2026 Winter Conference Pre-Registration
Get Involved. Get Inspired. Get Festive.
Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 North High StreetColumbus, OH 43215
United States
HIGHLIGHTS
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.
Back Again for 2026
ONE-DAY TRADE SHOW PASS
On-Site Registration Option
We’re offering a special One-Day Trade Show Pass for attendees who want to experience the excitement of the OTA Winter Conference Trade Show without committing to the full event! At just $95, this on-site purchase is perfect for township employees and industry professionals with limited time.
Please note, the one-day pass is available only to affiliate, associate, and non-members, and cannot be purchased by township trustees or fiscal officers. This pass doesn’t include conference workshops, session recordings, or optional events.
TRADE SHOW BINGO
Popular Trade Show Game
Play Trade Show Bingo in the Trade Show Hall for a chance to win prizes! Visit booths to score three bingos, then enter your card for a chance to win. All attendees can play.
Sponsored by Brosius, Johnson & Griggs
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Member Pre-Registration
*All township trustees and fiscal officers are members of the OTA. |
$135.00 |
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Non-Member Pre-Registration
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$185.00 |
|
Spouse/Guest Pre-registration
|
$30.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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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 |
|
Public Records Training
The OTA hosts one of the required state trainings for township elected officials every other year. This year, we will host public records training. This free training is available for all attendees and satisfies the Revised Code requirement that all elected officials, trustees and fiscal officers, must have. Although free, a ticket is required to attend. |
FREE |
|
Legislative Reception
Join state legislators and their staff for an evening of lively conversations. This event is a chance to make connections and advocate for township initiatives. Sign up early as this event only happens every other year. Light appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. The OTA will provide buses to and from the Statehouse. |
$25.00 |
|
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 Sam Glenn, an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and performance artist. Sam weaves his uplifting story into his remarks and is an expert at igniting personal and professional positivity. His Motivated by Art training fosters energy and engagement in the workplace to enrich the quality of performance. |
$40.00 |
These options are only available on-site. Optional event tickets are sold on-site as available.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| On-Site Registration
On-site conference registration for all attendees, members or non-members. Registration Opens 2/4/2026 at 9:00 AM EST
|
$185.00 |
| One-Day Trade Show Pass
Back again, purchase a special One-Day Trade Show Pass for attendees who want to experience the excitement of the Trade Show without committing to the full event! This is available only to affiliates, associates, and non-members and cannot be purchased by trustees or fiscal officers. This pass includes access to the trade show and doesn’t include conference workshops, recordings, or optional events. Registration Opens 2/4/2026 at 9:00 AM EST
|
$95.00 |
Agenda
| February 4 | |
| 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration Location: A110 |
| 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
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 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Workshops |
| 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Trade Show Location: Hall A |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Networking with Vendors Location: Hall A |
| 12:30 PM - 3:45 PM | Public Records Training Space is limited. Must RSVP while registering. |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Workshops |
| 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Snack Break Location: Hall A |
| 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Networking with Vendors Location: Hall A |
| 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM |
Legislative Reception
Location: Ohio Statehouse Meet in the Hyatt/GCCC connector NO LATER than 4 PM to for bussing. |
| 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | County Officers Meeting Dinner included. |
| February 5 | |
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration Location: A110 |
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Trade Show Location: Hall A |
| 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM | Networking with Vendors Location: Hall A |
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 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 2025 membership awards, and wrap up the session with a engaging panel discussion on property taxesh. This is also the annual meeting of the OTA. Sponsored by OTARMA |
| 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Networking with Vendors Location: Hall A |
| 11:10 AM - 12:50 PM | CLOUT Meeting & Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Workshops |
| 1:00 PM | Director Elections |
| 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Snack Break |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Workshops |
| 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM | Workshops |
| 6:00 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 |
| February 6 | |
| 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM | Registration |
| 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 - 12:00 PM | Trade Show |
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Workshops |
| 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM | Snack Break/Networking with Vendors |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | Workshops |
| 10:15 AM | OTARMA Meeting |
| 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM | Last Chance to Network with Vendors |
| 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM |
Luncheon
Make sure to purchase your ticket for the Luncheon held on Friday, During lunch, you’ll hear from Sam Glenn, an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and performance artist. Sam uses his uplifting story into his topics and is an expert at igniting personal and professional positivity. You won’t want to miss out on this presentation! Sponsored by NOPEC |
| 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | Workshops |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Workshops |
Keynote Speakers
General Session Panel
You won’t want to miss out on this year’s General Session! Join us for an engaging panel discussion on one of the most talked-about issues, property taxes. Hear diverse insights from former state legislator Bill Seitz, Representative David Thomas, and Lake County Auditor Chris Galloway as they share their perspectives on challenges and the future outlook of Ohio’s property tax system. This dynamic discussion will offer valuable context for townships navigating the evolving fiscal landscape.
Sam Glenn
Luncheon Speaker
Make sure to purchase your ticket for the Luncheon held on Friday, February 6, 2026. During lunch, you’ll hear from Sam Glenn, an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and performance artist.
Sam uses his uplifting story into his topics and is an expert at igniting personal and professional positivity. The purpose of his program is to recharge, rekindle, and inspire levels of optimism, purpose, engagement, resilience, and teamwork. He does this by using Motivated by Art training to foster energy and engagement in the workplace to enrich the quality of performance. You won’t want to miss out on this presentation!
Hotel Pricing: 
Housing must be reserved online through the Columbus Housing Bureau portal. We will not call about housing. If you receive a call about housing, it is a scam and should be ignored. If you have a housing question, call the OTA office at 614-863-0045.
Availability limited. Housing is not guaranteed after January 9, 2026. 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
For more parking information, to purchase advance parking, and live availability updates, click below.
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.
Learn more about what Columbus has to offer using the links below.
Workshops
Each year, we offer valuable and timely workshops to best serve attendees. With workshops covering a broad range of topics and tracks, you will have a hard time picking which workshop to attend.
A complete listing of workshops will be uploaded here in the near future.
Trade Show
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
Click the button below to view the list of vendors who exhibited the 2025 OTA Winter Conference & Trade Show. A list of all 2026 vendors will be uploaded in the near future.
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 Michael Zaky at zaky@ohiotownships.org or 614-863-0045 with your information to be placed on our volunteer list.
For More Information:
For More Information:
Contact OTA Director of Education & Events Michael Zaky at 614-863-0045.
Cancellation & Substitution Policy
Thank You, 2026 Conference Sponsors!
Want to see your name on this list? View all our sponsorship opportunities.
Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities
