The Ohio River Commission (ORC) serves as a unifying statewide entity focused on advancing economic and workforce development, alongside tourism and recreation that make the Ohio River a true destination. ORC brings together and coordinates ports, terminals, commercial sites, and tourism/recreation assets across Ohio’s 14 Ohio River counties, leveraging the expertise of its commissioners and partners across maritime, river industry, and recreation to promote, align, and accelerate the interests of the Ohio River. Through collaboration with local, regional, and state stakeholders, the Commission works to build a connected, competitive, and welcoming river system for communities, employers, and visitors.
Description
The Ohio River Summit, taking place June 10–11, 2026 at the Anderson Pavilion in Cincinnati, brings together leaders from across the state to highlight the economic strength and strategic importance of the Ohio River. The event fosters collaboration around a shared regional vision while amplifying a unified voice for the river’s future. Attendees will engage in a mix of networking and insight-driven sessions, including an Ohio River Commission meeting, a river cruise, and discussions on maritime strategy, workforce development, supply chains, tourism, and emerging industries shaping the river economy.
Summit Agenda:
Wednesday, June 10th
2:00pm Ohio River Commission Meeting
Cincinnati Public Library – Tower Room
800 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
3:15pm – 5:00pm Hotel Check-In
Nearby Hotels for consideration: AC Mariott Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks, Mariott Moxy Cincinnati Downtown, Courtyard by Mariott Cincinnati Downtown
6:00 pm Boarding Begins on the River Queen
Cincinnati Public Landing
435 E Mehring Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Public Parking available and Uber/Lyft Accessible
- Walkable from AC Mariott Hotel at The Banks
7:00pm – 9:00pm Dinner and Networking Ohio River Cruise
Thursday, June 11th
Anderson Pavilion – Parking Garage located next to Pavilion (bring ticket for validation) 8 E Mehring Way Cincinnati, OH 45202
8:00am – Registration and Breakfast
9:00am – Welcome, Introductions, and Acknowledgements
9:15am – Keynote Address
9:45am – Break (refreshments served)
10:00am – Session 1: Federal and State Tools Shaping the Ohio River’s Future
An overview of key federal and state programs, including Opportunity Zones, Maritime Prosperity Zones, and Ohio’s Maritime Plan and how they can drive investment and long-term regional growth.
11:00am – Session 2: Remediation and Infrastructure Investment on the Ohio River
A discussion on site-readiness, remediation needs, and critical infrastructure priorities across sectors such as ports, energy, and logistics, along with funding opportunities that strengthen clean-up efforts, competitiveness, and long-term resilience.
12:00pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Session 3: Riverfront Revitalization: Connecting Tourism, Culture, and Community Insights into how communities are using tourism, cultural assets, and placemaking strategies to revitalize waterfronts and strengthen local identity.
2:00pm – Session 4: Recreation and Conservation on the Ohio River A look at how recreation and conservation efforts can work together to improve river access while protecting natural resources for future generations.
3:00pm – Break (refreshments served)
3:15pm – Session 5: Ohio’s Maritime Momentum: Building a Skilled Workforce for Inland Rivers An exploration of workforce development initiatives and partnerships aimed at building a strong talent pipeline for Ohio’s inland maritime economy.
4:15pm – Summit Ends
Date & Time
Wed, Jun 10, 2026 2:00 PM
Venue Details
Anderson Pavilion
8 East Mehring WayCincinnati, Ohio 45202
