops, the unique Book Loft, parks, and more.
Food Lovers: Columbus Has You Covered
Columbus was named one of the best destinations for culinary travel in 2024 by Essence and one of the best food cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. From nationally recognized chefs and James Beard Award semifinalists to innovative food halls and rooftop bars with skyline views, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Click here to view the list of local chefs and restaurants who have received James Beard awards.
Astra Rooftop – New Restaurant Nearby
517 Park St. | Columbus, Ohio 43215
Floating above the city, Astra Rooftop is where elevated dining meets effortless indulgence. With a bold, inventive menu and masterfully crafted cocktails, every detail is designed to transport you.
Marcella’s
615 N High St. | Columbus, Ohio 43215
Marcella’s is a popular, lively Italian restaurant downtown, known for its energetic atmosphere and traditional, high-quality dishes. Order the meatball, thank us later.
Veritas
11 W Gay St. | Columbus, Ohio 43215
Plating his passion, Veritas’ Chef Dalton has brought carefully curated global dishes and innovative cocktails to the downtown Columbus community.
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Did you know that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams was founded in Columbus? And, there’s more than one Jeni’s in walking distance of the convention center. Go see what all the fuss is about and try one of their inventive flavors.
Explore The Outdoors
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department operates more than 400 parks throughout the greater Columbus region, providing 14,069 acres of parkland to the residents and visitors of Columbus. These parks contain many amenities and provide access to 230 miles of regional trails, 171 playgrounds, and 25 nature preserves.
Within walking distance of our conference is the Scioto Mile, which was named one of the 10 best riverwalks in the nation in 2024. The area has miles of multi-use trails and parks along both banks of the Scioto River.
Enjoy a Game
Columbus’ Arena District houses four professional sports teams on just one street. And it’s half a mile from the convention center. While we’re there, here are a few of the many sports events that are happening:
Tuesday, April 14
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena (4-minute walk from the convention center)
Columbus Clippers vs. Iowa Cubs at Huntington Park – Bonus: It’s 10-cent hot dog night! Tickets are just $14 for this game, so be sure to join our conference group and purchase tickets here. (14-minute walk from the convention center)
Wednesday, April 15
Ohio State University Baseball vs. Marshall at Bill Davis Stadium (8-10 minutes by car from the convention center)
Fun Facts
Did you know Columbus is a top 10 best big city in the U.S. and one of the best food cities in the country according to Condé Nast Traveler, one of the top places to go in 2025 according to AFAR, and one of the best solo trips for women in the U.S. and around the world by Glamour? Columbus is bold, welcoming, forward-thinking, and home to world-class museums, attractions, and unique neighborhoods.
Columbus also has ties to some pretty big celebrities: celebrity chef Guy Fieri, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, How I Met Your Mother actor Josh Radnor, and heavyweight boxing champion Buster Douglas were all born there. Grammy-winning pop duo, Twenty One Pilots is made up of two Columbus-born friends and musicians, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Rascal Flatts’ lead singer Gary LeVox and lead bassist Jay DeMarcus Jr. (who are second cousins, by the way) both grew up in Columbus.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a deep, decades-long connection to Columbus, anchored by the annual Arnold Sports Festival (founded 1989) and an 8-foot bronze statue of him located at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The 2026 National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show will be packed full of educational content and meaningful connections. Make the most of your conference experience by enjoying the destination and all Columbus, Ohio has to offer.
Still need to register? View full event details and register for NHPC’26 by March 12 to save $100 with our early registration rate.