78th Annual District Convention 2025-2026

Dear Fellow Optimists,

As we continue celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and another incredible year of serving our youth and our communities, it is my pleasure to invite you to the 78th Annual Ohio District Convention, “Celebrating America at 250,” taking place August 6–9, 2026, at the wonderful Embassy Suites and Conference Center, 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017.

This convention marks the culmination of an amazing Optimist year, a time to celebrate our accomplishments, recognize the dedication of our members, and embrace the exciting future ahead. Together, we’ll reflect on how our clubs have grown, the lives we’ve impacted, and the difference Optimists continue to make across Ohio and beyond.

We’ll have the opportunity to welcome Governor-Elect Chuck Hillman and his incoming 2026–2027 Ohio District Leadership Team as they prepare to continue our tradition of service and excellence. We are also honored to welcome Regional Vice President Debbie Berry, among many others who will share in this special weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and training.

I am especially excited to welcome OI President Tom Kendo and First Lady Jennifer Kendo as we celebrate President Tom’s outstanding year of leadership and the remarkable growth taking place throughout Optimist International. President Tom has the chance to do something that hasn’t happened in the past 20 years: end the Optimist year with net 0 or better! Together, we have the opportunity to make Optimist history and help President Tom achieve this extraordinary milestone.

Throughout the convention, we’ll recognize our Back in Balance Clubs, celebrate club impact achievements from Club Impact Reports, and learn how every club can contribute to reaching our goal of net 0 or better, thus strengthening Optimism throughout Ohio.

Most importantly, we’ll enjoy the fellowship that makes our organization so special—connecting with friends, making new ones, sharing ideas, celebrating our successes, and preparing for another outstanding year of bringing out the best in our youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Thank you for your continued dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to Optimism. I look forward to celebrating with each of you as we honor another successful year and begin an exciting new one together!

I can’t wait to see you at the 78th Annual Ohio District Convention and continue to celebrate Optimism and America at 250!

Celebrating Optimism,

Debbie Walsh
Governor, Ohio District
2025–2026