Agenda

Wednesday, September 10th

[Pre-Retreat Programming]

Join us the day before the CEO Retreat for an invite-only afternoon and evening of connection and insight. Open exclusively to registered attendees, this special pre-event includes a VIP tour of the Silicon Heartland and a welcome happy hour with fellow tech leaders. It’s a relaxed, high-value opportunity to kick off the retreat experience and explore one of Ohio’s most transformative innovation corridors being built with billions in Buckeye State investments.

Thursday, September 11th

[The Retreat]

8:30 am

Doors Open + Registration

9:15 am

Opening Welcome Remarks

9:45 am

Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode (Session #1)

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.

10:30 am

Networking Break #1

10:50 am

Lessons from the Exit (Session #2)

A candid conversation with Ohio tech 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?”

11:30 am

Fireside Chat: Anduril to Ohio (Session #3)

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 means 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.

12:00 pm

Lunch + Networking Break #2

12:50 pm

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.

1:30 pm

Networking Break #3

[Shift to breakout sessions]

1:50 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Go-To-Market Ohio

These breakout sessions explore how we build a statewide culture of collaboration. Where large enterprises open doors for startups, small businesses find real customers and partners, and innovation moves faster through shared opportunity.

From buyer insights to real-world partnerships, we’ll dig into what it takes to create an Ohio tech sector where scaling is supported, connections are intentional, and tech leaders help each other win.

Breakout #1A

Inside the Enterprise Buyer’s Mind – What Tech Leaders Look For

What does it really take to land a deal with a large company? In this session, Ohio CIOs and tech executives share how they evaluate new vendors, what earns trust, and how small businesses and startups can better align with enterprise needs. From procurement hurdles to proof-of-concept wins, we’ll go behind the scenes of the buying process to help founders and CEOs understand how to stand out, and scale up, inside Ohio enterprises.

Breakout #1B

Collaborating to Compete – Pilots, Partnerships, and Co-Building with Ohio Companies

Strategic collaboration can unlock growth. But only if both sides are aligned. This session features real stories of successful partnerships between Ohio’s enterprises and smaller tech companies. From pilot projects to co-built solutions, we’ll explore what makes these relationships work, the challenges to watch for, and how collaboration can help companies of all sizes compete in fast-moving markets.

2:30 pm

Networking Break #4

[Shift to breakout sessions]

2:45 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Go-To-Market Ohio

Our final session brings everyone back together for a conversation and strategy session around how to make Ohio the friendliest state to build tech. Building on insights from the afternoon breakouts, this interactive full session will focus on creating a culture where opportunities are unlocked across the state. Where large companies open doors for startups, small businesses find real customers and partners, and collaboration fuels growth. Together, we’ll explore how Ohio’s diverse base of enterprises, institutions, and innovation leaders can help each other win. And how a more connected, open ecosystem unlocks growth for Ohio tech businesses.

3:45 pm

Closing Happy Hour

We’ll end the day with a relaxed, on-site happy hour to keep the conversations going. Enjoy drinks, bites, and good company as you connect with fellow CEOs, speakers, and tech leaders from across the state.

[agenda subject to change and updates]

Thank you to the 2025 CEO Retreat Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Networking Sponsor