Annual Conference
Attend the 2026 OTA Annual Conference on September 21-22
Join us in Columbus on September 21–22 for the 2026 OTA Annual Conference presented by Pilot Company, an exclusive gathering for Ohio’s trucking and transportation executives. This premier event offers industry-focused programming, meaningful networking, and access to the latest products and services that support operational excellence. Additional speaker and session details will be announced as the event approaches.
Registration includes all educational sessions, vendor exhibits, networking receptions, and the option to attend the Monday evening PAC Dinner (separate fee and pre-registration required).
Conference Highlights
- Engaging Keynotes & Expert Breakouts: Hear from industry leaders and subject-matter experts as they share insights, trends, and practical strategies to help you navigate today’s evolving landscape.
- High-Value Networking: Connect with peers from across the state, exchange best practices, and expand your professional network in a collaborative setting.
- Solutions from Industry Vendors: Explore innovative products, services, and technologies from trusted exhibitors—offering tools and resources to strengthen your business and support future growth.
Please contact Bradie Berry at bradie@ohiotrucking.org or (614) 519-6462 to learn more.
Featured Programming
Schedule of Events
Monday, September 21
11:30 a.m. Opening Lunch for All Conference Attendees & Vendors
12:00 p.m. OTA Annual Membership Meeting & State of the Association Address
12:30 p.m. Opening Keynote: Making Sense of the Market, Jonathan Starks, FTR Transportation Intelligence
2:00 p.m. General Keynote: State Trends, Legal Risk & the Trucking Resurgence Plan, a panel discussion with industry leaders
3:30 p.m. Concurrent Education Sessions
3:30 p.m. Women in Motion: Ohio Chapter Meet & Greet
4:30 p.m. Industry Vendor & Attendee Networking Reception (open to all conference attendees and exhibitors)
6:30 p.m. Conference PAC Dinner at Three Creeks Kitchen + Cocktails in Gahanna (additional fee and separate pre-registration is required)Â
Tuesday, September 22
8:00 a.m. Breakfast for All Conference Attendees & Vendors
8:30 a.m. General Keynote: Adapting and Growing in a Fluctuating Market, a panel discussion with invited carrier members
10:00 a.m. Closing Keynote: Leading Enforcement: Perspectives from Ohio's Regulatory Agencies, a panel discussion with invited agency leaders
11:30 a.m. Chair & Awards Luncheon honoring the incoming OTA Chair, Fleet Safety Award winners and the Safety Professional of the Year
Celebrate the Fleet Safety Award Winners & the Safety Professional of the Year
Join us on Tuesday, September 22, at the Chair and Awards Luncheon as we celebrate the Fleet Safety Award winners and the Safety Professional of the Year. The luncheon begins at 11:30 am.
The Fleet Safety Awards, presented by Great West, An Old Republic Company, honor carriers with the best safety records based on accident-frequency ratios. Congratulations to:
- Less than 1 Million Miles: Refiners Transport
- 1–3 Million Miles: COMTEX – Central Ohio Medical Textiles
- 3–5 Million Miles: Nagle Toledo
- 5–10 Million Miles: Ward Transport & Logistics
- 10–20 Million Miles: ABF Freight
- Over 20 Million Miles: Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
Special congratulations go to Jeff Grote of Clopay Transportation Company on being named the Safety Professional of the Year! This award recognizes industry experts who demonstrate excellence and passion in the field of safety. Judging criteria include professional contributions, safety leadership, and industry involvement.
Attend the Conference PAC Dinner on Monday, September 21
Join fellow conference attendees for an evening of great food and industry advocacy at the OTA PAC Dinner on Monday, September 21 at 6:30 pm proudly sponsored by Stoops Freightliner.
Enjoy a chef-inspired menu at Three Creeks Kitchen + Cocktails, known for its elevated comfort food and welcoming atmosphere in downtown Gahanna.
Connect with Conference Exhibitors
- Alternative Comp Solutions
- Alvys
- Associated Graphics (AGI)
- Comdata
- Contract Leasing Corporation
- Doran Manufacturing
- Geotab
- GMS Inc
- ISAAC Instruments LLC
- Lytle Testing Services, Inc.
- National Interstate Insurance Company
- Ohio Peterbilt
- Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
- Pedigree Technologies
- Perfect Power Wash
- Randall Reilly
- Rimkus
- Rush Truck Centers
- Sedgwick
- T-Mobile for Business
- Toro TMS
- Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL)
- Trimble Transportation
- TwoSommers
- US Cargo Control
- USI Insurance Services
Conference Location
The Renaissance Columbus Westerville - Polaris Hotel will serve as the host hotel. The event will take place inside the Admiral Ballroom.
Renaissance Columbus Westerville - Polaris Hotel
409 Altair Parkway
Westerville, OH 43082
Our room block at the host hotel has sold out. Standard rooms may still be available. Please contact the Renaissance directly to check availability.
If you are looking for alternative lodging, we recommend contacting one of the following locations:
- Hilton Columbus/Polaris, 8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240 | (614) 885-1600
- Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris, 8411 Pulsar Place, Columbus, OH 43240 | (614) 885-8400
- Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris, 8805 Orion Place, Columbus, OH 43240 | (614) 854-0216
Thank You to Our 2026 Conference Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Conference PAC Dinner Presenting Sponsor
