Search within:
Panelists on stage during the State of the Region Conference speaking.
14th Annual Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference: Jobs that Last

Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference

2026 State of the Region Logo

May 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Ohio University, 
Baker University Center Ballroom
Athens Ohio

 

The Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference brings public officials, economic development experts, business and organizational leaders and others to discuss different issues related to economic growth in the Appalachian Ohio region.

Travel Information

Conference Schedule

The schedule will be updated as speakers are confirmed.

TimeSessions
8:00 a.m.Registration and Networking
9:00 a.m.Opening Remarks
 
  • Dr. Vicki King Maple, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, Executive Director
  • Tracy Plouck, The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, Dean
  • Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez, Ohio University, President
  • John Carey, Governor’s Office of Appalachia, Director
9:15 a.m.Housing Panel
 
  • Ohio Housing Finance Authority
  • Moderator - Mike Jacoby, Bricker Graydon Wyatt, Managing Director of Economic Development
10:15 p.m,Break
10:35 a.m.Finance and Funding Panel
 
  • Tiffany Swigert, Coshocton Port Authority, Executive Director
  • LaReta Lowther, WesBanco, Executive Vice President and Senior Director, Community Development
  • Moderator - Chasity Schmelzenbach, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Executive Director
11:35 a.m.  Lunch and Networking
12:35 p.m.Afternoon Keynote
 
  • Joe Bradburn, U.S. Department of Energy, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
1:20 p.m.STEM Education and Youth Pipeline Panel
 
  • Moderator - Lauri McKnight, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, Senior Research Manager for 5G Broadband
  • John Zehentbauer, Mahoning County Career Technical Center, Superintendent, 
  • Dr. Brock Brewster, Western Local Schools, Superintendent
  • Dan Leffingwell, GRIT Program/Future Plans, Director
2:20 p.m.Closing Remarks
2:30 p.m.Adjourn

Sponsorship Opportunities

Vendor Table is included with each option*

Level

DescriptionSponsors

BRONZE

$500

  • Logo on both electronic (website and emails) and hard copy materials (onsite signage)
  • Verbal recognition during the conference
SOPEC

SILVER

$1,000

  • Sponsorship of the light breakfast for an estimated 300 attendees
  • Logo on both electronic and hard copy materials
  • Recognition as a sponsor on the conference title slide
 

GOLD

$3,500

  • Sponsorship of the Event Live Stream, reaching an additional estimated 100 attendees
  • Recognition on YouTube Livestream “Livestream brought to you by….”
  • Verbal recognition in the remarks about our virtual audience and sponsor
  • Logo on both electronic and hard copy materials
  • Recognition as a sponsor on the conference title slide
 

PLATINUM

$4,500

  • Sponsorship of the Lunch for an estimated 300 attendees
  • Opportunity to provide brief remarks prior to lunch
  • Signage included on lunch buffets
  • Verbal Recognition heading into the lunch break
  • Logo on both electronic (website and emails) and hard copy materials (onsite signage)
  • Recognition as a sponsor on the conference title slide
API/APG

*Must indicate interest in advance and commit to arrive early to set up and agree to tear down after the event concludes for the day.

Please contact Amista Lipot to inquire about or secure a sponsorship level: lipot@ohio.edu / 740-597-1558 

Sponsors

Platinum

Appalachian Partnership Inc.
Appalachian Growth Capital

Bronze

SOPEC logo