The Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum is the centerpiece on Oct. 1, but there is plenty happening before the program even begins. On Sept. 30, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) Government Affairs Committee will meet with Kyle Kondik of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman and a political panel, followed by the Annual Forum welcome reception at Hofbräuhaus Columbus.

Then comes the Annual Forum itself, with Whirlpool Chairman and CEO Marc Bitzer and NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki bringing two very different perspectives on the forces shaping manufacturing and the political environment heading into November.

“This is one of those times when it is worth blocking off more than a couple of hours on the calendar,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy services for the OMA. “You get manufacturers, policymakers and political analysts in the same place, with plenty of time to actually talk. That makes for a much better two days than just showing up for one program and heading home.”

If you are already coming to Columbus for the Annual Forum, make a couple of days out of it. Register now and join OMA for one of the biggest member gatherings of the year. 9/18/2026