A Night at the Ballpark with ComSpark and CDO Magazine

ComSpark and CDO Magazine brought together over 50 technology leaders for an evening of baseball and networking on Wednesday, June 7 at Huntington Park in Columbus for the Central Ohio Community Networking Event. Attendees from various industries gathered at the stadium to watch the home team, the Columbus Clippers take on the Louisville Bats.

Although the fan favorite, The Columbus Clippers, did not bring home the win, both the energy throughout the stadium and the event networking were vibrant. Samuel Davis, Executive Non-profit Consultant for Goodwill Columbus agreed saying, “4.5 out of 5! Relaxing, inclusive, and intimate event to attend for networking.”

The evening at the ballpark, sponsored by event partners AHEAD, Ascendum, Denodo, and WGU Ohio successfully combined sports, socializing, and business as new connections and potential collaborations were formed. According to Michael Journigan, Bricker Graydon Information Technology Operations Manager, “It was a great opportunity to see old friends and make new friends. Central Ohio is very well-connected!”

Click on the picture to enlarge.

For Tom Marlow, VP, Data Strategy and Innovation at Farmers Insurance, “Engaging with like-minded data leaders, bringing fresh ideas, and finding opportunities for shared wins in Columbus is what it is all about.” 

The event left a positive impression on attendees and brought to focus the importance of embracing innovation in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Sharon Wilhelm, The State of Ohio Department of Commerce CIO, summed up the evening nicely saying, "What a great night for baseball, and to reconnect with the Columbus IT community!" Bryan Holmes, Andelyn Biosciences Vice President, Digital & Technology Solutions echoed those sentiments saying, “What better way to pass the time than to enjoy America’s favorite pastime with our friends in Columbus?”

The event served as a reminder of the power of networking and collective expertise. “Our goal is to bring ideas, innovation, and community together and tonight we did just that. A home run and a community win for all from my lens," said Steve Wanamaker, ComSpark and CDO Magazine CEO.