2025 Winter Conference Pre-Registration
Leading the Way
Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 North High StreetColumbus, OH 43215
United States
HIGHLIGHTS
Get your gear ready - it’s time to find a trail for your future! The 2025 OTA Winter Conference is fast approaching, and we are Leading the Way from January 29-31, 2025, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. We will help guide you as we take you on an unforgettable journey with 100+ educational workshops, unmatched networking opportunities, and one of the largest trade shows in the midwest for local governments.
Ready to climb higher? Our conference has everything you expect and more! Elevate your experience at the exciting Casino Night and the Conference Kickoff – new for 2025. Get inspired at the General Session featuring expert speakers and OTA leaders, and don’t miss the Friday Luncheon with keynote speaker Dave Carey, a Vietnam veteran and prisoner of war survivor.
For the first time, we are offering a One-Day Trade Show Pass, designed to make your conference experience more flexible and accessible. Whether you are a seasoned township official or employee, or new to the field, there is something at the OTA Winter Conference for everyone.
As we lead the way, are you ready to join us on the trail to success? Explore this page to discover what is in store, and register at the top of the page for the 2025 OTA Winter Conference. Housing and parking information is on its own tab, and pre-registration is open November 1 and runs through January 10, 2025.
Tax Exemption Certificate:
Some entities may be entitled to exemption from lodging tax in the City of Columbus and Franklin County, where housing accommodations for the conference are being held.
New for 2025
CONFERENCE KICKOFF
*FREE* Event
This year, we are launching a new event, the Conference Kickoff! Held Wednesday evening, this event is open to all attendees and held inside the Trade Show Hall from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Kickoff the conference early with a great networking opportunity. Light appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available.
ONE-DAY TRADE SHOW PASS
New On-Site Registration Option
For the first time ever, we’re offering a special One-Day Trade Show Pass for attendees who want to experience the excitement of the OTA Winter Conference Trade Show without committing to the full event! At just $90, this on-site purchase is perfect for township employees and industry professionals with limited time.
Please note, the one-day pass is available only to affiliate, associate, and non-members, and cannot be purchased by township trustees or fiscal officers. This pass doesn’t include conference workshops, session recordings, or optional events.
TRADE SHOW BINGO
New Trade Show Game
New and improved for 2025, play Trade Show Bingo in the Trade Show Hall for a chance to win prizes! Visit booths to score three bingos, then enter your card for a chance to win. All attendees can play.
Sponsored by Brosius, Johnson & Griggs
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Member Pre-Registration
*All township trustees and fiscal officers are members of the OTA. |
$130.00 |
|
Non-Member Pre-Registration
|
$180.00 |
|
Spouse/Guest Pre-registration
|
$30.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Newbie Orientation
This event is tailored to our first-time attendees, where they will mingle with OTA staff and board members. There will also be a presentation about the conference, the benefits of their membership, and everything the OTA has to offer. Beverages and snacks are included at the event. First-time attendees only. RSVP is required for this event. |
FREE |
|
Casino Night
This attendee favorite event will kick off with a buffet of heavy appetizers and drinks while you settle in and mingle with your fellow OTA members. Then, you can show off your gambling skills at the casino tables. Attendees will have the chance to play poker, blackjack, and more (with play money, of course). We also have a DJ and will award various prizes throughout the night. Sponsored by Acrisure |
$50.00 |
|
Luncheon
As you enjoy a delicious plated lunch, you will hear from Dave Carey, a Vietnam veteran who survived as a prisoner of war for five and a half years. Dave shares powerful lessons on resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of choice in overcoming adversity. |
$40.00 |
These options are only available on-site. Optional event tickets are sold on-site as available.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| On-Site Registration
On-site conference registration for all attendees, members or non-members. Registration Opens 1/29/2025 at 10:00 AM EST
|
$180.00 |
| One-Day Trade Show Pass
For the first time ever, purchase a special One-Day Trade Show Pass for attendees who want to experience the excitement of the Trade Show without committing to the full event! This is available only to affiliates, associates, and non-members and cannot be purchased by trustees or fiscal officers. This pass includes access to the trade show and doesn’t include conference workshops, recordings, or optional events. Registration Opens 1/29/2025 at 10:00 AM EST
|
$90.00 |
Agenda
| January 29 | |
| 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration Location: A110 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Newbie Orientation
This event is tailored to our first-time attendees, where they will mingle with OTA staff and board members. There will also be a presentation about the conference, the benefits of their membership, and everything the OTA has to offer. Beverages and snacks are included at the event. *First-time attendees only. RSVP is required for this event. Sponsored by JobsOhio |
| 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Trade Show Location: Hall A |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Networking with Vendors Location: Hall A |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Workshops |
