Receptions
We are thrilled to welcome you to The Gem City! Let's network, unwind, and celebrate our way through OKI26.
Bird's Eye View:
Wednesday, September 30
Welcome Reception @ Pins | 5:30 - 7:30pm
Thursday, October 1
Conference Reception @ Arcade Rotunda | 6:00 - 8:00pm
Friday, October 2
Conference Brunch + Raffle | 9:00a - 10:15am
Wednesday Reception
Located in Dayton’s vibrant Water Street District, Pins Mechanical Company is an 11,000-square-foot grown-up playground where fun meets nostalgia. Grab a drink and a snack (on us!), then dive into a mix of classic and modern arcade games, from pinball favorites to the latest interactive hits. Whether you're aiming for a high score or just unwinding with colleagues, it’s the perfect spot to play, connect, and let loose.
This reception is included in full conference and single day registrations.
Transportation Note: GDRTA will provide a complimentary bus from Hotel Ardent, Hilton Garden Inn, and Pins Mechanical from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. The bus marquee will say "Welcome OKI 2026". Hotel Ardent guests can exit the hotel and wait in front of the hotel on Main Street. HGI guests can exit the hotel, and wait at the Main Street bus shelter for pick up. For those staying at the Marriott at UD, the hotel will provide a complimentary shuttle to and from Pins at your request.
Thursday Reception
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Dayton Arcade, where the OKI Regional Conference Reception comes to life in one of the region’s most iconic and inspiring spaces. Set beneath the stunning 90-foot glass dome of the Rotunda, we invite you to connect, unwind, and celebrate alongside colleagues and friends. Enjoy drinks, light bites, and lively conversation in a setting that blends historic character with modern vibrancy. This reception is included in full conference and single day registrations.
Please note: Business Casual is encouraged. Please wear your conference badge - that's your ticket in!
Historic Arcade Tours: Thanks to Friends of the Dayton Arcade (FODA), three historic mini tours of the Dayton Arcade will take place at 6:30 / 6:45 / 7:00.
Visit the Vendors of the Dayton Arcade! Several vendors have agreed to remain open until 7:00 PM to allow you to shop as you stroll through the Dayton Arcade.
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- Be sure to visit their newest exhibition while at the reception, Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold my Body Down - a complex portrait of Appalachia by Pulitzer Prize Winning photographer Stacy Kranitz.
- The Contemporary Dayton is also hosting a free Collage Night during our event. Click here for more information.
Bring on the Funk! Dayton is widely known as the Funk Capital of the World and the Land of Funk for producing an extraordinary number of legendary funk bands in the late 1960s and 1970s. We're paying homage to the rich music, traditions, and community storytelling that emerged here in Dayton. Learn more about the Funk Capital of the World here.
The first 5 attendees to show off their best funk inspired attire or funk moves on the dancefloor gets a prize!
Friday Brunch + Raffle
Join us for a lively conference brunch and raffle as we celebrate outstanding planning across the tri-state region. Connect, unwind, and toast (get it?!) the people and projects shaping our communities.
Interested in donating an item to our raffle? We encourage all sponsors, speakers, and participants to get involved by donating a raffle item that is a tribute to the places you work, live, and play (think snacks, treats, mugs, gift cards, tshirts, etc.) You can RSVP your item here.
This brunch is included in full conference and single day registrations.
