The Huntington Convention Centre of Cleveland has completed a major upgrade to its 19,000-square-foot urban farm, enhancing its appeal for event planners seeking sustainable venues. The farm, operated by Levy Restaurants since 2015, now includes a small orchard with cherry, apple, and pear trees, raised cedar planting beds, and a chicken coop housing 12 to 14 chickens. These additions are designed to boost production capacity and create a more immersive guest experience.
Sustainability as a Differentiator for MICE Venues
The urban farm supplies fresh herbs such as Thai basil and lavender, vegetables like sweet potatoes and tomatoes, and produces approximately 100 pounds of honey annually. Guests can view the farm from the centre's 'Farm Stage' viewing area, which doubles as a conversation starter for corporate events and conferences. The venue is managed by Legends Global, with Levy handling food and beverage operations.
Jude Feyedelem, general manager for Levy Restaurants at the convention centre, said: “The urban farm has always represented our belief that sustainability and hospitality can thrive together.” Michael Campo, general manager of the Huntington Convention Centre for Legends Global, added: “These enhancements reflect our shared commitment with Levy to continuously raise the bar for our clients and guests.”
The move aligns with broader trends in the MICE industry, where venues are increasingly incorporating local sourcing and environmental stewardship into their offerings. For travel professionals — from corporate travel buyers to event planners — such features can differentiate a destination when selecting a host city. Cleveland’s convention centre is betting that its farm will resonate with clients looking for authentic, sustainable experiences.
This development also ties into larger conversations about urban resilience and sustainability in travel hubs. For instance, SIWW 2026 to Address Urban Water Resilience for Global Travel Hubs highlights how infrastructure investments are becoming a priority for destinations worldwide. Similarly, the Hanoi's Vietnam Exposition Centre Targets Global MICE Market with Vingroup Backing shows how venues are competing on sustainability credentials.
The farm’s expansion is part of a broader push by the Huntington Convention Centre to position itself as a leader in sustainable events. The venue already offers composting and recycling programs, and the farm reduces food miles by supplying ingredients directly to on-site kitchens. For hoteliers and tour operators, such initiatives can be a selling point when packaging Cleveland as a destination for eco-conscious groups.
In the luxury segment, similar trends are emerging. The W Kuala Lumpur Blends Heritage and Modernity to Redefine Urban Hospitality demonstrates how hotels are integrating local elements to enhance guest experiences. Meanwhile, the Marriott International and Leali Family Launch Joint Venture to Expand Lefay Luxury Wellness Brand underscores the growing demand for wellness-oriented travel products.
For travel agents and tour operators, the farm offers a unique angle for corporate groups and incentive travel. The ability to host a farm-to-table dinner or a team-building activity involving the chickens or orchard could set Cleveland apart from other Midwestern convention destinations. As the MICE market rebounds globally, venues that invest in distinctive, sustainable features are likely to attract more business.
The Huntington Convention Centre’s urban farm is not just a gimmick; it is a tangible demonstration of how the travel industry can integrate sustainability into core operations. For airline executives, hoteliers, and destination marketers, it serves as a case study in aligning with the values of modern travellers and event planners.