| 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM | Workshops |
| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Workshops |
| 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Conference Kickoff (FREE)
Location: Hall A We want to continue making our conference a prime spot for members to interact with and engage vendors. This year, we are launching a new event, the Conference Kickoff! Held Wednesday evening, this event is open to all attendees and held inside the Trade Show Hall from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Kickoff the conference early with a great networking opportunity. Light appetizers will be served. |
| 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | County Officers Meeting Sponsored by Strawser Construction |
| January 30 | |
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration Location: A110 |
| 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Trade Show Location: Hall A |
| 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM | Networking with Vendors Location: Hall A |
| 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM |
General Session
Location: Union Station Ballroom Join the OTA at the General Session. Hear from the OTA President Scott Fabian and Executive Director Heidi M. Fought on the progress and future of the association. See which counties won our 2024 membership awards, and wrap up the session with a dynamic presentation from Kathy Gruver, who inspires personal and professional growth.This is also the annual meeting of the OTA. Sponsored by OTARMA |
| 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM | CLOUT Meeting & Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Workshops |
| 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Refreshment Break |
| 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Ethics Training |
| 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM | Workshops |
| 4:45 PM - 6:00 PM | Networking with Vendors Location: A110 |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | CLOUT Workshop |
| 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM |
Casino Night
The evening will kick off with a buffet of heavy appetizers and drinks while you settle in and mingle with your fellow OTA members. Then, you can show off your gambling skills at the casino tables. Attendees will have the chance to play poker, blackjack, and more (with play money, of course). Not interested in games? We also have a DJ and will award various prizes throughout the night. Get your tickets now, as this event sells out every year! Sponsored by Acrisure |
| January 31 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM |
Coffee & Conversations with Heidi
Join OTA’s Executive Director, Heidi M. Fought, for coffee and conversations on Friday morning. Enjoy the final day of conference with this great networking opportunity and a way to get to know our Executive Director. Taking place outside the Union Station Ballroom, Director Fought will be mingling with members and answering questions throughout. Sponsored by Ricart to Business |
| 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Registration |
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Trade Show |
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Workshops |
| 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM | Refreshment Break/Networking with Vendors |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | Workshops |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | OTARMA Meeting |
| 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM | Last Chance to Network with Vendors |
| 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM | Luncheon This year's luncheon will be one you can't miss. Not only will you be treated to a delicious plated lunch (no braving the cold for food!), but you'll also hear from Dave Carey. Dave Carey's conversation on his experience as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War will be a conference highlight! |
| 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | Workshops |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Workshops |
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Kathy Gruver
General Session Speaker
Dr. Kathy Gruver is an internationally recognized speaker, award-winning author, and ACC-certified coach known for her dynamic presentations that inspire personal and professional growth. With a PhD in Natural Health, she has authored eight books, won 12 awards, and delivered talks on four continents. Kathy’s expertise spans stress reduction, communication enhancement, leadership development, and team-building.
Dr. Gruver developed a stress reduction program for the U.S. military and studied mind/body medicine at Harvard’s Benson-Henry Institute. She has been featured in major outlets like Time, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on over 250 media platforms, including NPR, Dr. Phil, and CBS Radio. She is also the cohost of The Fire and Earth Podcast and the host of the national TV series The Alternative Medicine Cabinet.
Don’t miss out on Dr. Kathy Gruver’s powerful session on Thursday, January 30, at the General Session where she will share actionable tools for reducing stress, improving communication, and fostering true leadership. Walk away feeling empowered and equipped to make impactful changes in both your personal and professional life!
Dave Carey
Luncheon Speaker
Dave Carey is an acclaimed motivational speaker, consultant, coach, and author known for delivering hope, wisdom, and inspiration. Drawing
on his extraordinary experience as a POW for five and a half years during the Vietnam War, Dave shares powerful lessons on resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of choice in overcoming adversity.
