SOMETHING IS SHIFTING IN OHIO.
For decades, passenger rail lived in planning documents and "someday" language. The ideas were sound. The case was strong. But the momentum felt just out of reach. Not anymore.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This Summit Is for You If…
1
YOU'RE A PUBLIC OFFICIAL
State legislators, city planners, and transit agency leaders who need to understand where federal rail programs are headed — and what it means for their constituents.
3
YOU'RE AN ADVOCATE
Community organizers, nonprofit leaders, and transit champions who know that better rail means better lives — and who want the tools and allies to push it forward.
2
YOU WORK IN TRANSPORTATION
Engineers, planners, and consultants whose work touches corridors, infrastructure, or regional mobility — and who want a seat at Ohio's most important rail table.
4
YOU'RE A REGIONAL PARTNER
Business leaders, economic development orgs, and civic institutions who understand that connected communities attract investment — and want rail to be part of that story.
"Passenger rail in Ohio is no longer a niche issue. It is part of a broader discussion about mobility, infrastructure, and regional connectivity — and it requires a forum that brings those voices together."
— Mitch Radakovich, Board Chair, All Aboard Ohio
2026 SPEAKERS
National Leaders
Real Impact.
The inaugural Ohio Rail Summit features three of the most influential voices in American passenger rail and transportation policy.
@THETRANSITGUY
Hayden Clarkin
The Transit Guy · Founder of TransitCon
Transportation engineer, mobility consultant, and leading advocate for sustainable infrastructure. With 300,000+ followers, Hayden bridges the gap between complex engineering and the everyday rider experience, championing efficient, people-centric transit networks across American cities.
At the Summit: Engaging new audiences and building public momentum around transit and mobility initiatives.
AMTRAK BOARD
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. As former Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, he is a leading advocate for expanding intercity rail partnerships nationwide.
At the Summit: The federal policy landscape and the role of advocacy in shaping the future of passenger rail.
RAIL PASSENGERS ASSOC.
Sean Jeans-Gail
Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the Rail Passengers Association
Directing national grassroots advocacy campaigns and serving as spokesman for transit and passenger rail for over a decade. Jeans-Gail oversees federal and state policy while managing the field organizing team that supports passenger-centric legislation across the country.
At the Summit: National passenger rail priorities and updates on the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development Program.
PROGRAM
Two Days.
One Movement.
DAY 1
PRE-SUMMIT RECEPTION
Friday, April 17, 2026 · 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Columbus' Historic Trolley House
Kick off the Summit weekend at Columbus' storied Trolley House. This evening reception is free for all registered Ohio Rail Summit attendees — a chance to meet fellow advocates, speakers, and transportation leaders in a relaxed, historic setting.
DAY 2
THE OHIO RAIL SUMMIT
Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
9:00 AM
Doors Open & Registration
9:30 AM
Opening Remarks
All Aboard Ohio Leadership
10:00 AM
Keynote: National Passenger Rail Priorities
Joel Szabat · Amtrak Vice Chair
11:00 AM
Federal Policy & Advocacy Landscape
Sean Jeans-Gail · Rail Passengers Association
12:00 AM
Lunch Break & Networking
1:00 PM
Engaging the Public: Lessons from The Transit Guy
Hayden Clarkin · The Transit Guy
2:00 PM
Panel Discussion & Q&A
Speakers + regional partners
3:00 PM
Closing Remarks
* Full agenda to be released in the coming weeks. Timings may change. Additional speaker announcements forthcoming.
TICKETS
Secure Your Seats
Limited seats available. Join public officials, transit advocates, and transportation professionals shaping the future of Ohio rail.
VENUE
The Setting
ENERGY ADVANCEMENT & INNOVATION CENTER
The Ohio State University · Columbus, Ohio
Located on The Ohio State University's campus, the Energy Advancement and Innovation Center is a state-of-the-art "living laboratory" dedicated to sustainable technology and green mobility — a fitting backdrop for Ohio's most important rail conversation.
SPONSORED BY
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 Ohio 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 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.
SPONSORSHIP
ALIGN WITH THE MOVEMENT
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
-
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
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.
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
