Q2 District Conference 2025-2026
February 6 – February 8
Get ready Ohio Optimists!
I’m thrilled to officially invite you to the Second Quarter Ohio District Conference, February 6–8, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center, 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a weekend filled with fun, fellowship, and Optimist pride!
We’ll kick off the weekend on Friday, February 6, 2026, in the Hospitality Room, featuring a 2026 Winter Olympics theme as the Opening Ceremonies take place that evening. Join us for snacks, beverages, fun, and fellowship. This is a BYOB event — feel free to bring food to share. We’ll provide ice, coolers, basic mixers, and light snacks both evenings, with pizza or subs on Friday (donations appreciated to help cover costs). Be sure to join in a fun 10-question Winter Olympics trivia for a little friendly competition and extra laughs!
Optimist International Foundation Executive Director Craig Boring will be joining us all day to give further insight into the OI Foundation and has special awards to present during Past Governor, Terry Schalnat’s, award ceremony Saturday evening. We’ll recognize District participation in International Optimist Day, which is celebrated worldwide on the first Thursday of each February. We will also highlight the C.A.R.E. Program (C-Celebrate, A-Address, R-Recognize, E-Excel), which focuses on membership — the key to our organization and the communities we serve.
We’re also excited to welcome a special guest speaker, Dennis VanFossen Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the International Soap Box Derby. A former Soap Box Derby world champion and lifelong Optimist at heart, Dennis brings incredible energy, leadership, and passion to his story — from racing at Derby Downs to leading this iconic organization into its next chapter. His presentation promises inspiration, excitement, and plenty of fun.
We’ll continue our focus on strengthening our clubs through membership growth and retention. If every Ohio Optimist Club added just one new member, our District would truly soar — and this conference will help spark that momentum.
And of course, we’ll add a little fun! 🎉 The Governor’s Raffle will be drawn on Saturday, February 7, at Past Governor, Terry Schalnat’s, award ceremony and every registered attendee is automatically entered for a chance to win a basket of 250 lottery tickets. Just attend and you could be our lucky winner!
Save the date, bring a fellow Optimist (or a future one!), and get ready for an energizing weekend. I can’t wait to see you there!
Celebrating Optimism,
Debbie Walsh
Governor, Ohio District 2025–2026