Ohio Economic Development Association upcoming events

2026 OEDI Business Retention and Expansion Core Course (25 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION CORE COURSE

JUNE 25 - 26, 2026, 2026

Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 43016

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Description: The Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Course focuses on how economic developers work with existing companies to help them succeed, grow and expand in their community. The Course utilizes instruction as well as experiential learning activities, panels, case studies, and guest speakers.

The BR&E Course interactive delivery model helps ensure participants will leave with immediately applicable knowledge and build their professional network through group activities. Unlike traditional lecture-style, this course focuses on participant engagement and interaction. And, it provides a forum for economic development professionals to share information and build relationships with the best in the industry.

Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with the changing business landscape and emerging trends and issues in economic development, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping BRE strategy and practice. Some of the past topics include:

• Objectives and Outcomes of BRE

• Your BR&E Bench: Leveraging Regional Resource Partners

• BRE and Industry Trends in Ohio: How your community fits into the overall Ohio Economy

• Workforce: Realities and Dynamics in Ohio That Impact BRE Strategies

• Branding, Marketing & Applying Social Media to BRE in your Community

• Artificial Intelligence and BRE: Exploring AI Tools and Applications to Strengthen Business Retention and Expansion Efforts

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Who Should Attend: This course is specifically designed to deliver comprehensive training in the use of finance and incentive programs; making it attractive to the intermediate level professional as well as the experienced practitioner who wants to brush up on the latest in project finance and new tools and programs.

Pre-Requisites: Because of the program’s rigor, attendees must have completed The Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or have three years of economic or community development experience. Individuals who will be taking the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course in the Spring of 2026* may register for this course.

Faculty: OEDI Core Courses are taught by experienced local, state, and national economic development practitioners. In addition to these lead instructor(s), each course has a unique faculty group made up on individuals who have been hand selected because of their subject matter expertise, leadership role in Ohio economic development, or role in the case studies utilized in the course.

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, and experienced development finance experts.

Registration: Early Bird Registration offers a discount to the regular OEDA member registration. The early-bird registration period ends May 15, 2026 and all registration options increase to the regular fee. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.

Why OEDI: The Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI) is the premier training and professional development program for economic developers in Ohio. As a state-specific program, OEDI’s Core Courses focus on the practice of economic development in Ohio; including the state’s unique economic development structure and ecosystem. The Institute is made possible through the generous and continuing support of JobsOhio. OEDA’s academic partner is the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

Ohio Certified Economic Developer: OEDI courses are part of a comprehensive curriculum, but they can be taken singly. They also serve as the pathway to the Ohio Certified Economic Development (OhioCED) Individuals who successfully complete the five Core Courses, a project-based Capstone Course, and an additional 24 hours of electives, are eligible for the Ohio Certified Economic Developer or OhioCED.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit VISIT DUBLIN OHIO for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Policies & Additional Information

1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.

2. Cancellations must be requested in writing no later than 7 days prior to each course to receive a full refund. Please note that no refunds will be issued after this date and registrations not canceled and pending payment are responsible for full payment. As an additional option, you may submit a request in writing to transfer your registration to another student up to 7 days prior to the course.

3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.

4. If the multiple course rate is selected, the registrant must register for and attend at least one additional OEDI core course in 2026. If the registrant does not register for and attend an additional course, a $50 fee will be assessed and an invoice will be sent to the registrant.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

Successfully Negotiating Community Benefits Agreements for Data Centers (25 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for this Timely Webinar on

Successfully Negotiating Community Benefits

Agreements for Data Centers

Thursday, June 25, 2026

10:00 - 11:00 AM

In partnership between

the Ohio Economic Development Association and

The Montrose Group

OEDA, in partnership with the Montrose Group, invites you to a working session on one of the most consequential questions in economic development right now: how communities and developers can turn data center growth into lasting local benefit.

Data center development is accelerating faster than any infrastructure buildout in a generation, bringing significant capital investment, tax revenue, and digital infrastructure to communities across the country. As these projects scale, developers and local leaders have a real opportunity to shape how that growth lands — ensuring host communities share in the upside through job creation, infrastructure improvements, environmental stewardship, and direct community investment.

Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) have emerged as the most practical tool to bridge the gap between communities and developers. These legally binding contracts translate developer promises into specific, measurable commitments on local hiring, environmental safeguards, infrastructure, and direct investment. Done well, a CBA can turns an adversarial permitting fight into a structured negotiation that both protects residents and gives developers a credible path to approval and on-time delivery.

Led by Nate Green and Matt McCollister of the Montrose Group – a Columbus, Ohio business consulting firm specializing in corporate site location, economic development planning, and government – this session walks through what makes a data center CBA work in practice; which provisions matter most, how to draft commitments that hold up over a 20-plus year operating life, and the enforcement mechanisms that separate a meaningful agreement from a public relations document. It will also examine real agreements and discuss where CBAs have fallen short.

Whether you represent a local government, community coalition, developer, or labor organization, you'll leave with a working framework for your next project.

