2026 Ohio Boating Conference

March 10 & 11, 2026

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

We are excited to welcome you to the 2026 Ohio Boating Conference!

 

BoatPac Event - March 10
5:30PM – 7:00PM

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 11
8:30AM – 4:00PM

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

    • Please arrive at 8:15 AM for check-in and breakfast.
    • The conference will begin at 8:30 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 aliciadonati@omta.com if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you in Columbus!

Conference Agenda

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESDOWNLOAD AGENDA
  • 8:15 AM: Check-in 
  • 8:30 AM – 10:10 AM: Breakfast with the Legislators & Opening Remarks
  • 10:15 AM – 10:50 AM Legislative Panel: Charting a Course for Marine Careers
    • Moderator: Michelle Burke, President of OMTA
    • Panelists: Representative Jamie Callender, Representative DJ Swearingen, and Taylor Abbott, Executive Director of the Ohio River Commission
  • 10:55 AM – 11:30 AM Legislative Panel: Investing in the Blue Economy
    • Moderator: Larry Fletcher, President of Shores & Islands Ohio
    • Panelists: Senator Theresa Gavarone, Mindy Banky, Assistant Director of ODNR, Representative Monica Robb Blasdel, Representative Bride Rose Sweeney, Senator Shane Wilkin
  • 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Luncheon & OMTA Annual Meeting
  • 12:20 PM – 1:00 PM: Dealership of the Future
    • Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
    • Sponsored by Brand Lab Gear
  • 1:10 PM – 2:40 PM: Will a Disney-Like Customer-Centric Culture Help Sell More Boats? YES!
    • Joel Staley, Founder and CEO of JCS Communications – Sponsored by Riverfront Marine Sales and Service
  • 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM: The Future of the Marine Customer Experience
    • Alynn Gordon, Ph.D Senior Market Research Analyst, Yamaha Motor Corp
  • 3:50 PM: Closing Remarks

Panel 1: Charting a Course for Marine Careers

Charting a Course for Marine Careers
Aligning education, industry, and policy to build Ohio’s marine workforce

From building boats to servicing them, the marine industry offers rewarding, hands-on careers across Ohio. Yet the pipeline of skilled labor continues to narrow. This session brings together voices from government, workforce development, and the boating industry to explore how we can inspire, train, and retain the next generation of marine professionals.

Panel 2: Investing in the Blue Economy

Investing in the Blue Economy
Making boating access and waterfront development a statewide priority

Ohio’s waterways are more than natural treasures—they are economic engines fueling tourism, development, and outdoor recreation. This session will explore how strategic investments in boating access, marinas, and waterfront infrastructure can create jobs, draw visitors, and revitalize communities across the state.

 

Keynote Speaker: Joel Staley

Customer Relations Training Session 

As a PR professional with more than 25 years of experience including as a PR director for Disney Parks & Resorts, Joel Staley helps brands large and small understand who they are, what they do, why they do it, and how they can deliver on their brand promise with each and every customer interaction. In his seminar on customer service, he defines what it is and shares examples of who’s doing it right. He discusses the cost of acquiring customers and losing them. He shares several insights learned from his many Disney experiences and from years conducting public relations for FORTUNE 500 brands like State Farm, Unilever, IKEA and Georgia-Pacific. He then helps his listeners learn to create emotional connections with their customers and convert them into superfans!

Thank you to our sponsors! 

 

SILVER SPONSORS

SESSION SPONSORS