2025 OAB Executive Forum

Thursday, June 12, 2025
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Le Méridien, The Joseph
620 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

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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. Sessions include:

Creating Breakthrough Local Content
Grow audiences and advertising with actionable steps to create compelling local content.
Steve Wexler, WEXL Coaching

Legislative & Regulatory Update
What every broadcaster needs to know about possible deregulation and pending legislation.
Patrick Cross, Partner, Brooks Pierce, LLP

Emerging Trends in High School Sports
Learn about new up-and-coming high school sports and developments in streaming and broadcasting.
Tim Stried, Director of Media Relations, Ohio High School Athletic Association

Practical Applications of AI
Bring your laptops as you learn how to use AI to increase advertising effectiveness, fuel creativity, and improve workflows.
Chris Brunt, Director of AI, Digital and Revenue Generation, Jacobs Media

Retaining Local Talent, Building Morale, and Staying an Employer of Choice
Better recruit, retain, and motivate your team.
Lisa Fields, President, Media Staffing Network

Plus, hear from:
Brigadier General Matthew Woodruff, Ohio Army National Guard
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 (Early Bird):  $110 for the first attendee, $85 for each additional attendee
  • Non-Member registration (Early Bird):  $150 per attendee

Early Bird registration rates are available through Friday, May 9.

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Wednesday Reception, 6-8 p.m.

The OAB is hosting a 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 CLICK HERE to reserve your room.

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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.