WIIC 2026
WIIC is a dynamic two-day event bringing together innovative leaders and professionals in an unforgettable Lake Erie setting. The experience blends expert-led panels, educational forums, and meaningful one-on-one connections with high-impact networking, without the feel of a traditional boardroom.
June 24-25, 2026, Lake Erie Islands, OH
Wednesday, June 24 Overview
Moderated by: Michael P. Ast, MD
10:00 AM-Noon: Healthspan Over Lifespan: Biohacking, Prevention, and the Science of Aging
Who truly owns your health—and are we focusing more on living longer or living better? Explore the growing movement around personal ownership of health and the shift from simply extending lifespan to improving quality of life. Through conversations on biohacking, preventative wellness, alternative health partnerships, and the power of understanding personal health data, attendees will gain insight into how technology, lifestyle, and proactive care are reshaping the future of health.
Featured guests include: Mihir Patel, MD with JumpStart Ventures, Dr. Sandeep “Deep” Palakodeti, MD, MPH with Velocity Health, Nick Bigrig with Aligned Health, and Jacob Calcei, MD and Yianni Apostolakos, MD from University Hospitals.
Noon-1:00 PM: Lunch & Keynote Speaker: Lori Stewart Gonzalez, President of Ohio University
1:00-3:30 PM: The Future of Healthcare-Who wins in the next 5 years?
What does the future of surgical care look like? This session explores how new technologies, advanced tools, AI, and evolving care models are reshaping surgery, improving outcomes, and creating more efficient, patient-centered care. This panel will highlight what has changed and what is driving the next generation of surgical innovation.
Featuring: David Crawford, MD, Medical Director JIS Research Institute, Brian Cohen, MD, Cohen Orthopedics, Lacey Dyer, BSN, RN, CASC VP of Clinical Operations at Surgical Investors & Advisors, John Bring, RN, BSN VP of Innovation & Outcomes Sequel Ortho, Beth Gard, MSN, RN, ONC, Chief Nursing Officer Sequel Ortho, Elisa Auguste, CASC, Administrator Precision Care Surgery Center, and Greg DeConciliis, PA, Administrator, Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites.
3:30 PM-6:00 PM BREAK
6:00-8:30 PM: Dinner & Deal Flow Dock
The Deal Flow Dock showcases some of the top innovators, emerging technologies, and forward-thinking companies shaping the future of healthcare and business. Designed to spark meaningful conversations and strategic partnerships, this interactive experience gives attendees direct access to founders, investors, and industry leaders driving real-world innovation and growth.
Featuring: Don Roberts with Caracal Products & Services, Jeffrey Stern, and Peeyush Shrivastava from The O.H.I.O. Fund, Hardik Desai, Jumpstart Ventures. To be announced: Deal Flow Dock Company highlights
The Crew’s Nest | Put-in-Bay, OH
Thursday, June 25 Overview
Day 2 highlights regional business growth, manufacturing, workforce development, and investment initiatives, with a focused discussion on innovation ecosystems and their broader economic impact.
8:00 AM-Noon: Private Fund & Investor Session Rattlesnake Island Club
An intimate breakfast with focused discussions on regional investment, healthcare growth, and business expansion.
Attendance is limited, and invitations are extended. Additional participation may be requested based on availability.
10:00 AM Booths Open The Crew’s Nest
11:30 AM-1:00 PM: Ohio Economic Forum & Lunch The Crew’s Nest
Hosted by the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, this session explores forward-thinking strategies that drive regional growth, strengthen partnerships, and create long-term innovation. Featured speakers from JobsOH, The O.H.I.O. Fund, Greater Sandusky Partnership, and RGP Northwest Ohio.
6:00 PM: WIIC’s Signature Soirée | Lonz Winery
WIIC’s main event brings together Ohio’s business leaders, regional investors, and innovation leaders for a premier networking experience. Guests will enjoy unique connections, industry conversation, and an unforgettable waterfront setting designed to strengthen partnerships and celebrate collaboration.
*Transportation will be provided, to and from, South Bass Island to Middle Bass Island.
Featured Speakers
Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute | Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns
Chief of the Knee Service, Chief Medical Innovation Officer at Hospital for Special Surgery.
Administrator at Precision Care Surgery Center
Founder and CEO at Velocity Health
Orthopedic Surgeon at JIS Orthopedics
Physician Assistant/Administrator at Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites
VP Clinical Operations at Surgical Investors and Advisors
Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon and Clinician-Scientist at University Hospitals
President, Ohio University
Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer at The O.H.I.O. Fund | Vice Chair of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
President & CEO of Caracal Corporation
VP of Innovation & Performance, Sequel Ortho
Sports Medicine Surgeon at University Hospitals
President & Chief Nursing Officer at Sequel Ortho
FHCDM/LEAD/JSV/MDEnvoy/Balance and Bites/Music
President & CFO
The O.H.I.O. Fund
Executive Director, Ottawa County Improvement Corporation
Founder/CEO Fan Huddle Former NFL player.College football analyst for FOXFanHuddle.live
Principal, The O.H.I.O. Fund
WIIC FAQs
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We recommend taking the Miller Ferry out of Catawba Island to South Bass Island. Guests can show their WIIC registration for 20% off their round-trip ticket. Miller Ferry Directions and Parking Information.
Guests also have the option of taking the Jet Express out of Port Clinton. Jet Express Directions and Parking Information.
All transportation from South Bass Island to Middle Bass Island on Thursday evening will be provided.
Lodging: We recommend booking at Bayshore Resort.
Phone number:1-419-464-7816 -
Think coastal casual by day and fun cocktail for the networking events—comfortable, elevated, and ready for waterfront conversations, sunset photos, and meaningful connections.
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WIIC attracts a curated audience of surgeons, healthcare executives, and business leaders alongside innovators in technology and investment. Sponsors gain access to decision-makers actively shaping growth, partnerships, and capital deployment across orthopedics and healthcare.
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Paid individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available by clicking below. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to increase visibility and engage directly with key decision-makers.