2025 Winter Conference Pre-Registration
Leading the Way
Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 North High StreetColumbus, OH 43215
United States
HIGHLIGHTS
Mark your calendars for the 2025 OTA Winter Conference from January 29-31, 2025, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Our theme for 2025 is “Leading the Way,” and are focusing on methods for you to lead your township with over 100 educational workshops, numerous networking events, and one of the largest trade shows for local governments in Ohio.
If you wish to pre-register, you must do so prior to Friday, 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.
Click here for the City of Columbus Tax Exemption Certificate.
| Price | |
|---|---|
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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 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
One-Day Trade Show Pass
|
$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. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
Hotel Pricing: 
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
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.
Click here to learn more about Convention Center Dining.
Click here to learn more about dining options around the Convention Center.
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
Coming Soon
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
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