Convention and Expo
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Trusted Sources: Public Libraries, Journalism, and the Future of Informed Communities
Wednesday, October 21 | Kalahari Convention Center, Sandusky, Ohio
10-11:15 a.m.
In a world where information travels faster than ever and where misinformation, artificial intelligence, and shifting media habits are reshaping how people discover and consume news—the role of public libraries is essential. Libraries and journalists stand on the front lines of an informed society, helping individuals discover credible sources and engage meaningfully in civic life.
Join acclaimed Ohio journalists Tom Suddes, Jo Ingles, and Noah Blundo for an engaging and timely conversation exploring the powerful connection between libraries, journalism, and democracy. Together, they will discuss how libraries and newsrooms expand access to reliable information, help people make informed decisions, and strengthen the communities they call home.
Panelists:
Thomas Suddes, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Instruction, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University
Member, Editorial Board, The Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com
Tom Suddes, a Youngstown native, teaches at Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. He joined The Plain Dealer in 1982 and in 1983 was assigned to its Columbus bureau, where he covered the Ohio General Assembly, the state budget and Ohio politics. Suddes is a cleveland.com editorial writer and editorial board member. Since the 1980s, he’s written a weekly column on Ohio politics and government that appears on Sunday in cleveland.com/, The Plain Dealer, The Columbus Dispatch, and the Dayton Daily News. Suddes has a bachelor of arts in journalism from The Ohio State University and Ph.D., MS in mass communication (journalism) from Ohio University.
Jo Ingles
Journalist/Producer Statehouse News Bureau
Part-Time Instructor, Media Advisor, Department of Journalism & Communication, Ohio Wesleyan University
Jo Ingles covers Ohio politics and state government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on a wide range of issues affecting Ohioans, including education, legislation, and criminal justice. She joined the Bureau in 1999 after more than a decade at WOSU-AM, and her reporting has appeared on NPR, Marketplace, the BBC, and other national outlets. Jo is a frequent guest on Ohio public affairs programs and also writes for publications including Columbus Monthly and Reuters. She serves as Media Adviser for the Ohio Wesleyan University Transcript and OWU radio.
Noah Blundo
Executive Editor, Hannah News
Noah Blundo is executive editor of Hannah News. He joined the staff as a reporter in 2008. Noah covers education, health- and health care-related legislation and public pension funds. He also is involved in compiling and updating the legislative hearing schedule, editing Capitol Review and writing the “Week in Review” section of The Hannah Report. Noah previously worked as a reporter, copy editor and page designer at The Times-Reporter in New Philadelphia. He graduated in 2006 with a journalism degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University.
Moderator:
Michelle Francis
Executive Director, Ohio Library Council
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Keynote – Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend
Thursday, October 22 | Kalahari Convention Center, Sandusky, Ohio
10:30-11:45 a.m.
AI’s Biggest Questions, Myths, and Mysteries
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, but separating fact from fiction can be a challenge. Headlines promise revolutionary breakthroughs one day and apocalyptic predictions the next. Will AI replace human jobs? Can tools like ChatGPT be trusted? What happens to our data when we use AI? Join Beth Z, “Your Nerdy Best Friend,” for an engaging keynote that tackles the biggest questions, myths, and misconceptions surrounding AI.
Combining practical insights, real-world examples, and her signature nerdy humor, Beth demystifies today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape and will help you gain a better understanding of what AI can—and can’t—do.
In this session, you'll...
- Explore how AI is changing the workplace and learn strategies to future-proof careers
- Understand why AI sometimes generates inaccurate information and how to evaluate AI-generated content critically
- Examine important questions around data privacy, security, and responsible AI use
- Gain insight into plagiarism, copyright, and intellectual property concerns in the age of AI
- Discover emerging AI tools, trends, and resources for staying informed as technology continues to evolve
Whether you're AI-curious, skeptical, enthusiastic, or rolling your eyes every time someone mentions ChatGPT, Beth will provide practical insights and a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead.
About Beth
Beth Z, also known as "Your Nerdy Best Friend," is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and technology guru who specializes in demystifying the latest tech trends and tools for everyday users. With a knack for making complex digital solutions simple and fun, Beth is known for her down-to-earth, approachable style. She helps professionals and organizations boost productivity, efficiency, and collaboration through practical, real-world applications of apps, software, and gadgets. As an author of several books, Beth Z blends humor, tech know-how, and real-life tips to empower audiences.
Friday, October 23, 2026
Keynote – Anthony W. Scott, Esq.
Friday, October 23 | Kalahari Convention Center, Sandusky, Ohio
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Passion. Purpose. Paycheck: Reconnecting to the Work That Matters
In a time where many professionals are being asked to do more with less, it becomes easy to lose connection with the very reason they entered their field. This closing session is designed to help you reconnect with the deeper meaning behind your work while also providing a framework for sustainable fulfillment.
Drawing on the theme of this year's conference, this session will encourage you to:
- Search for alignment within your current roles
- Create a clearer connection between your work and your values
- Leave inspired to re-engage with your profession in a more intentional way
About Anthony
Anthony W. Scott, Esq. is a seasoned public leader whose work centers on community, equity, and helping people move toward stability and opportunity. As a government director, he is known for bringing clarity, empathy, and purpose to complex public challenges—guided by a deep belief in service and the power of people.
His journey from East Cleveland to public leadership reflects discipline, resilience, and a commitment to lifting others as he climbs. His experiences in the Marine Corps, in law, and in community work shaped the way he shows up today: with humility, authenticity, and a focus on helping people step into who they are meant to be.