OPRA Annual Conference 2025 Logo

Registration is OPEN!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


To submit an award nomination click the link below.  To view the details and award descriptions visit the Awards tab.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION


General Conference Questions?

Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships: mfannon@opra.org

Hotel


Venue: Hilton Columbus/Polaris

The Hilton Polaris is sold-out


Overflow hotel:

Drury Inn and Suites

The reservation link will be emailed to you after you complete your registration.

Schedule

Wednesday, October 22  
10:30 am - 12:00 pm OPRA Board Meeting
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Registration
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Exhibitor Setup
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm OPRA PAC Top Golf

Thursday, October 23
 
7:30 am - 5:00 pm Registration/Information Hours
7:30 am - 9:00 am Exhibitor Networking Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:00 am Welcome & Keynote
10:00 am - 10:15 am Exhibitor Showcase Break
10:15 am - 11:15 am Breakout Sessions: Sponsored
11:15 am - 11:30 am Exhibitor Showcase Break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Breakouts Sessions: 1 - 4
11:45 am - 12:15 pm Exhibitor Lunch
12:30 pm - 1:20 pm Attendee Lunch
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Breakout Sessions: 5 - 8
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Exhibitor Showcase Break
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm Breakout Sessions: 9 - 12
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm Exhibitor Showcase Break
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Legislative Update
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Exhibitor Happy Hour
  DINNER ON OWN
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm OPRA Casino Night!

Friday, October 24
 
8:00 am - 1:30 pm Registration/Information Hours
8:00 am - 9:00 am Exhibitor Networking Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:00 am Breakout Sessions: 13 - 16
10:00 am - 10:15 am Exhibitor Showcase Break with PUPPIES!
10:15 am - 11:15 am Breakout Sessions: 17 - 20
11:15 am - 11:45 am Break
11:45 am - 1:30 pm OPRA Annual Awards Luncheon

Sessions

Click Here to View Speaker & Session Details

Click Here to Download the Session Schedule

2025 OPRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - DAY 1
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025 
Thurs. 10/23
9:00am - 9:15am
WELCOME - Peter Moore, OPRA President
 
Thurs. 10/23
9:15am - 10:00am
KEYNOTE SESSION - Embrace the Challenge: Finding Purpose, Power, and Partnership - Zach Anner
            15 Min. Break
Thurs. 10/23
Sponsored Sessions
10:15am - 11:15am
GIV. GLADEGY THS REMOTE SUPPORT SERVICES I AM BOUNDLESS
Sponsored Session 1 Sponsored Session 2 Sponsored Session 3 Sponsored Session 4
How Leveraging Data is Transforming Industries, Innovation, and Everyday Life Stop the Spin: Coaching to Transform Turnover into Tenure Future-Proofing In-Home Care: Leveraging Technology to Overcome Workforce Shortages Whole Person Integrated Care: Non-Sedation Dental
Danny Laneri & Alec Fowler
Giv.
Stacy Sufka
Gladegy Consulting
David Ilg
THS Remote Support Services
Katie Babcock & Timothy Hafer
I Am Boundless
            15 Min. Break
Thurs. 10/23
Breakout Sessions
11:30am - 12:30pm
LEADERSHIP HUMAN RESOURCES ICF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Breakout Session 1 Breakout Session 2 Breakout Session 3 Breakout Session 4
Designing for Sustainability: Acuity-Based Rates, Selective Contracting, and the Future of HCBS Giving Feedback With Confidence: Learn the Feedback Formula That Works Strong Enough to Withstand the Storm: Training DSPs who Have to Do It All Bridging the Gap: Partnering Effectively with Mental and Behavioral Health Providers
Lilia Teninty
Burns & Associates
Andrea Applegate
Applegate Talent Strategies
Brad Wyner
Milestones Autism Resources
Nathan Henniger & Lauri Livingston-Roberts
I Am Boundless
 
