Ohio's largest long-term care convention returns to Columbus on 17-20 May 2027 with four days of education, an expo and thousands of industry peers.
Dates
17–20 May 2027
City / country
Columbus, United States
Venue
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Event overview
OHCA 2027 is the Ohio Health Care Association's Annual Convention & Expo, returning to the Greater Columbus Convention Center from 17-20 May 2027. It is Ohio's largest gathering of post-acute and long-term care professionals, bringing skilled nursing, assisted living and ID/DD providers together with the suppliers, consultants and technology companies that serve them.
Four days of expert-led education, continuing education credit and an exhibit hall of long-term care solutions give owners, administrators and clinical leaders practical tools for regulation, workforce, reimbursement and quality. Registration opens in February 2027.
TL;DR
Attend to earn continuing education credit, compare long-term care suppliers side by side and meet the administrators, clinicians and owners shaping Ohio's post-acute market in one downtown Columbus venue.
Exhibit to reach nearly 2,000 decision-makers from Ohio skilled nursing, assisted living and ID/DD providers, many with purchasing power and direct influence over facility budgets, in a dedicated trade show built around long-term care.
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
Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States
Entrances & gates
N High Street entrance
Main pedestrian entrance to the convention center.
Food options
Convention center concessions
On-site diningParking: Use the convention center's attached parking garages off Goodale Street and N High Street; arrive early on trade-show days.
Gate: Enter from N High Street or the Goodale Street side and follow signs to the convention registration area.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a photo ID and your registration confirmation to the convention registration desk.
Ticket notes
Online registration opens February 2027; 2027 rates were not published at the time of research.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 2,000
This edition
2027
Visitors: 2,000
Exhibitors: 300
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
The convention concentrates Ohio's post-acute decision-makers in one downtown venue for four days, giving buyers a rare chance to compare clinical, operational and dietary suppliers against a single regulatory and reimbursement backdrop.
Audience quality
Attendees are predominantly facility owners, administrators, directors of nursing and department heads from Ohio skilled nursing, assisted living and ID/DD providers, so conversations tend to be operational and budget-aware rather than general public enquiries.
Exhibitor outcomes
Best returns come from exhibitors with an Ohio-specific offer, clear pricing and a follow-up plan: the audience is regional, purchase-influenced and accustomed to evaluating suppliers on-site. Success depends on lead capture and post-show outreach, not booth traffic alone.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Ohio's long-term care sector is consolidating while demand for post-acute and assisted living capacity grows. Operators must invest in clinical technology, workforce and compliance, and OHCA is where regional buyers evaluate those solutions.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Workforce and retention pressure
Nursing and support-staff shortages continue to shape operating models, pushing providers toward staffing partners, training and retention technology.
What it changes: Buyers arrive looking for practical workforce answers rather than broad promises.
Clinical technology and data
EHR integration, quality reporting and analytics are becoming core purchasing decisions for skilled nursing and assisted living operators.
What it changes: Vendors that can show interoperability and survey-readiness stand out.
Reimbursement and regulatory scrutiny
Changing Medicare and Medicaid payment rules and tighter survey expectations keep compliance and documentation on every operator's agenda.
What it changes: Education and advisory services are as much a draw as equipment.
OHCA is the state flagship; nearby association events serve narrower audiences across the year.
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National scale event; dates are indicative and should be confirmed.
websiteSpring
Two Columbus events within five weeks.
Autumn
State and national education season.
Circuit dates are planning estimates except where the organiser has published them; confirm before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Closest airport; direct flights from most US hubs.
10 km
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Rickenbacker International Airport
Limited passenger service; mainly cargo and charter.
30 km
to venue
25-35 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 120–170 / night
Book early; downtown rates rise on convention weeks.
USD 180–250 / night
Walkable to the convention center.
USD 260–380 / night
Suites and club rooms; best for hosting client dinners.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
COTA bus
Use COTA's trip planner; exact airport service varies by time.
Taxi / rideshare
15-20 minutes outside peak traffic.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program | $185.00 | Weeks to months; apply early |
Visa Waiver Program nationals may use ESTA instead of a visa; check current eligibility.
A carnet can simplify temporary equipment import; confirm with the freight forwarder and US Customs.
Official visa pageWeather
May in Columbus is mild: daytime highs around 24 C and lows near 11 C, with occasional thunderstorms. Pack a light rain layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Downtown Columbus has good mobile coverage and venue Wi-Fi in public areas; buy an eSIM or US data plan for the show floor.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20 percent; bartenders and hotel staff are tipped separately.
