The OhioX CEO Retreat is an exclusive, invite-only gathering of 100+ top Ohio technology leaders—ranging from startup founders and scale-up CEOs to senior executives at Fortune 500 companies and innovation-driven organizations.

Designed for decision-makers, the Retreat offers a private, distraction-free setting for candid conversations, strategic insights, and meaningful connections. No expo floor. No distractions. Just tech leadership for Ohio.

Who’s eligible to attend?

• CEOs, Presidents, and the top-ranking Ohio official of a company or organization.
• For non-OhioX members, your company must have 5+ Ohio FTEs

DETAILS

• When: Thursday, September 11th
• Where: Columbus-area Retreat 21 - a scenic winery and event destination nestled in the woods just minutes from Columbus.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode

Scaling a company requires more than product vision—it demands operational leadership. Inspired by AirBnB’s Brian Chesky, and captured by Paul Graham, we’ll explore the critical (and often messy) shift from building to managing, and how successful CEOs navigate the transition while keeping their culture, team, and growth intact. And, also their sanity.

Lessons from the Exit

A candid conversation with Ohio business leaders who have successfully sold their companies. Hear what they learned through the process—what they’d do again, what they’d do differently, and how an exit changes everything from leadership to legacy. And, how they’re thinking about, “what’s next?”

The First Door: Building an open-door culture in Ohio tech

What if Ohio became the place where tech companies—big and small—open doors for each other? This session explores how we can build a culture where established companies actively support startups and small businesses, where enterprises invest time and pilot partnerships, and where CEOs buy, sell, and grow together. Inspired by what makes communities like Y Combinator powerful, we’ll discuss how Ohio can unlock a statewide “open door” network—one that turns individual success into collective opportunity.

[full agenda to be released and subject to change]

Thursday, September 11th (full details and speakers to be announced later)

• 8:45 AM: Check-in, registration, and morning networking
• 9:30 AM: Retreat begins
• 9:45 AM: Sessions and guided conversations
• 12:00 PM: Lunch + fireside chats
• 1:30 PM: Breakout sessions, activities/entertainment, 1-on-1 meetings, networking
• 3:30 PM: Happy Hour
• 5:00 PM: Retreat concludes

For agenda updates please visit: www.ohioceoretreat.com

What's included? A full day of content, conversation, and community with a statewide group of 100+ CEOs and executives. For the Retreat, morning coffee and light breakfast, lunch, and an on-site happy hour are all included.

Click Here for Event Details and Registration!