Annual Conference

42nd Annual Conference

Rooted in Place: Growing Strong, Interconnected Community Ecosystems

The Athens Armory, 1 Armory St, Athens, OH | September 15-17

View Confirmed Sessions

Book Your Hotel Room

Microbusiness Summit Information

Apply to Volunteer

Nominate for an Award

About

The community development field is deeply rooted in resilience, collaboration, and the power of place. As communities face evolving challenges, the strength of our work lies in the relationships, networks, and local knowledge that guide it.

Our conference theme, Rooted in Place: Growing Strong, Interconnected Community Ecosystems, reflects the belief that thriving communities grow from a strong local base and meaningful partnerships. Like a forest ecosystem, community systems are interconnected—when housing, economic development, food access, and financial stability grow together, communities become more resilient.

Through this conference, we aim to share ideas, tools, and stories that help strengthen those connections and support the long-term health of our communities.

2026 Host Committee

Sarah Arnold, Ohio SE Economic Development
Chris Chmiel, Athens County Land Bank
Ellie Dudding, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association
Adam Kody, Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet)
Mackenzie Kucharsky, Stuart's Opera House & Nelsonville Music Festival
Ana Leon, Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet)
Caitlyn McDaniel, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio

Sam Miller
Fritzie Nitschke, Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs (SPICE)
Ken Oehlers, Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio
Emily Prince, Athens County Foundation
Tom Redfern, Rural Action
Amy Spoutz, Athens County Visitors Bureau

Sponsorship

In its 42nd year, the Ohio CDC Association (OCDCA) conference is the largest comprehensive community development event in Ohio, drawing over 300 practitioners, partners, and policymakers from around the state and region. Sponsorships provide flexible funds for us to support not just the event itself, but also our member capacity building and advocacy.

Interested in contributing to Ohio's largest yearly gathering of community development professionals? Check out our sponsorship opportunities and benefits below.

View Our Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting Buckeye Sponsor

Maple Sponsors

Paw Paw Sponsors

Ginseng Sponsors

Morel Sponsors