The 2025 OEDA Annual Summit will convene more than 500 economic development professionals for three energizing days of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connection, right in the heart of downtown Akron. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting out, the Summit is designed to help you sharpen your skills, expand your network, and amplify your impact.
Highlights of this year’s Summit include:
- 30+ Breakout Sessions organized into six dynamic tracks:
Energy & Infrastructure, Housing, Workforce Development, Technology & Tools, Real Estate Development, and Principles & Practices. - Content for All Levels: Each track features sessions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, as well as focused spotlights on Akron and Northeast Ohio innovations.
- 5 Experiential Tours / Learning Labs showcasing real-world projects and community partnerships.
- Bounce Innovation Center Tour
- Lock 3 Redevelopment & InterBelt Tour
- Polymer Science Center at the University of Akron Tour
- AES Power Generation Facility Tour
- JobsOhio Liquor Enterprise Tour
- 10 high-impact IGNITE presentations—quick, powerful talks that spark new thinking.
- 6 AMplify Talks are designed to share bold ideas in short, focused formats happening in the mornings.
- Inspiring General Sessions and Keynotes featuring statewide and national voices in economic development.
- Keynote Speaker: Strong Towns – sponsored by Neighborhood Strategies.
- Engaging Networking + Social Events that foster collaboration and community—like the Chairman’s Reception, Women in ED, and the always-popular Late Night Trivia.
- Pre-Conference Activities on October 14, including our first-ever community service project, a golf scramble, and early arrival tours.
About the Host City – Akron, Ohio
Akron, situated in Summit County, is a dynamic city in Northeast Ohio, renowned for its rich industrial heritage, innovation, and ongoing revitalization. Once known as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” Akron has evolved into a hub for education, healthcare, and technology, with institutions like the University of Akron playing a pivotal role. Summit County blends urban energy with scenic beauty, offering vibrant downtowns, historic neighborhoods, and access to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As part of the larger Northeast Ohio region, Akron benefits from a diverse economy, a strong manufacturing base, and collaborative efforts to drive growth and innovation across the region’s cities and communities.
About The Venue – John S. Knight Center
The John S. Knight Center, situated in downtown Akron, Ohio, is a premier venue for conventions, trade shows, and community events. Opened in June 1994, the facility spans 123,000 square feet, featuring 43,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 12,000-square-foot banquet hall, a conference center, and 18 meeting rooms. Named after the esteemed newspaper publisher and editor John S. Knight, the center has become an iconic part of Akron’s cityscape, attracting a diverse array of events and attendees. Its strategic location and versatile spaces make it a central hub for both local and regional gatherings.