[full agenda]

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 AI Paradox: Opportunity, Disruption, and the Path Forward

AI offers massive potential, but also real disruption. This session explores how CEOs are navigating both sides of the AI equation: driving innovation while managing risk, adapting strategies, and leading teams through rapid change. Featuring leaders who are adopting, building, or competing with AI, we’ll focus on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.

Fireside Chat: Anduril to Ohio

Join us for a fireside chat to meet Anduril. We’ll be joined by Zachary Mears, SVP of Strategy & Growth at Anduril, and together will explore the company’s major expansion into Ohio and what it signals for the future of tech in our state. With a $5 billion facility planned in Pickaway County—the largest single job-creation project in Ohio’s history—this conversation will highlight how Ohio is becoming a center for mission-driven innovation and why we have a unique opportunity to rebuild the arsenal in the heart of it all.

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? Our afternoon sessions explore 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]