OEDA Professional Development programs are made possible through the generous support of:

2026 OEDI Site Selection Core Course (23 Jul 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI SITE SELECTION CORE COURSE

July 23 - 24, 2026

Bob Crane Community Center

3200 Tremont Road

Upper Arlington, OH 43221

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Description: This course covers both site development and the site selection processes. The site development aspects of the course will focus on the process of how to make sure that that Ohio communities have shovel-ready sites that are competitive. The site selection portions of the course are designed to give the economic development professional an understanding of the JobsOhio site selection program, the specifics of the SiteOhio site certification program, the Ohio Future Fund, and how economic developers can work with site selectors and consultants.

Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with emerging site development and selection issues and new tools and programs. Some of the past topics include:

Site Selection Fundamentals & Trends
Importance of Infrastructure in Site Selection: Focus on Utilities
Strategically Building the Product Pipeline: SiteOhio & Beyond
Details, Details: Practical Tips for Finding and Maintaining Site
The RFP: The Importance of Data Quality & Integrity
Identifying & Advancing Sites as Job Hubs in your Community
Executing an Effective Site Visit: Process, Process, Process

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, and experienced development finance experts.

Registration: Early Bird Registration of offers a discount to the regular OEDA member registration. The early-bird registration period ends June 1, 2026, 2026 and all registration options increase to the regular fee. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit TRI VILLAGE LODGING for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Policies & Additional Information

1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.

3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

2026 OEDI Workforce and Talent Core Course (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI WORKFORCE AND TALENT COURSE

August 26 - 27, 2026

Note: The above dates are revised from earlier scheduling.

Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 3016

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS END JULY 1, 2026

Course Description: This course covers the importance of workforce and and talent as a key economic development tool, as well as the key federal and state programs that support workforce. The course provides students with techniques to meet the job needs of both new and existing businesses. The course covers the changing demographic and economic dynamics of the workforce, best practices in Ohio and around the nation, JobsOhio workforce and talent programs, effective partnerships, the importance of data, and how local communities can leverage their resources into effective workforce programs.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Topics:

Workforce development as part of the economic development strategy

Effective workforce development strategies

Effective employer strategies

Ohio workforce players: A Survey of the Field

Research on Ohio’s workforce

Community workforce strategies: Knowing Your Assets

K-12 and the Emerging Workforce

Industry Sector Partnerships

Ohio-specific information for intermediate and advanced practitioners

Designed in collaboration with JobsOhio and Ohio University

The most up-to-date industry information

Interactive learning focused on participant engagement

Networking opportunities with the top economic and workforce development pros

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Who Should Attend: This course is designed for all intermediate and advanced economic and workforce development practitioners, stakeholders and partners. In addition, elected officials and community leaders can benefit from learning about the importance of workforce for their community and how their community can structure a workforce program that meets employers’ needs.

Pre-Requisites: Because of the program’s rigor, attendees must have completed The Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or have three years of economic or community development experience.

Faculty: OEDI Core Courses are taught by experienced local, state, and national economic and workforce development practitioners. In addition to these lead instructor(s), each course has a unique faculty group made up on individuals who have been hand selected because of their subject matter expertise, leadership role in Ohio economic development, or role in the case studies utilized in the course.

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Means Jobs, Workforce Development Boards, employer human resource and workforce professionals, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, the International Economic Development Council, and Ohio universities.

Ohio Certified Economic Developer: OEDI courses are part of a comprehensive curriculum, but they can be taken singly. They also serve as the pathway to the Ohio Certified Economic Development (OhioCED) Credential. Individuals who successfully complete the five Core Courses, a project-based Capstone Course, and an additional 24 hours of electives, are eligible for the Ohio Certified Economic Developer or OhioCED.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit VISIT DUBLIN for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin, Residence Inn by Marriott. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at AICP Planning CM

Policies & Additional Information

Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.
Cancellations must be requested in writing no later than 7 days prior to each course to receive a full refund. Please note that no refunds will be issued after this date and registrations not canceled and pending payment are responsible for full payment. As an additional option, you may submit a request in writing to transfer your registration to another student up to 7 days prior to the course.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.
If the multiple course rate is selected, the registrant must register for and attend at least one additional OEDI core course in 2026. If the registrant does not register for and attend an additional course, a $50 fee will be assessed and an invoice will be sent to the registrant.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

2026 OEDI Real Estate Development Course (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

2026 OEDI REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCING CORE COURSE

September 24 - 25, 2026

Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 43016

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!

Course Description: This course teaches the critical steps of real estate development and helps attendees develop a comprehensive understanding of how a deal progresses from concept to completion. Attendees will analyze the anatomy of a real estate deal and learn how each component stage impacts the next. The economic developer will build the knowledge they need to more thoughtfully approach securing and closing the deal and what comes after.

Knowledge: Participants will learn about the important stages in real estate development; from the earliest stages of due diligence to occupancy and property management. Participants will gain the knowledge they need to determine project feasibility, how to finance real estate development and redevelopment, and how to recognize and overcome the challenges to advancing a new development in their community.·

Network: This course provides a forum for economic development professionals to share information and build relationships with the best in the real estate industry. Unlike traditional lecture-style trainings, this course focuses on participant and presenter engagement and interaction. This course provides unmatched opportunities to dialogue with instructors, speakers, and colleagues.

Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with emerging real estate development issues and trends. Some of the past topics include:

What Real Estate Development is Right for Your Community
Project Feasibility from a Market, Financial and Political Perspective. Understanding ownership structures.
The ABC’s of LLC’s
Public Private Collaboration and Partnership
Due Diligence & Construction – Knowing the Risks and How to Avoid Them.
The Financial Anatomy of a Deal – Building a Proforma.
Marketing, Occupancy, and Property/Asset Management: Showing it, Filling it and Selling it
Closing the Gap: What Programs from JobsOhio and Other Sources Can Help a Deal Come Together

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, and experienced development finance experts.

Registration: Early Bird Registration of offers a discount to the regular OEDA member registration. The early-bird registration period ends August 1, 2026 and all registration options increase to the regular fee. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.

Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit VISIT DUBLIN OHIO for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin, Residence Inn by Marriott. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity.

Policies & Additional Information

1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.

3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.

Thank you to our Leadership Circle Investors for your generous support:

2026 OEDA Annual Summit (06 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:30:00 GMT

2026 OEDA Annual Summit

October 6–9, 2026 | Dayton Convention Center | Dayton, Ohio

The 2026 OEDA Annual Summit will convene more than 500 economic development professionals for three energizing days of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connection—right in the heart of downtown Dayton. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, the Summit is designed to help you sharpen your skills, expand your network, and amplify your impact.

Highlights of this year's Summit include:

30+ Breakout Sessions organized into six dynamic tracks: Sites, Energy & Infrastructure; Workforce, Housing & Community Competitiveness; Finance, Incentives & Deal Strategy; Technology, Innovation & AI; Leadership, Partnerships & Community Engagement; and Wildcard (see flag #6)
Content for All Levels: Each track features sessions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, plus focused spotlights on Dayton and the Dayton Region's innovations.
5 Experiential Tours / Learning Labs showcasing real-world projects and community partnerships.
10 high-impact IGNITE presentations—quick, powerful talks that spark new thinking.
Inspiring General Sessions and Keynotes featuring statewide and national voices in economic development.
Engaging Networking + Social Events that foster collaboration and community—like the Chairman's Reception, Women in ED, and the always-popular Late Night Trivia.
Pre-Conference Activities on October 6, including our annual community service project, a golf scramble, and an early arrival reception.

About the Host City – Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, the seat of Montgomery County, is a city in southwest Ohio's Miami Valley with a legacy of invention that still defines it. As the birthplace of aviation—home to Wilbur and Orville Wright—Dayton built a culture of engineering and ingenuity that lives on today in its aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing economy, anchored by nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Downtown Dayton is in the middle of a visible revitalization, from the restored Dayton Arcade to a reimagined riverfront, blending historic architecture with new energy. As a hub of the broader Dayton Region, the city pairs a diverse, innovation-driven economy with the walkable, welcoming feel of a community on the rise.

About the Venue – Dayton Convention Center

The newly reimagined Dayton Convention Center sits in the heart of downtown Dayton and serves as the central hub for the 2026 Summit. Following a major renovation, the modernized facility offers flexible meeting and exhibit space, a central downtown location within walking distance of hotels, dining, and entertainment, and a fresh, contemporary setting that makes it one of the region's premier event venues.

The 2026 OEDA Annual Summit will be among the first major statewide events hosted in the renovated center.

Where to Stay

OEDA has secured room blocks at five preferred hotels for the 2026 OEDA Annual Summit—all in or near downtown Dayton with easy access to the Dayton Convention Center. Rates and cut-off dates are confirmed for all five; online booking links are being finalized for the hotels noted below.

Become a Sponsor

Link: 2026 Annual Summit – Sponsorship Brochure

Becoming a sponsor of the 2026 OEDA Annual Summit is a powerful way to connect with Ohio's top economic development professionals and demonstrate your organization's commitment to growth, innovation, and community impact.

With more than 500 attendees expected and visibility across OEDA's statewide network, sponsors receive recognition through signage, programs, the Whova app, social media, and more—along with valuable opportunities to speak, exhibit, and engage directly with participants.

Whether you're supporting a breakout track, networking event, or becoming a Presenting Sponsor, your investment helps shape Ohio's economic future while positioning your brand at the center of the state's premier development event.

Have questions or want to discuss available opportunities? Contact Jason Kester, Summit & Sponsorship Chair at jkester@agracel.com.

Visiting Dayton

Dayton offers visitors a rich mix of history, culture, and outdoor space. Aviation and history enthusiasts can explore the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, one of the world's largest military aviation museums and free to the public, or trace the Wright brothers' story through the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Carillon Historical Park brings the region's innovation story to life across an open-air campus of historic buildings.

Art lovers can visit the Dayton Art Institute, while the historic Oregon District offers a walkable stretch of local restaurants, bars, and shops. For outdoor time, RiverScape MetroPark and the Five Rivers MetroParks system provide trails and riverfront space just minutes from the convention center.

Link: Visit Dayton (Dayton/Montgomery County CVB)