Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Join us at the Ohio Early Childhood Conference from April 22-24, 2027, at Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, OH, for a comprehensive professional development experience.
Dates
22–24 Apr 2027
City / country
Sandusky, United States
Venue
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Ohio Early Childhood Conference is a vital gathering for professionals dedicated to the education and well-being of children ages 0-8. Scheduled for April 22-24, 2027, at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, this event will feature over 125 sessions led by experts in early childhood education.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, share best practices, and gain insights into the latest trends and strategies in the field. Ohio Early Childhood Conference takes place in Sandusky, United.
TL;DR
Attending the Ohio Early Childhood Conference provides invaluable opportunities to learn from leading experts, earn professional development credits, and connect with fellow educators. Participants will explore practical approaches to early childhood education, engage in hands-on workshops, and discover innovative resources from exhibitors.
Exhibiting at the Ohio Early Childhood Conference allows organizations to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of early childhood professionals. Exhibitors will benefit from dedicated exhibit hours, increased traffic from conference attendees, and opportunities to network with educators and decision-makers in the field.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
17000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Visit the registration page for detailed pricing information.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
On 2027-04-22 to 2027-04-24, Ohio Early Childhood Conference in Sandusky covering Educational materials for early childhood education, Professional development resources for educators, Child care manage gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
The most practical major gateway for OAEYC attendees. Rental cars, taxis, rideshares and pre-booked shuttles are available. Confirm current fares and pickup points before travel
TBA
to venue
About 60-75 minutes by car depending on traffic and route
by car
Toledo Express Airport
A smaller alternative with fewer daily flights. Check rental car availability and whether your arrival time allows a same-day drive to Sandusky
TBA
to venue
About 60-75 minutes by car
by car
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
A large hub with more flight options, but the longer drive makes it less convenient for a short conference trip. Allow extra time for immigration, baggage and the road transfer
TBA
to venue
About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car
by car
Griffin Sandusky Airport
General aviation airport with no scheduled passenger airline service. Not a practical arrival point for most conference travellers
TBA
to venue
Short local transfer
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
USD 175–236 / night
The most convenient option because guest rooms and the convention center are in the same complex. Rates vary by room type and demand; confirm the OAEYC room block, cutoff date, resort fee and parking policy directly with the venue.
sourceBest Western Plus Sandusky Hotel & Suites
USD 115–145 / night
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and restaurant; guest rating around 3.9 on Google Hotels. A practical lower-cost base within a short drive of Kalahari.
Tru by Hilton Sandusky
USD 115–145 / night
Modern limited-service hotel with a breakfast area and fitness room. Confirm current shuttle or parking options and recheck rates for the 22-24 April 2027 dates.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sandusky by IHG
USD 175–236 / night
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and accessible rooms; guests mention a restaurant and activities next door. Recheck the April 2027 rate and cancellation terms.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Sandusky South
USD 175–220 / night
A lower-cost option south of the main resort area. Confirm recent reviews, breakfast and parking details before booking, and allow a slightly longer drive to Kalahari.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Guests at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky reach the convention center on foot within the same complex. Allow extra time because the resort and meeting space are spread across a large site.
Bus
Moovit lists Sandusky Transit System service to the Kalahari Resort & Waterpark stop. Service is limited compared with a major metro, so check the current schedule and plan around daytime frequency.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft operate in the Sandusky area, but supply is thinner than in Cleveland. Expect longer waits at off-peak hours and confirm the pickup point at your hotel and at Kalahari.
Taxi
The drive is roughly 60 miles and 60-75 minutes. Book a licensed taxi or pre-arranged car service in advance; metered fares vary with traffic and waiting time.
Shared shuttle
Third-party shuttle operators serve the Kalahari and Sandusky hotel area. Reserve ahead for conference dates and confirm whether the shuttle stops at your hotel or only at the resort.
Driving / parking
Use I-80/Ohio Turnpike or US-250 depending on your origin. Kalahari has large surface lots; confirm with OAEYC or the venue whether conference parking is complimentary, validated or charged daily.
taxi
About 60-75 minutes by car; A smaller alternative with fewer daily flights. Check rental car availability and whether your arrival time allows a same-day drive to Sandusky.
taxi
About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car; A large hub with more flight options, but the longer drive makes it less convenient for a short conference trip. Allow extra time for immigration, baggage and the road transfer.
Weather
Late April in Sandusky, on the Lake Erie shore, is a changeable spring period: daytime highs typically reach 12-18 C (54-65 F), while overnight lows fall to about 4-8 C (39-46 F). Lake breezes can make the waterfront and resort grounds feel cooler than the forecast suggests. April is also a showery month, so brief rain and gusty winds are possible. Air quality in this lakeside region is usually good, but sensitive travellers should check a live local forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Sandusky is covered by major US mobile networks including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, with 4G and 5G service in the town and resort area. International visitors should enable an international roaming plan or buy a US eSIM before arrival; public Wi-Fi is common in hotels but should not be relied on for secure work. Kalahari provides guest Wi-Fi, and OAEYC may provide separate conference Wi-Fi details. US power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and Type B plugs, so bring a suitable adapter and check that your devices support 120 V.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Conference tone
OAEYC is a professional education conference for early childhood teachers, administrators, family child care providers and students. Expect practical, collegial sessions on child development, program quality and workforce practice rather than a consumer expo atmosphere.
