NBC News and NBC Sports chief data analyst Steve Kornacki will headline the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum on Thursday, Oct. 1, at The Grand Event Center in Columbus.

Known for his fast-paced “big board” breakdowns of elections, politics, culture and sports, Kornacki will bring timely political analysis, sharp data insights and plenty of energy to the stage as Ohio manufacturers look ahead to the 2026 election and the policy decisions that will shape the state’s economy.

The Annual Forum kicks off Manufacturing Month and brings together manufacturing executives, policy leaders and industry professionals from across Ohio for networking, recognition and an inside look at the forces shaping Ohio’s largest industry.

“Steve Kornacki has a rare ability to make complicated political and economic trends understandable, relevant and even fun,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). “With a major election approaching and enormous policy decisions ahead, there could not be a better time to bring him before Ohio’s manufacturing leaders.”

The forum begins with a networking reception at 11 a.m., followed by the program from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is $150 for OMA members, $250 for non-members and $49 for government attendees.

The full experience begins Sept. 30 with OMA’s Government Affairs Committee meeting and the Annual Forum Welcome Reception at Hofbräuhaus Columbus Biergarten. 7/30/2026