For Immediate Release
Record Attendance as 600 Economic Development Leaders Gather in Akron for the 2025 OEDA Summit
Nation’s largest state-level economic development conference marks 45 years of advancing Ohio’s growth and collaboration.
AKRON, OHIO – Thursday, October 16, 2025 – Yesterday, the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) opened the 2025 OEDA Summit at the John S. Knight Center, welcoming a record crowd of nearly 600 professionals for the largest state-level economic development conference in the nation.
Now in its 45th year, the Summit has been Ohio’s premier gathering for economic developers since 1980. Traditionally held in Columbus, the event is being hosted outside the capital for only the second time—following last year’s successful conference in Toledo.
“This record turnout reflects the energy and momentum of Ohio’s economic development community,” said David Zak, President & CEO of OEDA. “The Summit connects the people, ideas, and partnerships that power our state’s growth—helping us prepare sites, train talent, revitalize communities, and build prosperity statewide.”
The three-day conference features more than 100 speakers across general sessions, breakout discussions, and hands-on labs focused on the state’s most pressing priorities:
- Energy & Infrastructure
- Housing
- Real Estate Development
- Workforce Development
- Technology & Tools
2026 Policy Platform, at a glance
- Strong Foundations: Support Ohio’s collaborative model; put practitioners at the policy table.
- Competitive Communities: Make place a driver of prosperity; invest in infrastructure & energy; build homes working Ohioans can afford; reuse what’s built.
- Competitive Tools: Prepare sites and buildings before demand; keep incentives active, effective & fair.
- Future Economy: Align education, talent & opportunity; spark innovation and entrepreneurship statewide.
J.P. Nauseef, President & CEO of JobsOhio, highlighted the strength of collaboration across the state’s economic development network.
“The OEDA Summit demonstrates the power of Team Ohio—state, regional, and local partners working together to compete and win,” Nauseef said. “When we align our strategies and share best practices, we attract investment, create jobs, and build stronger communities in every region of Ohio.”
Matt Dolan, CEO of Team NEO, underscored the significance of hosting the event in Northeast Ohio.
“We’re proud to welcome economic development leaders from across the state to Akron,” Dolan said. “The Summit provides an opportunity to showcase the success, innovation, and resilience of Northeast Ohio—and to share models of collaboration that can inspire progress statewide.”
Thomas Winston, Chair of OEDA and President & CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, reflected on OEDA’s leadership and the profession’s continued evolution.
“For more than four decades, this Summit has brought together the people who build Ohio’s economy,” Winston said. “It’s where professionals connect, learn, and collaborate to move our communities forward—and where the future of economic development in Ohio continues to take shape.”
The 2025 OEDA Summit runs through Friday. It features three days of programming, networking, and recognition events that showcase the people and partnerships driving Ohio’s economic growth.
###
Media Contact: Amanda Miller, Marketing & Engagement Manager, amiller@ohioeda.com, 419.910.1182
About the OEDA Summit
The OEDA Summit is Ohio’s premier gathering for economic development professionals, public officials, and partners. Since 1980, it has been held annually, with more than 100 speakers, dozens of sessions, and networking opportunities that foster learning, collaboration, and innovation. It is the nation’s largest state-level economic development conference, convening nearly 600 participants from every region of Ohio.
About the Ohio Economic Development Association
The Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) is the statewide professional association for economic developers and their partners, advancing the practice of economic development through education, advocacy, and collaboration. OEDA offers the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI)—including the nation’s largest Basic Economic Development Course—and serves more than 900 members across every region of the state.
Learn more at ohioeda.com.