2026 Summer General Assembly

This year’s Summer General Assembly will feature networking opportunities, a vendor showcase, caucuses, our summer Business Meeting, and a special keynote program highlighted by a panel of local communications experts. We will explore how you can tell your unique story, host effective public meetings, and address emergency situations.

The program will conclude with networking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and wrap up promptly at 5:30 p.m.

As we begin this next chapter as Lake Erie West Regional Council, we’re looking forward to celebrating together by the lake that connects us all.

Lake Erie West 2026 Summer General Assembly Tentative Agenda

Keynote Presenters:

	Ryan Bunch, Studio Director, Toledo Design Collective, How to Host Effective Public Meetings Through its work in urban planning, neighborhood engagement, and community design, the Toledo Design Collective helps bring residents as well as local organizations and public agencies together to shape the future of their communities. Ryan will share practical strategies for designing public meetings that encourage participation and generate meaningful input. He will explore how thoughtful meeting formats and clear communication can help organizations move beyond attendance and create genuine engagement.
	Samuel Chang, President and Co-Founder, Midstory, How to Tell Your Unique Story As president and co-founder of Midstory, Samuel Chang has helped elevate the stories of Toledo, the Midwest, and the people who call this region home through multimedia storytelling and research. In this session, he will explore how organizations can identify what makes them unique and translate that into messages that resonate with their audiences. He will discuss the role authentic storytelling plays in building trust and helping organizations stand out in a crowded information landscape.
	Rachel Hart, Chief Communications Officer, City of Toledo, How to Navigate Tough Issues with Smart Communication Rachel Hart leads communications for the City of Toledo, where providing timely, accurate information is essential during both routine operations and high-profile public issues. Drawing on her experience managing communications during emergencies and complex community conversations, she will discuss how organizations can communicate effectively when facts are still emerging and misinformation can spread quickly. She will also share insights on balancing speed and accuracy, coordinating messages across multiple stakeholders, and maintaining public trust during challenging situations.