LaunchPad | March 5, 2026
LaunchPad brings together the Dayton entrepreneurial community to learn, connect, and grow. It’s where business takes off!
This free, community-focused event series is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creatives who want practical tools and meaningful connections. From January to July, each gathering offers expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that deliver actionable insights you can put to work right away. Together, these events build momentum leading up to Launch Dayton Startup Week, taking place from September 1–3, 2026.
Event Schedule
- 9:00 am – Doors Open
- 9:30–11:00 am – Speed Networking Sessions
- 11:00–11:45 am – Ashley Bethard: Becoming Newsworthy
- 12:00–1:00 pm – Panel Discussion: How People Find You
- 1:15–2:00 pm – Bryan Suddith: Own Your Story
- 2:30–4:00 pm – Happy Hour & Networking (Drinks provided)
- 5:00 pm – Doors Close
Breakfast, lunch, and happy hour drinks provided!
Guest Speakers
- Ashley Bethard, Editor of Dayton Daily News and Chief Content Officer of Cox First Media (presenter, panalist)
- Bryan Suddith, Mayor, City of Kettering and Deputy Director of Montgomery County Veteran Services Commission (presenter, panalist)
- Rachel DeWitt, Business Advisor at Miami Valley SBDC (panalist)
- Evlyn Ritzi, Content Marketing Manager at The Ohlmann Group (panel moderator)
Presentation Topics
- Become Newsworthy: Who to pitch, how to pitch, and what makes your story journalist-ready.
- How People Find You: Different channels working together to help the right audience discover your brand.
- Own Your Story: Craft a compelling and authentic story about yourself and your business.
Title Sponsor: Fifth Third Bank
We extend our sincere gratitude to Fifth Third Bank, our title sponsor, for their continued commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across the Launch Dayton community. Their partnership helps us keep these events free and accessible for all.
Learn more at https://launchdayton.com/events/launchpad
LaunchPad brings together the Dayton entrepreneurial community to learn, connect, and grow. It’s where business takes off!
This free, community-focused event series is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creatives who want practical tools and meaningful connections. From January to July, each gathering offers expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that deliver actionable insights you can put to work right away. Together, these events build momentum leading up to Launch Dayton Startup Week, taking place from September 1–3, 2026.
Event Schedule
- 9:00 am – Doors Open
- 9:30–11:00 am – Speed Networking Sessions
- 11:00–11:45 am – Ashley Bethard: Becoming Newsworthy
- 12:00–1:00 pm – Panel Discussion: How People Find You
- 1:15–2:00 pm – Bryan Suddith: Own Your Story
- 2:30–4:00 pm – Happy Hour & Networking (Drinks provided)
- 5:00 pm – Doors Close
Breakfast, lunch, and happy hour drinks provided!
Guest Speakers
- Ashley Bethard, Editor of Dayton Daily News and Chief Content Officer of Cox First Media (presenter, panalist)
- Bryan Suddith, Mayor, City of Kettering and Deputy Director of Montgomery County Veteran Services Commission (presenter, panalist)
- Rachel DeWitt, Business Advisor at Miami Valley SBDC (panalist)
- Evlyn Ritzi, Content Marketing Manager at The Ohlmann Group (panel moderator)
Presentation Topics
- Become Newsworthy: Who to pitch, how to pitch, and what makes your story journalist-ready.
- How People Find You: Different channels working together to help the right audience discover your brand.
- Own Your Story: Craft a compelling and authentic story about yourself and your business.
Title Sponsor: Fifth Third Bank
We extend our sincere gratitude to Fifth Third Bank, our title sponsor, for their continued commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across the Launch Dayton community. Their partnership helps us keep these events free and accessible for all.
Learn more at https://launchdayton.com/events/launchpad
Good to know
Highlights
- 8 hours
- all ages
- In person
Location
The Hub at the Dayton Arcade
31 S. Main St.
Dayton, OH 45402
How do you want to get there?
