2026 OCMA Annual Conference Recap
The 2026 OCMA Annual Conference brought local government leaders from across Ohio together for three days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration at the Sharonville Convention Center from February 25–27, 2026 . This year’s event marked an exciting expansion into a new region of the state, reflecting OCMA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening professional management and supporting communities statewide.
A Focus on “Future‑Ready Leadership”
The conference theme, Future‑Ready Leadership for Stronger Communities, set the tone for a program designed to help public administrators navigate emerging challenges and opportunities. Attendees participated in a mix of:
- Expert‑led sessions on leadership, innovation, and community resilience
- Interactive mobile workshops focusing on redevelopment
- Networking events that fostered peer learning and statewide collaboration
- Panels exploring the evolving landscape of local governance
These sessions equipped leaders with practical tools to strengthen their organizations and better serve their communities.
Keynote Highlight: Building Stronger Towns
A major highlight of the conference was a keynote presentation by Chuck Marohn, founder of Strong Towns. Marohn challenged attendees to rethink how cities plan and invest, emphasizing the power of small, incremental improvements over large, top‑down initiatives. He shared actionable strategies for building community wealth, improving financial resilience, and strengthening public trust through neighborhood‑scale action .
Celebrating Excellence in Local Government
OCMA continued its tradition of honoring outstanding public service. Among this year’s recognitions was the Career Achievement Award, presented to Keith Johnson, former City Manager of Miamisburg. Johnson was celebrated for more than three decades of dedicated service, including 17 years as city manager, during which he exemplified excellence in local government leadership.
A New Chapter in a New Region
Hosting the conference in Sharonville marked a meaningful step in OCMA’s efforts to broaden its reach and engage members across Ohio. The Sharonville Convention Center provided a dynamic setting for connection and learning, with full‑day programming on Wednesday and Thursday and a half‑day closing session on Friday.
A New Chapter in a New Region
The OCMA Annual Conference marked a major milestone this year, with record‑breaking attendance that reflected the growing strength, relevance, and momentum of the association. Local government professionals from across Ohio—and beyond—came together in unprecedented numbers to learn, connect, and share ideas, making this year’s conference one of the most well‑attended in OCMA’s history. The strong turnout underscored members’ commitment to professional development and the value of convening to address shared challenges and opportunities facing local governments today.
Looking Ahead
As OCMA continues to champion professional management and support Ohio’s local government leaders, the 2026 conference stands out as a milestone—bringing fresh perspectives, new partnerships, and renewed energy to the work of building stronger communities.
