Ohio Prospect Research Network upcoming events

Akron - Cleveland Happy Hour (August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join OPRN and local prospect development professionals for a happy hour!

Enjoy conversation, refreshing beverages, and snacks in August at Burntwood Tavern in Cuyahoga Falls. We will provide appetizers - drinks will be available for purchase.

When: Thursday, August 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: Burntwood Tavern

2291 Riverfront Pkwy., Cuyahoga Falls 44221

Bring a colleague! Free for OPRN members and anyone interested in learning more about prospect development!

RSVP to help us plan!

Book Club - Summer Reading (September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

☕ Summer Book Club, Anyone? ☀️

Grab a coffee and join us for an hour of relaxed conversation about three fun books with a fundraising or research twist!

This summer’s picks include:

Fundraising the Dead by Sheila Connolly
Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club by Diane Bergner
The Deserter’s Tale by Nathan Dylan Goodwin

Read one, two, or all three at your own pace and then come chat with fellow prospect development professionals in September.

Our book club is free and open to all. It's a great way to connect, share ideas, and, this time, enjoy some lighter reading together.

We hope you’ll join us!

Northern Kentucky Gathering (October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Join us at Purrfect Day Cafe for an early evening gathering! OPRN will provide some snacks and non-meowcoholic beverages (menu here) between 4:30 and 6 pm. We will plan to go to the cat room at 6 pm. If you would like to join us in the cat room, please be sure to reserve your spot on the Purrfect Day Cafe website as soon as possible. There are 20 spots available and are NOT being held for OPRN.

A Purrfect Day Cat Lounge reservation includes: 50 minutes inside the cat room with their adoptable cats and kittens to play, cuddle, and sip. They typically have between 20 and 30 of the tri-state's most eligible felines in the cat lounge for you to interact with. You may purchase a drink (beer, wine, bourbon, tea, coffee, soda) to enjoy during your session. Cost is $15 purr person.

You can reserve your spot in the Cat Room here and select the "Covington Kitten Lounge Experience."
Be sure to select the correct day & time - October 15th at 6 pm

Webinar - Neurodiversity in Research: Designing Workflows for All Kinds of Thinkers (November 04, 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Prospect research is a cognitively demanding field—requiring focus, pattern recognition, and adaptability. These are often strengths of neurodivergent professionals, yet traditional workflows and expectations can unintentionally create barriers.

Led by a neurodivergent researcher with nearly two decades of nonprofit experience, this session explores how to design inclusive, flexible research environments where all kinds of thinkers can thrive. We’ll examine common challenges—like time blindness, sensory overload, and communication mismatches—and offer practical strategies for building workflows that support diverse cognitive styles.

Whether you identify as neurodivergent, manage a team, or want to foster a more inclusive research culture, this session offers tools, language, and a fresh perspective on what it means to do research well.

Presenter: Jessica May

Development Analyst at Mid-Ohio Foodbank

Jessica May, MPA (she/her), is a neurodivergent prospect researcher with 19 years of experience across the nonprofit sector, including foodbanking, small business resources, adult learning, and adaptive training design. She brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise in workflow design, accessibility, and inclusive team culture.