Thurs. 10/23
12:30pm - 1:30pm
ATTENDEE & EXHIBITOR LUNCH
 
Thurs. 10/23
Breakout Sessions
1:30pm - 2:30pm
LEADERSHIP HUMAN RESOURCES ICF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Breakout Session 5 Breakout Session 6 Breakout Session 7 Breakout Session 8
Provider-Driven Innovation: New Models for Financing and Managing HCBS Unshakeable: Inner Strength and Mental Agility for Leaders ICF Reimbursement Update & Benchmarking Trends Comprehensive Assessment for Complex Needs: Reducing Placement Disruptions through Meaningful Planning
Mary Pat Ambrosino, CTF Illinois &
Shane Spotts, DEON Health
Shyam Suchak
Anne Grady Services
TJ Ely & Denise Leonard
Plante Moran
Ashleigh Putney and Allison Hamrick, Lifeworks Autism Services &
Teresa Kobelt, OPRA
            15 Min. Break
Thurs. 10/23
Breakout Sessions
2:45pm - 3:45pm
LEADERSHIP HUMAN RESOURCES ICF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Breakout Session 9 Breakout Session 10 Breakout Session 11 Breakout Session 12
The Walk Away Warrior | Thriving While Surviving Immigration and Employment Law Update How to Have Difficult Discussions and Productive Disagreements Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Strategies for People with Co-occurring MI/DD
Julia Hage
The HageCo., LLC & Anne Grady Services
Bob Harris
Vorys
Tom Speaks
The Impact Group
Joe Smith, Victoria Broxholm and Ashleigh Watson
Lifeworks Autism Services
            15 Min. Break
Thurs. 10/23
4:00pm - 5:00pm
LEGISLATIVE & STATE BUDGET UPDATES
 
Thurs. 10/23
5:00pm - 6:00pm
EXHIBITOR HAPPY HOUR
 
Thurs. 10/23
7:00pm - 10:00pm
OPRA CASINO NIGHT
 
2025 OPRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - DAY 2
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 
Fri. 10/24
Breakout Sessions
9:00am - 10:00am
DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES HEALTHCARE RESIDENTIAL WAIVER MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
Breakout Session 13 Breakout Session 14 Breakout Session 15 Breakout Session 16
Empowered Expression: Reimagining Support Through Innovation and Art The Autistic Brain and Pain So You Think You Can HR? What Every Non-HR Leader Needs to Know Grantin’ Ain’t Bland: Creative Funding for EPIC Impact
Tiffany Martin
Goodwill Columbus
Dr. Michelle Failla, PhD
The Ohio State University’s College of Nursing
Stacy Sufka
Gladegy Consulting
Shawn Valentine
Sup Gurl
            15 Min. Break 
Fri. 10/24
Breakout Sessions
10:15am - 11:15am
DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES HEALTHCARE RESIDENTIAL WAIVER MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
Breakout Session 17 Breakout Session 18 Breakout Session 19 Breakout Session 20
Person-Centered Pathways: Tools for Supporting Transitions in Every Stage of Life The Ins and Outs of Waiver Nursing Billing Electronic Visit Verification and Claims Validation in DODD Waivers Make an Impact with Your Presentations
Jenna Allen & Alissa Otani-Cole
OCALI
Kristi Black
Nineteen Services
Brandi Nicholson
Ohio Department of Medicaid
Beth Whelley
Fahlgren Mortine
            30 Min. Break
Fri. 10/24
11:45am - 1:30pm
OPRA ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON

 

Sponsors


Headline Sponsor Keynote Sponsor
Giv Vorys

Platinum Sponsors

Reidy Medical Supply BRADYWARE Platinum Sponsor: Mullaney
CLA DirectTV Platinum Sponsor: Brittco

 Entertainment Sponsors

Gold Sponsor
TrailBlazeNobi

safedosePlante Moran

 

 


Bronze Sponsor

SpotMyPhoto Sponsor
Lost Creek Neurelis
NEXTGENTAT
Headshot Sponsor
iCareManager

Breakfast Sponsors Lunch Sponsors
ImpruvonHealth SETWorks logo
Mutual of America TARRYTOWN

 


Session Sponsors
I Am Boundless Giv THS Remote Support Services Gladedgy Consulting

 


Questions? Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships

OPRA Annual Fall Awards

The purpose of the OPRA Annual Awards is to honor dedicated service professionals, groups and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions in the I/DD Field. 

The OPRA awards represent more than just trophies or titles - they are symbols of the hard work, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.  Each award winner has left a lasting impact inspiring those around them and we have the pleasure of celebrating their success. 

We are now accepting (2) nominations for each award category per member organization.  Please take a moment to review the OPRA Awards Descriptions and coordinate with your staff before submitting your nominations.     

2025 OPRA Annual Award Descriptions

All nominations must include the following information:

  1.   Nominator’s name, title, organization, address, phone number, and email.
  2.   Nominee’s name, title, organization and email (if known).
  3.   Reason for nomination not to exceed 750 words. 

Click Here to Submit Your Nomination!

Nominations must be submitted no later than Monday, August 18th.   

Questions? Contact Sonya Summers