Business dress
Business casual is standard: slacks, collared shirts, blouses, sweaters and comfortable shoes. Bring a light layer because meeting rooms and the large Kalahari complex can feel cool, and evenings by Lake Erie may be windy.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in US restaurants, bars, taxis and rideshares. Fifteen to twenty percent is typical for table service; check whether a service charge is already included on the bill.
Greetings and small talk
A handshake and first names are common in Ohio professional settings. Colleagues often open with light conversation about the session, their program or the drive in; keep it brief and respectful of session start times.
Accessibility and inclusion
US conferences generally expect attendees to request accommodations in advance. If you need seating, captioning, dietary options or mobility support, contact OAEYC or Kalahari before the event rather than waiting until arrival.
Local setting
Sandusky is a lakeside resort town. The Kalahari complex is largely self-contained, so plan evening meals and informal meetings on site or a short drive away, and allow extra time for weather delays along the Lake Erie corridor.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: CLE
The flight samples captured in this listing are illustrative date pairs from December and January, not quotes for 22-24 April 2027. Fares into Cleveland (CLE) were served by Frontier, United, Southwest, American, Delta and Spirit; reprice for the conference week and compare CLE with TOL before booking. Book six to ten weeks ahead for the best selection, allow at least 90 minutes after landing before the road transfer to Sandusky, and check baggage fees and change policies. If you arrive late, confirm that your rental car desk or shuttle operator is still open.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE): About 60-75 minutes by car depending on traffic and route; Toledo Express Airport (TOL): About 60-75 minutes by car; Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car; Griffin Sandusky Airport (SKY): Short local transfer. Allow road or rail time to Kalahari Resort and Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Kalahari Resort and Convention Center: Kalahari Resort campus, Sandusky: King room, Double queen room, Suite; Sandusky: King room, Two queen room; Sandusky: King room, Two queen room.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in the Sandusky area, but vehicle supply is thinner than in Cleveland. Expect longer waits at off-peak hours, late evenings and during large events. Schedule rides in advance where the app allows, confirm the pickup point at Kalahari and at your hotel, and keep a taxi or shuttle number as a backup. Fares are subject to surge pricing, so the USD 18-30 local range is only an estimate.
Public transit: Sandusky Transit System provides local bus service in and around Sandusky, and Moovit lists a stop at Kalahari Resort & Waterpark. Frequency is limited compared with a major metro, with reduced evening and weekend service. Use transit for daytime trips between the hotel corridor and the resort, allow extra time, and confirm the current route and fare before relying on it for conference arrival.
Parking: Kalahari has large on-site surface parking, and the resort layout includes drop-off areas near the convention center. Confirm with OAEYC or Kalahari whether conference parking is complimentary, validated or charged daily, and whether exhibitors have a separate loading or move-in area. Accessible spaces are available; if you are carrying materials, use the drop-off point before parking.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Daytime highs typically range from 12-18 C (54-65 F), and overnight lows from about 4-8 C (39-46 F). Lake Erie breezes can make the resort grounds feel cooler than the forecast, especially in the evening. Confirm a live forecast before packing.
Seasonality: April is a showery shoulder-season month on Lake Erie, with several rain days possible and gusty winds. Severe weather is uncommon but not impossible. Carry a packable rain jacket and check the forecast each morning before walking between the resort wings and the convention center.
Packing: Pack layers, a packable rain jacket, closed-toe walking shoes and a light sweater for cool meeting rooms. Bring a power bank and comfortable business casual clothing for sessions. If you plan to use the indoor waterpark, pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes separately from conference attire.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Ohio Early Childhood Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
book your Kalahari room or a Sandusky hotel and confirm check-in time, parking and any resort fee.
book flights into Cleveland (CLE) or Toledo (TOL) and reserve a rental car, shuttle or rideshare plan for the 60 to 75 minute road transfer to Sandusky.
if travelling internationally, verify your passport, US visa or ESTA status and carry printed registration and hotel confirmations.
review the conference programme, mark sessions by strand and note any Ohio Approved or Step Up To Quality reporting requirements.
request accessibility, dietary or seating accommodations through OAEYC or the venue if you need them.
plan layered clothing, a packable rain jacket and comfortable shoes for walking between the Kalahari resort wings and the convention center.; confirm whether your school or program requires pre-approval for professional development hours and bring any forms you need signed.
download or print your badge QR code, registration receipt and session tickets if the organiser issues them.
make a short list of exhibitors and curriculum or assessment products you want to review in the exhibit hall.
check a live weather forecast for Sandusky and adjust outerwear; late April can bring showers and cool lake breezes.
charge devices, pack a power bank, business cards and a reusable water bottle, and confirm your return travel.
reconfirm airport pickup or parking, and share your arrival time with colleagues or your hotel.
confirm your OAEYC registration, session selections and cancellation terms on oaeyc.org, and save the confirmation email.; travel to Sandusky, collect your badge if early pickup is offered, and walk the route from your room to the convention center.
Registration and hall orientation at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Ohio Early Childhood Conference registration concourse
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Ohio Early Childhood Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Ohio Early Childhood Conference, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Educational materials for early childhood education solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Ohio Early Childhood Conference in Sandusky.
Min. budget
$622.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Educational materials for early childhood education products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,799.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Sandusky show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Trust footer
1
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
Ohio AEYC
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