President's Council 2026 - Invitation Request

Request your invitation for President’s Council 2026

October 13, 2026 | The Ellis at Italian Village, Columbus, OH

Request and invitation to join an exclusive group of Ohio’s most influential restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality leaders at President’s Council 2026, taking place October 13 at The Ellis in Downtown Columbus. This premier thought leadership exchange is reserved exclusively for a select owners, presidents and C-Suite leaders in Ohio’s restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry.

This year’s program features more than 20 industry leaders across strategic panel discussions and executive roundtables designed to deliver insight, collaboration, and inspiration:

State of the Industry & What’s Breaking the Old Playbook?
Moderated by Sam Oches, Editor in Chief, Nation’s Restaurant News, with panelists:

• Evan Andrews, EVP, Montgomery Inn & Cincy Favorites
• Jamie Richardson, CMO, White Castle
• David Miller, President & COO, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

How Best Can Owners/Operators Engage Consumers and Get Them to Love Their Brand?
Moderated by Allison Schroeder, Founder, Pomme Communications, with panelists:

• Michael Johnson, SVP, AlixPartners
• Andrew Summerfield, President, Summerfield Advertising
• Ryan Wilkins, CEO, Wilkins Collective

Where Will Growth Come from in the Next 5 Years?
Moderated by Kathleen White, US Director of Merchandising, Gordon Food Service, with panelists:

• Abigail Pringle, Senior Advisor, L.E.K. Consulting
• Bob Deck, COO & Managing Partner, 4 Entertainment Group
• Scott Swaldo, CEO & GM, Gervasi Destinations

A forward‑looking discussion on new concepts, formats, channels, partnerships, and operational models that will define the next era of growth.

Two New Additions This Year

Exclusive Author Conversation with Denny Lynch
Author of Call Me Dave: Behind the Counter with Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy’s  
Featuring behind‑the‑scenes stories, audience Q&A and a book signing.

Executive Roundtable Discussions: Winning the Next Decade 
Attendees will select two topics from 14 roundtables focused on navigating disruption, redefining competitive advantage and building the talent, culture, and execution needed to turn strategy into results.

Request your invitation today by clicking register
This is not just an event – it’s a strategic advantage.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of hospitality in Ohio. If you’re unable to attend, you are welcome to send a member of your senior leadership team in your place.

For event questions, please contact:

Rick Brunsman
Events & Programming
Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance
P: 614-246-0217
E: rbrunsman@ohiorestaurant.org

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Lauren Simon
Manager of Strategic Partnerships
Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance
P: 614-246-0130
E: lsimon@ohiorestaurant.org