Getting around
Downtown is walkable and grid-based; the Short North arts district is a short walk or rideshare north of the convention center.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: CMH - John Glenn Columbus International
Book 6-10 weeks out; Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals are cheaper than Sunday.
Book flightsMost international business visitors need a B-1 visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program.
Estimated cost: USD 185
Processing: Apply at least 8-12 weeks ahead
Bring a letter from your employer and the event invitation to the interview.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: CMH is about 15-20 minutes by taxi or rideshare, or use COTA bus service.
Hotel → venue: Downtown hotels are walkable; use the High Street bus for Short North stays.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Columbus; airport pickup is at the designated rideshare zone.
Public transit: COTA buses serve downtown and the airport area; a single ride is about USD 2.
Parking: Convention center garages fill early; hotel parking is often USD 25-35 per night.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 11-24 C
Seasonality: Occasional spring thunderstorms; average monthly rain is moderate.
Packing: Bring a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes and layers for air-conditioned halls.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 2027-05-19
The trade show is expected midweek on 19-20 May, following the pattern of the 2026 edition, so Wednesday gives the fullest mix of education and exhibit-floor time.
Register and book hotel — Registration opens February 2027; lock a refundable downtown room.
Build a target exhibitor list — Pick 10-15 suppliers and note booth numbers when the floor plan posts.
Block education sessions — Choose sessions that match your compliance or clinical priorities.
Confirm travel and badge — Check flight, hotel and registration confirmation.
Pack and plan the floor route — Bring business cards, a charged phone and comfortable shoes.
Registration and coffee
Convention center concourseKeynote or clinical education session
Meeting roomsExhibit hall supplier meetings
Exhibit hallSecond education block and networking
Meeting rooms and loungeShort North Arts District
Neighborhood
5-10 minutes by rideshare
Galleries, restaurants and independent shops along High Street.
Ohio Statehouse
Civic Landmark
10-minute walk
Free self-guided tours of the Greek Revival capitol.
Arena District
Bar and restaurant district
Walkable from the convention center; good for informal dinners.
North Market
Food hall
Local vendors and communal tables, a short walk downtown.
Regional shows reward fast follow-up: Ohio buyers often make decisions within a quarter, and competing suppliers will contact the same leads.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 190–295 / m²
Raw space
USD 150–240 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Derived from the 2025 published booth tariffs; 2027 rates were not published.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell scheme 9 sqm
USD 1710–2655 / booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 540–750 / 3 nights
travel
visitor · US domestic
USD 250–450 / round trip
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell scheme 9 sqm | USD 1710–2655 / booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 540–750 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| travel | visitor | US domestic | USD 250–450 / round trip | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether OHCA 2027 is best for a visit, an exhibit booth or a skip this cycle.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy, specify or influence long-term care products and services.
Best for
Ohio providers evaluating suppliers and earning CE credit
Min. budget
$1,200.00
Timeline
Book 8-12 weeks ahead
Risks
Trade-show hours are limited
Hotel rates rise during convention week
exhibit
You have an Ohio-specific offer and a lead-capture plan.
Best for
Vendors selling into Ohio skilled nursing, assisted living or ID/DD
Min. budget
$5,000.00
Timeline
Book booth 6-9 months ahead
Risks
Regional audience may be smaller than national shows
Follow-up discipline is essential
skip
Your product needs a US partner before the show can generate returns.
Best for
International suppliers with no US regulatory or distribution plan
Timeline
Revisit next cycle
Risks
Missing regional buyer relationships
Book with
Greater Columbus Convention Center
The downtown venue hosting the convention and trade show.
Official venue website.
Experience Columbus
Columbus visitor and convention information, hotels and things to do.
Official destination marketing organisation.
Ohio Health Care Association
State association representing Ohio long-term care providers and organising the convention.
Official organiser website.
Columbus Regional Airport Authority
Operator of John Glenn Columbus International and Rickenbacker airports.
Official airport authority website.
Recommended providers
Official B-1 visa and ESTA guidance.
Filter for downtown Columbus and free cancellation.
Compare CMH fares and book 6-10 weeks ahead.
General exhibit freight and booth services; confirm the appointed 2027 handler with OHCA.
Compare US visitor medical and travel policies.
Official local guides for the Short North and downtown.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture alternatives if the organiser does not supply a scanner.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
8 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
2
References
2
Publishers
2
Date checked
Ohio Health Care Association
Industrial Water Management
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
