2025 Ohio Boating Conference

March 18 & 19, 2025

Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel – 50 N 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215

We are excited to welcome you to the 2025 Ohio Boating Conference!

 

BoatPac Event - March 18

If you are attending the BoatPAC event from 5:30–7:00 PM, it will be held in The Study at the Renaissance.

To find The Study:

  • Enter through the Valet Drive doors and make an immediate left, OR
  • Enter through the 3rd Street doors and make an immediate right.

As a reminder, BoatPAC suggests a donation upon entry, so we encourage attendees to bring a check, cash, or be prepared to donate via card. BoatPAC does not accept contributions from corporations.

Conference Details - March 19

The main conference will take place in Hayes Ballroom D/E at the Renaissance.

    • Please arrive at 8:45 AM for check-in and breakfast.
    • The annual OMTA meeting will begin at 9:00 AM.
    • Enter through the lobby (either from the Valet Drive or 3rd Street doors) and proceed to the 2nd Floor via stairs, elevators, or escalators.

Dress Code: Business casual attire is recommended for all conference events.

Parking Information

The main conference will take place in Hayes Ballroom D/E at the Renaissance.

    • Valet parking at the Renaissance is available for $23 daily and $45 overnight.
    • A surface parking lot is located at the corner of Gay St. & 3rd St. with daily parking available.
    • Attendees are also welcome to park at other nearby locations.

Please reach out to oliviadoland@omta.com if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you in Columbus!

Conference Agenda

Tuesday, March 18th / 5:30 – 7:00 PM

  • BoatPAC Networking Event

Wednesday, March 19th / 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM

  • 8:45 AM: Check-In & Breakfast Served
  • 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Breakfast & Annual OMTA Meeting
  • 9:30 AM – 10:10 AM: Industry Updates for the Selling Season Ahead
    • Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
    • Sponsored by Brand Lab Gear
  • 10:15 AM – 10:50 AM: Legislative Panel – Water Quality
    • Moderator: Matt Fisher, Vice President of the Lake Erie Foundation
    • Panelists: Representative Sean Brennan, Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson,
      and Representative D.J. Swearingen
  • 10:55 AM – 11:30 AM: Legislative Panel – Economics & Workforce Development
    • Moderator: Michelle Burke, President of OMTA
    • Panelists: Representative Jack Daniels, Senator George Lang, Representative Melanie Miller, and Senator Bill Reineke
  • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Luncheon with Ohio Legislators
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Marketing Beyond the Boat
    • Dilara Casey, Marketing Consultant & Director of Marketing at Bertec
    • Sponsored by Riverfront Marine Sales and Service
  • 2:10 PM – 3:40 PM: Charting the Course: Leading Your Team to Drive Results
    • Dr. Bethany Klynn, President & Owner of Insight Leadership Consulting
  • 3:40 PM: Closing Remarks

Thank you to our sponsors! 

 

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

SESSION SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

BOATING IS BIG BUSINESS IN THE BUCKEYE STATE