2024 CEO Retreat

Tech Leadership for Ohio

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

OhioX’s most exclusive event, the 2024 CEO Retreat provides an opportunity for tech-focused CEOs to get away, learn, and build relationships with fellow executives.

The first two Retreats (2022 and 2023) were both sold out with more than 130 executives representing 110 companies and organizations from across Ohio attending.

The Retreat is reserved exclusively for CEOs, Presidents, and a company’s top ranking Ohio official.

Our theme for 2024: Connect

The 2024 OhioX CEO Retreat gathers over 125 tech executives to explore the theme of "connect" as we work to foster a more connected statewide tech ecosystem that links startups, small businesses, enterprises, and investors for collective growth in Ohio. Through engaging discussions and strategic relationship-building, we'll gather to enhance tech connectivity and establish the state as a hub for innovation and opportunity.

Who’s eligible to attend?

CEOs, Presidents, and the top-ranking Ohio official of a company or organization. Unfortunately, we are unable to extend invitations to non-CEOs or top ranking officials.

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Details

WHEN: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

There will be an optional add-on day of pre-Retreat social programming on Wednesday, September 11th.

WHERE: COLUMBUS

Columbus area’s Retreat 21 - a scenic winery and event destination nestled in the woods just minutes from Columbus.

Agenda

Wednesday, September 11th

Wednesday, September 11th is an optional add-on day of pre-Retreat social programming. To join Wednesday’s programming, Thursday Retreat registration is required.

Thursday, September 12th - CEO Retreat

• 8:45 AM: CHECK-IN, REGISTRATION, AND MORNING NETWORKING

Arrival, check-in, and coffee networking.

• 9:30 AM: WELCOME + OPENING REMARKS

Chris Berry, President and CEO @ OhioX

Dave Brewster, Managing Director, Technology Sector @ JobsOhio

• 9:50 - 10:30 AM: PANEL SESSION - Connecting for Growth: Lessons and Strategies from across Ohio

This session will kick off the Retreat with a discussion on the importance of building stronger connections within Ohio’s tech ecosystem. Industry leaders will share insights on how strategic connections can drive growth and innovation and some keys to increase opportunities through connections across Ohio. Topics will include creating synergies between different sectors, building stronger connections across our various regions, and the role of leadership in fostering a better connected Ohio tech sector.

Panelists:

Pete Blackshaw: Founder + CEO @ Brandrank.AI
John Phelan: EVP, CTO @ Hyland
Dan Manges: Co-Founder + CEO @ rwx
Molly Kocour Boyle: President @ AT&T Ohio (moderator)

• 10:45 - 11:25 AM: PANEL SESSION - Startups and Enterprises: Bridging the Gap

This panel will explore the collaboration opportunities between startups and enterprises. Leaders with deep experience working with and within startups and large organizations will discuss how to bridge the gap between agility and scale, foster innovation through partnerships, and navigate the challenges of integrating new technologies within established systems.

Panelists:
- Julie Jacono: CEO @ JumpStart
- Todd Schwarzinger: Partner @ Cleveland Clinic Ventures
- Darren Small: CEO @ Oko
- Tonjia Coverdale: SVP + Chief Strategy Officer @ Associated Bank (moderator)

• 11:40 AM - 12:15 PM: PANEL SESSION - Leading Tech Hubs: Lessons from Across the World

In this session, tech executives will discuss valuable lessons learned from operating in tech ecosystems around the globe. The panel will explore best practices, innovative approaches, and successful strategies that can be adopted in Ohio to grow our tech opportunity. Additionally, panelists will identify areas where Ohio has unique advantages and opportunities to lead.

Panelists:
- Ted Hill: Partner and CFO @ B Capital
- Andrew Wolfe: Co-Founder and CEO @ Bloomfilter
- Yonatan Raz-Fridman: Founder and CEO @ Supersocial
- Jessica Sublett: CEO @ Bounce Innovation Hub (moderator)

• 12:15 - 1:30 PM: LUNCH + FIRESIDE CHAT - Lt. Governor Jon Husted

Our special keynote guest for the Retreat is Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted.

• 1:30 - 2:10 PM: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Breakout Session #5A - "Public-Private Partnerships: Connecting Ohio"

This breakout session will examine the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing Ohio's tech ecosystem. Economic development officials and business leaders will discuss collaborative projects, policy initiatives, and how to create an environment conducive to innovation and growth. Topics will include infrastructure development, business support, and examples of successful public-private collaborations.

Panelists:

Dave Brewster: Managing Director, Technology Sector @ JobsOhio
Beth Flippo: CEO @ Drone Express
Denise Bartick: CEO @ MAX Technical Training
Merle Madrid: Principal @ AWS (moderator)

Breakout Session #5B - "Building and Leveraging Community to Enhance User Experience in Tech Products"

In today’s competitive tech landscape, creating a strong community around your product and delivering an exceptional user experience are crucial to success. This session will explore strategies for fostering a loyal and engaged user base, integrating community features into tech products, and designing user experiences that build loyal customers. We’ll dive into how to leverage existing communities to better connect your product with the audience it aims to serve, creating more meaningful interactions and accelerating adoption..

Panelists:

Tina Provost: CEO @ Five Star Fans
Doug McCollough: CEO @ Beta District
Lacey Picazo: CEO @ ZoCo (moderator)

• 2:30 - 3:10 PM: BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Breakout Session #6A - Navigating Government: Strategies for Selling and Landing Contracts with the Public Sector

Selling technology solutions to government entities presents unique opportunities and challenges. This panel will provide insights into the complexities of entering and thriving in government markets. Experts will discuss strategies for navigating procurement processes, understanding regulatory requirements, and building relationships with public sector stakeholders. The session will also cover the benefits of public sector contracts and how tech companies can effectively position themselves to win government business.

Fireside chat with:

Kyle Shen: CEO @ Nexceris
Rick Stockburger: CEO @ Brite Energy Innovators (moderator)

Breakout Session #6B - Tech Commercialization: Working with Ohio’s leading researchers to build and scale tech solutions

This breakout session focuses on the business opportunities within Ohio’s R+D ecosystem. Ohio is home to some of the nation’s leading research institutions, hospital systems, and defense installations. The collaboration between these institutions and the private sector is essential for driving innovation and bringing cutting-edge technologies to market. This session will explore the process of tech commercialization, highlighting successful collaborations between Ohio’s research universities and tech companies. Participants will gain insights into how to effectively partner with researchers to develop, scale, and commercialize tech solutions that address real-world challenges.

Fireside chat with:

Andrew Corris: Senior Licensing Associate @ Nationwide Children's Hospital
Evan Marsh: Managing Partner @ WynHouse: An Innovation Firm (moderator)

• 3:30 PM: RECEPTION + SOCIAL HOUR

• 5:00 PM: RETREAT CONCLUDES

Announced Speakers Include…

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Lodging

We recommend staying in Dublin’s Bridge Park neighborhood. A couple hotel options include the AC Hotel Columbus Dublin and SpringHill Suites Columbus Dublin.