2026 Conference Agenda
Check back often as we update this schedule with more information including announcing our Professional Development sessions and more!
Please note: This Agenda is subject to change at any time
8:00 AM
Registration
Sponsored by MAGIC ROCKS! Illusionist Leon Etienne
+ All Day Coffee & Tea Bar
Fitton Center Main Lobby, 1st floor
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Welcome / First-Timers Orientation & Mentorship
Kick off the Conference with a special Welcome message from:
- Pat Moeller, Mayor of Hamilton, Ohio
- Ian MacKenzie-Thurley, Executive Director of The Fitton Center for the Creative Arts
- Erin Cameron Miller, Board President, Ohio Arts Professionals Network
- Jessica Rosenblatt, Executive Director, Ohio Arts Professionals Network
During this session, you will learn how to get the most out of your conference experience, plus we'll take some time for a Q+A.
Pre-Registered Mentors & Mentees will have time and space to meet and talk with one another.
Fitton Center, Vista Room, 3rd floor
12:35 PM - 1:45 PM
Professional Development for Presenters
The Presenter’s Mandate: Curate Meaning. Steward Well. Engage the Modern Audience in a Noisy World.
Hosted by: Charles Allen, President and CEO of The Lakeside Association, Lakeside Chautauqua
Discover how today’s presenters can thrive in a world overflowing with noise. This session introduces the new mandate for modern presenting: curate meaningful experiences, steward resources with wisdom, and engage audiences who crave authenticity and connection. Practical, strategic, and inspiring — this workshop equips presenters to lead with clarity and purpose in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Charles C. Allen is a visionary nonprofit CEO and servant‑leader with more than two decades of experience guiding organizations through transformation, growth, and renewal. As President & CEO of Lakeside Chautauqua, he has driven multimillion‑dollar fundraising growth, strengthened community partnerships, and implemented strategic initiatives that elevate mission, belonging, and innovation. Known for uniting diverse stakeholders around a shared vision, he blends operational excellence with people‑first leadership to deliver measurable, mission‑aligned impact.
Fitton Center, Vista Room, 3rd floor
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
One-on-One Speed Networking Session 1
A 90-minute signature speed networking session featuring 5-minute one-on-one meetings between agents, artists, and attending presenters in a fast-paced, friendly, “speed dating” style format.
Fitton Center, Tech Studio (209), 2nd floor
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Opening Night Reception
Kick off the 2026 OAPN Conference at our Opening Night Reception—an evening of networking, great food, drinks, and conversation with colleagues from across the region.
Experience all that the Fitton Center has to offer as you explore each floor throughout the evening. Enjoy the full bar on the first floor, connect with fellow attendees in the Art Galleries and on the scenic Terrace overlooking the Great Miami River on the second floor, then gather in the stunning glass-walled Vista Room on the third floor to enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, continue the conversation, and take in the beautiful views.
Enjoy a complimentary drink ticket thanks to our Opening Night Bar Sponsor, VBO Tickets
Fitton Center | 1st floor Bar, 2nd floor Art Galleries & Terrace (weather pending), 3rd floor Vista Room
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
9:00 PM - Midnight
VIP Sponsor Reception
Private VIP event for OAPN Conference Sponsors
Private location will be sent directly to VIP Sponsors
9:00 PM - ?
OAPN After Hours
For our night owls who want to continue to network and hang out, the Well House hotel bar, The Lucky Well, will be open for drinks and late night snacks!
WellHouse Hotel, Lucky Well Bar
8:00 AM
Registration
Sponsored by MAGIC ROCKS! Illusionist Leon Etienne
+ All Day Coffee & Tea Bar
Fitton Center Main Lobby, 1st floor
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Professional Development, Block One
Session 1: Build Your Brand. Grow Your Revenue | Thommy Long, LemonGrenade Creative
In today's competitive arts landscape, a strong brand is one of your most valuable business tools. Whether you're managing a performing arts center, representing artists, or promoting your own work, the way you communicate your value directly impacts audience engagement, bookings, partnerships, and revenue. Join LemonGrenade for an interactive session exploring practical branding strategies that help arts professionals stand out, build trust, and create sustainable growth. Leave with actionable ideas you can immediately apply to strengthen your brand and support your bottom line.
Room: 104, 1st floor
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Session 2: Ohio Arts Council & ArtsWave: Ohio-Focused Grants: Award Process, Resources & Guidance | Patrick Roehrenbeck (Ohio Arts Council) & Ray Gargano (ArtsWave)
Participate in a discussion about the opportunities at the Ohio Arts Council and ArtsWave through our grant programs and additional opportunities including project support, operating support, and other resources provided.
Patrick Roehrenbeck serves as the Organizational Program Coordinator for the Northeast region of Ohio at the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). In this role, he supports arts organizations throughout the grant application and award process, offering guidance and resources to help them thrive.
Ray Gargano is currently the Vice President, Community Investments for ArtsWave, the oldest and largest United Arts organization celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Room: 209, 2nd floor
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Session 3: Will AI Book Your Next Tour? How Discovery Is Changing for Presenters, Agents, Artists, and Audiences | Zeb Dawson, Happy Path Marketing
Everyone is asking how AI will change our industry. It's already happening.
