Thursday, June 12, 2025
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Le Méridien, The Joseph
620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
REGISTER NOW
Join owners, GMs, and managers from across Ohio for a day of networking, insights, and practical strategies to strengthen your competitive edge.
Exploring strong community roots
Every day, your station makes a difference in the community you serve – both on and off the air. This year’s program will explore that unique local connection and how it grows audiences, advertising, and political capital.
The program
This year’s program explores broadcasters’ unique connection to your local communities and how that grows audiences, advertising, and political capital. Please see below for the full event schedule and sessions:
8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. | Registration and Continental Breakfast
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Welcome & Opening General Session
Creating Breakthrough Local Content
Steve Wexler, WEXL Coaching
Grow audiences and advertising with actionable steps to create compelling local content.
10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Morning Break
10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions
Emerging Trends in High School Sports
Tim Stried, Director of Media Relations, Ohio High School Athletic Association
Learn about new up-and-coming high school sports and developments in streaming and broadcasting.
Digital Revenue Generation
Chris Brunt, Director of AI, Digital and Revenue Generation, Jacobs Media
Enhance your digital revenue strategy.
11:15 a.m. – Noon | Concurrent Sessions
Retaining Local Talent, Building Morale, and Staying an Employer of Choice
Lisa Fields, President, Media Staffing Network
Better recruit, retain, and motivate your team.
Practical Applications of AI
Chris Brunt, Director of AI, Digital and Revenue Generation, Jacobs Media
Bring your laptops as you learn how to use AI to increase advertising effectiveness, fuel creativity, and improve workflows.
Noon – 1:00 p.m. | Luncheon, Annual Meeting & Keynote Address
OAB and Ohio Army National Guard Partnership
Brigadier General Matthew Woodruff, Ohio Army National Guard
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Roundtable Discussion & Networking
1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Legislative & Regulatory Update
Patrick Cross, Partner, Brooks Pierce, LLP
Jimmy Wolf, Government Relations Advocate, Statehouse Impact Group
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Afternoon Break
2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Closing General Session
We Are Broadcasters
Alex Siciliano, SVP Public Affairs, National Association of Broadcasters
Registration
Registration for the Executive Forum is available to both OAB members and non-members:
- OAB Member registration: $135 for the first attendee, $85 for each additional attendee
- Non-Member registration: $195 per attendee
REGISTER NOW
Wednesday Reception, 6-8 p.m.
The OAB is hosting a free welcome reception at Brewcadia (just a 5-minute walk from Le Méridien), with drinks and bites for anyone who is in town Wednesday night.
Overnight Rooms
We have a small number of hotel rooms on-hold for attendees who plan to stay overnight on Wednesday evening. Rooms are available at the OAB rate of $279. Please contact the OAB’s Andy Hartzell if you’re interested in booking a room.
REGISTER NOW
Parking
The OAB will provide event parking passes for the Joseph Garage at 33 W Russell St., located across N High St. from Le Méridien. Attendees staying overnight at the hotel are responsible for their own overnight parking fees.
The Short North Arts District
The Executive Forum will take place in the heart of Columbus’ Short North Arts District, a thriving neighborhood and cultural hub, home to a plethora of restaurants and nightlife, art galleries and local shops, a public park, and special events throughout the year. Visit shortnorth.org for more information.