A MORPC Signature Event

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Data Day 2027 is Thursday, February 18, 2027 at Columbus State Community College’s Center for Workforce Development.

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Champions  ·  FAQ

Champions FAQEverything you might want to know

Answers to the most common questions about being a Data Day Champion. Don't see yours? Email jinskeep@morpc.org.

About the role.

What is a Data Day Champion?

A Champion is a member of Central Ohio's data community who helps make Data Day happen by connecting us with speakers and sponsors, spreading the word, and lending a hand on event day. You help at a few key moments through the year, in the ways that fit you best.

Is this a committee? Are there meetings?

No. There's no standing committee and no recurring meetings. Each way to help is a specific, time-bound opportunity. We reach out at the right moments, you take on what works for you, and that's it.

Why be a Champion?

You'll help shape the region's premier data event, grow your network across the public sector, and see the data work happening across Central Ohio. It's a meaningful way to give back in our fifth-anniversary year.

How are Champions recognized?

We credit Champions in the event program, list them on the Data Day website, and thank them from the stage at the event. Most of all, we close the loop personally, telling you the impact your contribution had.

Time and commitment.

How much time does this really take?

Most individual ways to help take an hour or two, and several can be done in a few minutes (forwarding the Call for Proposals, making an introduction). You decide how many you take on, so the total is entirely up to you.

Do I have to help with everything?

Not at all. There are five ways to help, and you opt into the ones that interest you. Picking a single one is genuinely welcome.

When does this start and end?

Opportunities are spread across the planning year: speaker and sponsor connections in the fall, promotion and registration through the winter, and event-day roles in the winter. Each one comes with clear timing so nothing sneaks up on you. Once the event wraps, the commitment is complete.

What if I sign up and then can't follow through?

That's completely fine. These are voluntary, low-pressure opportunities. If something comes up, just let us know and we'll cover it. We'd rather you take on only what you can comfortably do.

Who can help.

Do I need to be a data expert or technically skilled?

No. Champions come from all backgrounds and skill levels. What helps most is a genuine interest in the regional data community and a willingness to share it with your network.

Who can be a Champion?

Anyone connected to Central Ohio's data community is welcome: people in local government, nonprofits, educational institutions, and civic-minded businesses, including past Data Day speakers and attendees.

The ways to help themselves.

Will I have to ask anyone for money?

No. If you help with sponsorship, your role is simply to suggest organizations and make introductions. MORPC staff handle the package, the pricing, and the actual ask. You never quote prices or negotiate.

Will I be cold-emailing strangers?

No. We only ask you to reach out to people you already know, and always after checking that they're open to it. For broader promotion, we provide ready-made copy you can simply share.

What if my own organization might be a speaker or sponsor?

Wonderful. Just hand it to our staff lead and we'll take it from there. That keeps things simple and avoids any conflict of interest for you.

What if I'm not sure how to do a task?

Every one comes with what you need: templates, links, talking points, and a staff contact. If you're ever unsure, just reach out and we'll walk you through it.

Ground rules & good practice.

What if I have a personal or business stake in a decision?

Just flag it and hand it to staff. If you, your employer, or a close contact could benefit from a speaker, sponsor, or vendor choice (for example, your firm wants to sponsor or present), you're still welcome to make the introduction, but you never select, price, or negotiate. Staff make every call, which keeps you out of any conflict of interest.

Can I post about Data Day on social media?

Please do. Amplification is one of the most valuable things you can do. Share from your own account, in your own voice, using the ready-made copy and graphics we provide. A few requests: don't speak on behalf of MORPC or Data Day, don't create new logos or alter our graphics, and don't announce anything not yet public (speakers, sponsors, dates) until we've released it. When in doubt, ask and we'll get you the green light.

I'm a public employee. Do I need my supervisor's okay?

If you'd be doing Champion work on work time or in any way representing your agency, please clear it with your supervisor first. We're happy to provide a short description of the role for you to share. Just ask.

Logistics.

Do I need to attend Data Day?

We hope you will; it's the best part! Most ways to help don't require attendance, though event-day roles like facilitating a session naturally do.

Do Champions get free registration?

Registration and the Champion role are separate. Champions register like everyone else. We keep Data Day's registration accessible, and we recognize Champion contributions in the program, on the website, and at the event.

How do I sign up?

Let us know which ways you'd like to help at our sign-up form. We'll follow up with the details and timing for each.

Who do I contact with questions?

Reach out to Jordan Inskeep at jinskeep@morpc.org anytime, before, during, or after you sign up.