Summit Comes At Critical Juncture for Transportation Planning
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) the Ohio Association of Regional Councils (OARC) and partners have officially opened the 2026 Ohio Conference on Freight at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.
The symposium brings together more than 300 supply chain professionals, economic development experts, and policymakers from across the country.
The conference arrives at a critical juncture for regional planning, as historic federal investments and private industrial expansions reshape the Midwest’s physical infrastructure. Over the course of the event, panels will focus on cross-state freight rail coordination, highway and maritime efficiency, workforce development, and the deployment of advanced logistics technology.
"Ohio has always been the crossroads of the country, acting as the vital connective tissue for domestic and international commerce. The movement of freight is not just a sector of our economy; it is the backbone of our regional competitive advantage. By bringing together public and private sector innovators this week, we are ensuring that Ohio’s infrastructure remains resilient, modern, and fully equipped to power the nation’s supply chains for decades to come."
With major manufacturing and technology corridors rapidly expanding across Central Ohio and the whole state, regional leaders are using the conference to align municipal, state, and federal transit priorities. Discussions will center on capacity demands between expanding commercial freight pipelines, laying a unified groundwork for the state’s transportation future.
For more details on session schedules, keynote speakers, please visit ohioconferenceonfreight.com.