Whether you're trying to sell tickets, book a tour, secure showcases, or attract new presenters, people are finding organizations differently than they were even two years ago. AI search, recommendation engines, and short-form video are replacing traditional search and websites as the first stop in the decision-making process.
Learn practical strategies to help your venue, agency, or artist remain visible, searchable, and memorable in an AI-first world.
Room: Vista Room, 3rd floor
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10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Professional Development, Block Two
Fitton Center, Rooms TBD
Three Sessions
Session information, coming soon
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Sponsored Lunch
Fitton Center, Vista Room, 3rd Floor
Sponsored by Pat Hazell, The Wonder Bread Years
Take a break, enjoy lunch, and connect with colleagues during our Sponsored Lunch. Box lunches will be provided for all registered attendees, with roundtable seating designed for networking and conversation.
Presenters will gather in the Vista Room (3rd Floor) for a sponsored showcase featuring The Wonder Bread Years, a nostalgic, one-man comedy show created and performed by former Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell.
Artists and Agents will participate in concurrent lunchtime sessions focused on timely industry topics and professional development opportunities in the Tech Studio (2nd Floor) and Dance Studio (1st Floor). Session details and topics will be announced soon.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
One-on-One Speed Networking Session 2
Fitton Center, Tech Studio (209), 2nd floor
A 90-minute signature speed networking session featuring 5-minute one-on-one meetings between agents, artists, and attending presenters in a fast-paced, friendly, “speed dating”-style format.
3:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibit Hall
Fitton Center | Ballroom, 3rd floor & Monument Gallery, 1st floor
5:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Dinner on your own
Dine Arounds to be scheduled in advance. OAPN meal discounts at select locations. More information coming soon.
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
10:30 PM - ??
OAPN After Hours
WellHouse Hotel, Lucky Well Bar
For our night owls who want to continue to network and hang out, the Well House hotel bar, The Lucky Well, will be open for drinks and late night snacks!
8:00 AM
Registration
Fitton Center Main Lobby
Sponsored by MAGIC ROCKS! Illusionist Leon Etienne
+ All Day Coffee & Tea Bar
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Professional Development for Presenters w/ Coffee
Outdoor Series That Scale: Booking, Budgets & Community Buy-In
Four Northeast Ohio amphitheater Presenters share their strategies behind a successful concert series—from booking and season planning to fee structures, sponsorships, and community engagement. Join this interactive conversation.
Featuring:
Shane McAvinew is the Director of Parks and Recreation for Mayfield Village and has more than 30 years of experience in parks, recreation, entertainment, and special event management. Since 2009, he has been actively involved in concert venue operations, overseeing artist booking, contract negotiations, event planning, production coordination, and audience experience for outdoor entertainment venues. As the operator of Mayfield Village’s Grove Amphitheater, McAvinew manages all aspects of the venue’s concert programming, presenting nationally recognized tribute acts, regional touring artists, and community events that attract thousands of attendees each season.
Nick Standering has been with the City of Mentor for 15 years and has more than 25 years of experience in parks and recreation. One of the highlights of his career has been creating the Mentor Rocks concert series, which has grown into the City of Mentor's most popular summer event.
Nick earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Recreation Management from the University of Toledo. He currently lives in Painesville Township, Ohio, with his wife, Karyn, and two sons, Trevor and Cooper. When he’s not at work, Nick enjoys coaching his boys in all their sports.
Justin Gollin is the City of Painesville Recreation Supervisor. He has been with the City of Painesville 5 years after serving the City of Kirtland for 18 years. Justin has been involved in everything from scheduling and planning to setup and maintenance. Gollin is a certified playground safety inspector and his duties with Painesville include managing summer camps, farmers markets and seasonal events.
Kevin Cindric (Mentor Rocks)
This session is ideal for presenters, with valuable behind-the-scenes insight for artists and agents on how seasons are booked.
Fitton Center, Room TBD
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Awards Ceremony & Annual Meeting with Sponsored Artist Showcase
Fitton Center, Theater, 1st floor
Join OAPN for our annual Awards Ceremony and Meeting as we recognize outstanding achievement in the field—honoring an agent, artist, and presenter for their impact and excellence. Hear brief organizational updates from Executive Director Jessica Rosenblatt, Board President Erin Miller, and Treasurer Aulbrie Kitson, including a look ahead to 2026.
The program includes a must-see, 15-minute sponsored showcase by David Lee, Lake Erie Illusions.
Light refreshments provided & sponsored by Ohio Contemporary Ballet
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
3:05 PM - 5:00 PM
Exhibit Hall
Fitton Center | Ballroom, 3rd floor
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Presenters Only Block Booking Session
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Closing Night Party
Marriott Hotel, Riverview Reception
End the conference on a high note at a closing night party you won’t want to miss. Enjoy food, drinks, and OAPN’s signature not-your-average karaoke—where attendees take the stage and the extraordinary talent steals the show.
Set in the Marriott’s Riverview Reception space, the evening flows between indoor and outdoor settings with fire pits, waterfront views, and a lively ballroom perfect for dancing, mingling, and celebrating together.