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Building Champions On and Off the Field

April 3 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am

Ohio State Athletics and The Columbus Chamber of Commerce present Building Champions On and Off the Field

Join the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio State University Department of Athletics leaders Ryan Day, Football Head Coach, and Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation–Eugene Smith Endowed Director of Athletics, for an engaging conversation about what it takes to build a community of champions.

The landscape of college athletics has changed significantly over the past decade, and here in the Columbus Region we are seeing those changes unfold in real time. We see student-athletes reaching new heights, local businesses discovering innovative ways to partner with talent, and the powerful economic ripple effects that come when a premier athletics program thrives.

This conversation will explore how athletics, business, and community leadership intersect in today’s environment. From the evolving NIL landscape to leadership, culture, and talent development, Coach Day and Director Bjork will share insights into how championship programs are built – and how those lessons translate beyond the field into business, workforce, and regional growth.

Whether you are a Buckeye fan, a business leader, or someone interested in the future of college athletics, this discussion will offer a unique perspective on how Central Ohio continues to compete, collaborate, and win together.

Register Here!

Learn how the Chamber and OSU can create new opportunities for your business!

Explore the Partnership

Moderator

Jerod Smalley

News Anchor
NBC4

Panelists

Ryan Day

Football Head Coach
Ohio State Athletics

Ross Bjork

Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation–Eugene Smith Endowed Director of Athletics
Ohio State Athletics

Agenda

  • 8:00 am – Registration & Networking
  • 9:00 am – Program Begins
  • 9:30 am – Audience Q&A
  • 9:45 am – Networking
  • 10:30 am – Event Concludes

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Building Champions On and Off the Field is more than an event — it is a unique opportunity to convene leaders from athletics, business, and the broader community around a conversation shaping the future of the Columbus Region.

By sponsoring this experience, your organization will be part of a timely and engaging dialogue featuring Ryan Day and Ross Bjork as they share lessons on leadership, culture, talent, and the evolving role athletics plays in regional success.

Your sponsorship helps fuel meaningful connections, bold ideas, and the collaborative spirit that keeps Central Ohio competitive.

Strategic Visibility:
Showcase your organization in front of an influential audience of business and community leaders invested in the future of leadership, workforce, and regional growth.

Purpose-Driven Brand Positioning:
Align your brand with excellence, innovation, and community impact through a conversation that extends far beyond sports.

Support for Regional Momentum:
Help advance the connections and conversations that strengthen Central Ohio’s business community and reinforce its position as a region that knows how to compete — and win — together.

Contact Becca Shull, Director of Sponsorship and Key Accounts, at BeccaShull@columbus.org to secure your sponsorship today!

Pricing

Member Registration: $75
Non-Member Registration: $100

Are you a member? Look up your company here!

Register Here!

Location

The Grand Event Center

820 Goodale Blvd
Columbus, OH 43212 United States + Google Map

Parking

  • Parking can be found in the garages within Grandview Yard. 

*Registration is required. Day-of registration is not encouraged.*

Registration fees are considered non-refundable. This is a ticketless event. Reminder communications and further details will be sent in the days prior to the event.

The Columbus Chamber reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this event in the case of severe or unsafe weather conditions. Registrants will be notified via email in the event of a cancellation.

Registration Questions – Contact Events – events@columbus.org

Sponsorship Opportunities  – Learn more here!

Thanking Our Sponsors

Leader Sponsor

Patron Sponsor

Investor Level Partners

Government Affairs Steering Committee Sponsors

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