Given the record success of our 2024 Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) Annual Summit and the overwhelming support of participants to move the event around the State in order to experience all of Ohio, OEDA is issuing a Call for Host Committee Interest in order to plan our next two conferences for 2025 and 2026.

A Summit Host Committee is composed of a small team from a region with a high interest in and knowledge of economic development and the region. The Host Committee will provide high-level guidance in the areas of sponsorship, Summit branding, tour sites, and offsite locations for social events and receptions. The Host Committee should be able to commit to regular virtual meetings with OEDA Staff and the Summit Committee.

Please note that the city and region must be located within Ohio and the JobsOhio Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) needs to either strongly support or lead the effort and must be represented on the committee.

If you are interested in hosting an OEDA Annual Summit for 2025 or 2026, please fill out the information below.

The deadline for submission is Monday, December 9, 2025. The OEDA Summit Committee will review submissions on December 16, and the board will consider its recommendations at its fourth quarter meeting on December 17.

If you have any questions, please call or email Summit Committee Chair Jason Kester at 740.935.2738 or jkester@agracel.com or David Zak at 419.912.1150 or dzak@ohioeda.com.

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* 1. Please provide your contact information as the applicant completing this form.

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* 2. Applying Region or City

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* 3. Please provide the name, title and representing organizations of 2-4 people that would form a local host committee.

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* 4. Please describe at least 5 Economic Development Project Tour sites that showcase projects, initiatives or programs that represent state-of-the-art economic development approaches or issues in the applying city or region have.

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* 5. Please list 2 or more potential host hotel and/or hotel/convention center combinations in the area, including their capacity for hotel room nights and conference attendance. Must be able to adequately house at least 110 guests on a peak night, and accommodate maximum meeting space for up to 450 attendees, and space for exhibitors.

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* 6. Why do you want to host an OEDA Annual Summit?

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* 7. Please describe what makes your city or region special? What sets it apart from other areas of Ohio?

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* 8. Why should OEDA choose your city or region to host its Annual Summit?

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* 9. The Host Committee is responsible for working with the Summit Committee to raise $100,000 or more in sponsorships for the conference. Are you comfortable with this commitment? If so, please describe your approach to achieving this goal. Specifically, what strategies would you employ, which potential contributors would you target, and what initial steps would you take to build support?

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* 10. The Host Committee also has the responsibility to form local partnerships to increase attendance and participation. Please detail experience in working local and regional partners to drive attendance and participation at events held in your region or city.

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* 11. To ensure a positive experience for all Summit participants, OEDA aims to select locations that prioritize inclusivity and safety. Could you share how your region fosters an environment where all visitors feel comfortable and valued? If there are any considerations related to local laws or practices that might impact some attendees, we would be grateful to understand how these are managed to support a welcoming experience.

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