An affiliate of Ohio Children's Alliance
Save the Date
Annual Spring Conference | April 21-22, 2026
Hilton Columbus Polaris Hotel
8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43230
Early Bird Registration Open February 11-13
Our Spring Conference is specifically designed to empower and equip those who dedicate their lives to Ohio’s children and families with the tools needed for success. Get ready for two full days of connection, cutting-edge insights, and collaboration with your peers.
This year, you can look forward to hearing from nationally recognized speakers like Riaz Meghji and Mark Ostach, who will challenge the way you think about communication and leadership. Their sessions go beyond inspiration—through interactive storytelling, real-world examples, and practical exercises, you’ll gain tools you can use immediately to foster genuine human connection in our increasingly technology-centric world.
Beyond the main stage, the conference features a variety of engaging breakout sessions and facilitated conversations designed to encourage participation, spark new ideas, and address the real challenges facing child- and family-serving organizations today. You’ll have opportunities to exchange best practices, explore innovative approaches, and connect with professionals from across the state who understand your work.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen programs, discover new resources, or build relationships that extend beyond the conference, you’ll leave with actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy to enhance your programs and services.
Registration Details
Early Bird Registration Open February 11-13
Member Admission: $389 (Early Bird Rate: $339)
Non-Member Admission: $449 (Early Bird Rate: $379)
Government Admission: $379
Continuing Education Credits: $35 for non-members
Who You’ll Meet and Why It Matters
Engage with peers and leaders from all regions of Ohio, representing agencies, organizations, and systems dedicated to serving children and families. Don't miss your chance to be part of a statewide conversation that goes beyond ideas and into action. You’ll leave with insights, strategies, and connections that support your work—and help move our collective efforts forward.
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Child & Family Service Professionals
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Grow your skillset as you gain access to new, evidence-based programs and skills in trauma-informed care to manage complex cases and propel the mission forward in your direct interactions.
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Executive Leaders & Administrators
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Step away from the day-to-day to focus on organizational sustainability and innovation. You'll receive critical intelligence on evolving state policy trends and the specific funding strategies essential for long-term growth and effective cross-sector collaboration across Ohio.
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Behavioral Health & Clinical Professionals
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Deepen your expertise with sessions designed to enhance clinical outcomes by focusing on integrated care models and strategies for reducing staff burnout. You'll gain actionable knowledge about integrating behavioral health into the larger child service continuum.
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Public Sector & IT Professionals
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Access unparalleled insight into systemic alignment with state initiatives and funding priorities. You'll learn how technology, predictive analytics, and AI are transforming service delivery, giving you the strategic foresight needed to drive compliance and operational efficiency across the human services sector.
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Tuesday, April 21
Riaz Meghji is a human connection expert and author of the book Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Financial Post. After one conversation led him to take a dramatically different career path that changed his life for the better, he became dedicated to exploring the ways that authentic human connection can change lives and organizations.
In addition to being a respected thought leader and author on the topic of human connection, Riaz is also an accomplished broadcaster with 17 years of television hosting experience; he has interviewed experts on current affairs, sports, entertainment, politics, and business.
Riaz has hosted for Citytv’s Breakfast Television, MTV Canada, TEDxVancouver, CTV News, and the Toronto International Film Festival. He is a natural storyteller with a proven ability to conduct engaging, in-depth conversations across various disciplines.
Off-camera, Riaz dedicates himself to philanthropy and causes he cares about including Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Covenant House. He holds a degree in business from Simon Fraser University and studied leadership communication at Harvard Extension School and the Canadian Management Centre.
Riaz Meghji
Human Connection Expert; Author of Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships; Former host with MTV Canada, CTV News, Breakfast Television Vancouver, Bell Media, and the Toronto International Film Festival
Mark Ostach helps people find the courage to connect. A globally recognized speaker on digital wellness and frequently featured in the USA Today, Mark has done two TED talks, written 2 books, and spoken to thousands of people encouraging them to embrace a spirit of courage through vulnerability. Mark has degrees in psychology, technology, and an interest in behavioral neuroscience. His mission is to remind the world that human connection is the most powerful connection we have. So please check your phones one last time and get ready to be inspired by Mark Ostach!
Wednesday, April 22
Mark Ostach
Bestselling Author; 2x TED Speaker; Human Connection & Digital Wellness Expert