

Energy Advancement & Innovation Center
The Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio
Join All Aboard Ohio, a nationally recognized leader in passenger rail advocacy, for the Ohio Rail Summit. This premier statewide event brings together public officials, transportation professionals, transit advocates, and regional partners to shape the future of passenger rail infrastructure across Ohio and the Midwest
The Ohio Rail Summit reflects the growing momentum and expanded scope of the passenger rail conversation. Designed as a high-impact, cross-sector gathering, the Summit emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that the future of modern transportation depends on coordination between public agencies, local leaders, and regional coalitions.
$30
Student Tickets*
$50
AAO Voting Members
$65
General Admission**
*student tickets must use a current university email address.
** become a voting member at checkout for $50 for reduced pricing

Presented By
2026 Speakers

Hayden Clarkin
@TheTransitGuy
Hayden Clarkin is a transportation engineer, mobility consultant, and leading advocate for sustainable infrastructure. Widely known to his 300,000+ followers as "The Transit Guy," he is the Founder of TransitCon and a prominent voice in transportation policy. Hayden bridges the gap between complex engineering and the everyday rider experience to champion efficient, people-centric transit networks across American cities.

Sean Jeans-Gail
Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the Rail Passengers Association
Jeans-Gail has worked in the industry for over a decade, directing national
grassroots advocacy campaigns and serving as a spokesman for transit and passenger rail. In addition to
overseeing federal and state policy, Jeans-Gail manages Rail Passengers Association’s field organizing
team, which supports passenger-centric legislation and voter initiatives at the state and municipal level.

Joel Szabat
Vice Chairman, Amtrak Board of Directors
With over three decades of federal transportation leadership, Joel Szabat brings unparalleled expertise in rail policy and infrastructure funding to the Amtrak Board. As the former Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, he is a leading advocate for expanding intercity rail partnerships and advancing the future of passenger rail in Ohio and across the nation.
Presented By All Aboard Ohio
Founded in 1973, All Aboard Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing robust public transportation and passenger rail services throughout the state and the broader Midwest. For over 50 years, our member-driven coalition has championed sustainable, equitable, and efficient transit solutions. By focusing on critical infrastructure expansions, such as the proposed 3C+D corridor connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. All Aboard Ohio works to bridge communities, stimulate regional economic development, and elevate the quality of life for all Ohioans.
As a nationally recognized leader in transit advocacy, All Aboard Ohio has spent decades serving as a trusted resource for policymakers, transportation professionals, and the media. Our rigorous research and deep network of subject matter experts have consistently guided sound infrastructure investments at the Statehouse and beyond. With passenger rail in Ohio actively moving from concept to implementation thanks to historic federal funding, All Aboard Ohio is excited to present the Inaugural Ohio Rail Summit.
A New Statewide Convening
The Ohio Rail Summit reflects the growing momentum and expanded scope of the passenger rail conversation. Designed as a high-impact, cross-sector gathering, the Summit emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that the future of modern transportation depends on coordination between public agencies, local leaders, and regional coalitions.
The Ohio Rail Summit Merch
Why It's Time for an Ohio Rail Summit
The Summit arrives at a pivotal turning point for transportation. As Ohio and neighboring states leverage historic federal rail programs, advance interstate corridor planning, and position themselves for long-term infrastructure investment, passenger rail is moving from concept to implementation. This event provides a focused forum for understanding how modern rail corridors advance, from vision to delivery.
2026 Sponsorship Levels
Align your organization with one of the Midwest’s leading rail advocacy events. High-visibility sponsorship opportunities are currently available. If you have questions about sponsorships, please contact John Esterly at john@allaboardohio.org.
Title Sponsor
$2,500+
Premier partnership with the Ohio Rail Summit,
offering maximum visibility and direct participation in the program.
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Featured participation in the summit program through a workshop, panel, presentation, or moderated session
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6’ exhibitor table at the summit
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Premier logo placement on all summit promotional materials, website, and event signage
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Two newsletter features (up to 250 words each) including sponsor logo
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Two dedicated social media features across AAO platforms
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Dedicated sponsor recognition slide during both the happy hour reception and summit
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Five (5) complimentary event tickets with reserved seating
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Three (3) raffle entries
Gold Sponsor
$1,000-$2,499
High-visibility recognition and strong engagement with attendees and rail leaders.
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6’ exhibitor table at the summit
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Prominent logo placement on summit promotional materials and website
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Newsletter feature (up to 250 words) including sponsor logo
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One social media feature across AAO platforms
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Dedicated sponsor recognition slide during the summit program
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Three (3) complimentary event tickets
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Two (2) raffle entries
Silver Sponsor
$500-$999
Meaningful recognition and opportunities to connect with summit attendees.
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6’ exhibitor table at the summit
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Logo placement on summit promotional materials and website
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Logo recognition in two AAO newsletters
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One social media feature across AAO platforms
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Verbal recognition during the summit program
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Two (2) complimentary event tickets
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One (1) raffle entry
Bronze Sponsor
$250-$499
Support the summit and gain visibility among Ohio’s passenger rail community.
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6’ exhibitor table at the summit
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Logo placement on summit web page
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Logo recognition in one AAO newsletter
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One social media feature across AAO platforms
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One (1) complimentary event ticket
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One (1) raffle entry
Mail Address
3136 Kingsdale Center,
#112 Columbus, OH 43221
Press Contact
Social Media
All Aboard Ohio is a 501c-3 nonprofit with over 50 years of advocacy work, advocating for improved public transportation and passenger rail service in the Midwest
Get in Touch
(614) 642-2386
3136 Kingsdale Center,
#112 Columbus, OH 43221

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