2024 OhioX CEO Retreat Unites Ohio’s Tech Leaders, Driving Innovation and Collaboration
COLUMBUS, OH – The 2024 OhioX CEO Retreat presented by JobsOhio concluded last week in Columbus, bringing together over 100 Ohio tech-focused CEOs and leading executives for two days of collaboration, learning, and strategic discussions. The exclusive event, hosted at Marysville’s Retreat 21, focused on the theme "Connect," highlighting the importance of statewide partnerships and the role of technology in driving economic growth across Ohio.
The retreat featured panel discussions, breakout sessions, social programs, and a much-anticipated fireside chat with Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted. Topics ranged from the future of artificial intelligence to bridging the gap between startups and enterprises, with a common focus on how Ohio can seize this “Silicon Heartland” opportunity to lead in tech innovation.
Key Moments from the Retreat
Fireside Chat with Lt. Governor Jon Husted: Lt. Governor Husted and Chris Berry, President and CEO of OhioX, engaged in an insightful conversation about Ohio’s progress in technology, including the AI Toolkit initiative, innovations in government experience, and the state’s Innovation Hubs in Dayton, Toledo, and Akron. Husted praised Ohio’s growing tech ecosystem and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering innovation through public-private partnerships.
Panel: Startups and Enterprises – Bridging the Gap: Moderated by Tonjia Coverdale, this panel brought together leaders from Ohio's thriving startup and enterprise communities. Panelists Julie Jacono, Todd Schwarzinger, and Darren Small discussed how startups and larger organizations can collaborate to drive innovation, agility, and new technology adoption. The conversation highlighted real-world success stories of Ohio companies working together to scale cutting-edge technologies.
Breakout Session: Public-Private Partnerships – Connecting Ohio: Moderated by AWS’s Merle Madrid, this session focused on the power of partnerships between the public sector and private tech companies to spur economic development. Panelists Dave Brewster, Beth Flippo, and Denise Bartick shared strategies for navigating regulated industries and making the most of Ohio’s supportive business environment.
Event Outcomes
The 2024 CEO Retreat succeeded in fostering greater collaboration across Ohio’s tech ecosystem. Tech executives from industries such as healthcare, AI, and more shared actionable insights and discussed strategies for solving Ohio’s most pressing challenges, such as talent shortages, increasing venture capital investment, and how to position Ohio as a recognizable tech hub.
Chris Berry, President and CEO of OhioX, reflected on the retreat’s success: “We’re thrilled with the conversations and partnerships sparked during the 3rd annual OhioX CEO Retreat. Ohio’s tech leaders are more connected than ever, and this event underscored the potential we have to continue building a leading tech hub right here in our state.”
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