
Join Us!
Date | Time
Wednesday October 15, 2025 at 8 a.m.
Location
The Conference Center at OCLC
Parking is free and located at the front and rear entrances of the center.
This location is accessibility-friendly in nature. Should you or a colleague need accessibility accommodations, or would like to learn more about what’s available, please contact AJ at aj@distincteventplanning.com
Conference Schedule
8am - 4pm
Registration, Continental Breakfast & Networking
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Get ready for a great conference!
Welcome: Leadership Remarks & Opening Keynote
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Our keynote will kick off the day with encouraging and enlightening remarks.
Morning Concurrent Sessions
10:15 – 11:15AM
A variety of morning sessions will be available for attendees to select. Please see the page dedicated to those sessions and be prepared to make a selection when registering.
Lunch
11:30 – 12:45 PM
We're pleased to welcome an assortment of cultural performances during lunch.
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
1:00 – 2:00 PM
A variety of afternoon sessions will be offered to attendees to select. Please see the page dedicated to those sessions and be prepared to make a selection when registering. Morning and afternoon concurrent sessions are subject to capacity limits, please register as early as possible!
Closing Keynote
2:15 – 3:00 PM
This panel highlights the stories of local women small business owners, their strategies for overcoming barriers, and their vision for inclusive economic growth. It ties directly into National Women’s Small Business Month by centering women’s leadership, resilience, and impact in Central Ohio.
Networking Reception
3:15 – 4:00 PM
Conclude the day with an opportunity to network with those you met and continue to converse on the day's topics and learning objectives.
Choose Your Track
This year, you’ll be able to choose smaller sessions that are meant to feel more personal and hands-on. These sessions are grouped into learning tracks, so you can focus on one area and keep building your knowledge step by step.
Workforce Development
Building skills and pathways for a thriving workforce.
Economic Engagement Track
Growing opportunity for small businesses and local partners.
Every Resident , Every Day
Strengthening services and connections for our community.
Please note that when you register, be prepared to make your breakout session selections, as sessions will have attendance caps this year. Keep this in mind if you’re filling out a registration for a colleague: make sure you know which sessions a colleague would prefer before you go to complete the registration.
NEW! Cultural Learning Labs
This year we are also offering two hands-on cultural learning labs designed to help you better support diverse communities and strengthen your ability to lead with cultural awareness.
Learning Lab: Cultural Fluency
Trained by: Columbus Council on World Affairs
Learning Lab: Supporting Minority Communities Through Trauma and Change: Culturally Responsive Strategies That Work
This Learning Lab examines how trauma and systemic change impact minority communities and workplace relationships.
Dynamic Speakers

Jason Hall
Morning Keynote Speaker

Letha Pugh
Afternoon Keynote Panel Member
Small Business Owner

Chelsie Casagrande
Afternoon Keynote Panel Member
Small Business Owner

Lucretia Williams
Afternoon Keynote Panel Member
Small Business Owner
Contact the event organizers
aj@distincteventplanning.com
Conference Venue
Location
The Conference Center at OCLC