For over 20 years, Carey has inspired organizations like IBM, Apple, Starbucks, and more with customized keynotes that address their unique challenges and reinforce their core values. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and retired Navy Captain, Carey’s military honors include the Legion of Merit, five Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart. He continues to offer real, entertaining, and motivational messages that inspire both professional and personal growth.
Get a ticket to the Luncheon, held Friday, January 31, to hear this heroic speaker and learn along with your fellow township officials.
Hotel Pricing: 
Housing must be reserved online through the Columbus Housing Bureau portal. We will not call about housing. If you receive a call about housing, it is a scam and should be ignored. If you have a housing question, call the OTA office at 614-863-0045.
Availability limited. Housing is not guaranteed after January 10, 2025. Please click here for the state hotel tax exemption form.
Parking:
Are you driving into town for one day of the conference? There are plenty of parking options near the Convention Center. Please find a few parking options below for your ease of travel. A map will be included in the January/February issue of the Ohio Township News. Standard event rates are generally $15–$20 per day but are subject to change.
- Ohio Center Garage
400 N High St
Columbus, OH 43215 - South Garage
50 E Nationwide Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
- Vine Garage
37 Vine St
Columbus, OH 43215 - Goodale Garage
70 E Goodale St
Columbus, OH 43215
- North Surface Lot
50 E Goodale St
Columbus, OH 43215 - East Surface Lot
80 E Nationwide Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
For more parking information, to purchase advance parking, and live availability updates, click below.
Food:
Meals are not provided throughout the conference, except at optional events, which may require a ticket. You are more than welcome to pack your own snacks. Several nearby food options, including food vendors in the Convention Center and Trade Show Hall, are available. Many additional restaurants are also within walking distance of the Convention Center. Your registration materials for the conference will include a detailed map of the restaurants in the area.
Learn more about what Columbus has to offer using the links below.
Workshops
Each year, we offer valuable and timely workshops to best serve attendees. With workshops covering a broad range of topics and tracks, you will have a hard time picking which workshop to attend. Below is a preview of what you can look forward to at the 2025 Winter Conference!
New(er) Fiscal Officers
- Chart of Accounts: Knowing Which Fund to Use
- Township Fiscal Officer Duties
- Records Retention: Where to Begin!
Experienced Fiscal Officers
- Legislative Updates Impacting Fiscal Duties
- No HR Department? Responsibilities of the Fiscal Officer with HR
- Creative Funding Sources to Provide Requested Services
Trustees
- How to Handle Unexpected Disruptions to Township Operations
- Communication Techniques to Avoid Sunshine Law Violations
- Let's Make a Deal: Collective Bargaining for Townships
Zoning/Planning
- Agricultural Land Preservation
- Using Drones for Township Services
- Following Protocol to Reduce Legal Action
Safety Services
- How the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association Can Help Your Township Fire Chief
- Mental Health and First Responder Wellness
- Obtaining Police Coverage for Your Township
Roads
- Work Zone Safety
- Road Rights-of-Way: Township Responsibilities
- Alternative Paving Techniques
Township Operations
- The Anatomy of an Arbitration for Townships
- Offering Employees a Deferred Comp Program
- Navigating Ohio's Prevailing Wage Law
A complete listing of workshops will be in the December edition of the Grassroots Clippings and the January/February issue of Ohio Township News.
More than 150 vendors participate in the trade show, ranging from truck and tractor dealers to state agencies, printing services, and playground companies. The Trade Show hall will be open for the duration of the conference. A nametag is required to enter the Trade Show hall.
Vendors Attending the Trade Show
Click the button below to view the list of vendors attending the 2025 OTA Winter Conference & Trade Show.
Volunteers Needed
Are you looking for a deeper way to engage with the OTA? Are you interested in moderating a workshop or being a sergeant-at-arms? If so, contact Tyler Lovelace at lovelace@ohiotownships.org or 614-863-0045 with your information to be placed on our volunteer list.
For More Information:
Contact OTA Director of Education & Events Michael Zaky at 614-863-0045.
Cancellation & Substitution Policy
Thank You, 2025 Conference Sponsors!
Want to see your name on this list? View all our sponsorship opportunities.
Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities
