MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
Cleveland Leadership Prayer Breakfast
&Akron Leadership Prayer Luncheon
A unifying, uplifting event (in 2 locations) providing great networking with local leaders and an inspiring message of hope.
This is a can’t miss event for business and professional people.
Keynote Speaker Pat Gelsinger
Does AI have all the answers?
Read More
Register/Sponsor ClevelandRegister/Sponsor AkronPat Gelsinger has spent more than four decades shaping the technologies that power our world. Beginning at Intel, he helped create several iconic, industry-defining processors and oversaw the development of technologies like USB and Wi-Fi that continue to connect the world today. He became Intel’s first Chief Technology Officer, later served as CEO of VMware— nearly tripling revenue and establishing global leadership in cloud, mobility, and cybersecurity—and then returned to Intel as CEO from 2021 to 2024.
Today Pat serves as Executive Chair and Head of Technology at Gloo, connecting the faith ecosystem and pioneering values aligned AI, and as a General Partner at Playground Global, a deeptech venture capital firm with $1.2 billion under management. He holds eight patents in chip design and communications and is widely recognized for his values-based leadership and Christian faith. He is also a husband, father of four and grandfather of eight.
We are honored to welcome a leader with Pat’s business acumen, faith and experience. Register now to join hundreds of local leaders at one of these two annual, can’t-miss community leadership gatherings.
Celebrate with Us
34th Annual Cleveland Breakfast
and
24th Annual Akron Luncheon
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
Network and be encouraged
People are always amazed at how many friends and business contacts they meet at these events. Join us to connect with a diverse group of local business and community leaders.
Listen to key leaders pray for our city & nation
Before the presentation from our keynote speaker, leaders from the business and community sector will briefly pray for the leaders of our nation, city, and all of us.
Program participants and key organizers for the 2023 Cleveland Leadership Prayer Breakfast.
Hear a powerful message of hope
Every year attendees say, “that was the best speaker yet”. This year’s keynote speaker will surely satisfy your curiosities and leave you feeling inspired.
Be a friend – invite a friend
Countless local business and professional people have been surprised to find greater hope and life-changing purpose at one of these events. So, why not share this good news with others?
49,000+ Attendees
34 Years of Prayer
Countless Connections
Two Events You Don’t Want to Miss
34th Annual Cleveland Breakfast
1000+ people attended our last breakfast in Cleveland, OH. New and old friends alike joined us for a message of hope for our city and nation. Join us this year at the I-X Center..
24th Annual Akron Luncheon
500+ people attended our last luncheon in Akron, OH. New and old friends alike joined us for a message of hope for our city and nation. Join us this year at The Todaro’s Party Center.
Cleveland Breakfast Schedule
Monday, March 9, 2026
Cleveland IX Center
1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Please register by February 28, 2026
Questions? neohio@cbmc.com
Networking & Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast while you get to know the people around your table.
Welcome & Program Begins
You will be welcomed by our MC and the program will begin.
Prayer for Local and National Leaders
Join our diverse group of executives, business owners and community leaders as we pray for our city, state, nation and the officials that serve us in government and the military. We invite you to pray silently with them.
Keynote Speaker Pat Gelsinger
Keynote Speaker Pat Gelsinger tackles the question "Does AI have all the answers?".
Wrap Up
We will officially dismiss at 9am but you will have time to continue networking until 10am. We encourage you to continue to make important connections before you head back to work.
Akron Luncheon Schedule
Monday, March 9, 2026
Todaro’s Party Center
1820 Akron-Peninsula Road, Akron, OH 44313
Please register by February 28, 2026
Questions? neohio@cbmc.com
Networking & Lunch
Enjoy lunch while you get to know the people around your table.
Welcome & Program Begins
You will be welcomed by our MC and the program will begin.
Prayer for Local and National Leaders
Join our diverse group of executives, business owners and community leaders as we pray for our city, state, nation and the officials that serve us in government and the military. We invite you to pray silently with them.
Keynote Speaker Pat Gelsinger
Keynote Speaker Pat Gelsinger tackles the question "Does AI have all the answers?".
Wrap Up
We will officially dismiss at 1:30pm but you will have time to continue networking until 2:30pm. We encourage you to continue to make important connections before you head back to work.
Sponsor the Event
The price we charge per person does not cover the total cost of the event. Your sponsorship helps us bring in great speakers and keep the cost of the events affordable to all.
About Us
Leadership
Getting Involved
If you’d like to get in touch with our staff or help us work behind the scenes, please email us at neohio@cbmc.com.
Our events are made possible by our generous sponsors, hardworking volunteers and dedicated steering committee members.
The Cleveland Leadership Prayer Breakfast event is co-chaired by:
-
Anthony M. Ciepiel – Managing Director, CPL Advisors
-
Joe DiRocco – CFO, Unison Risk Advisors
-
Fred Koury – President and CEO, Smart Business Network
-
Brenda Leisinger – President, Right Team, Inc.
-
Roger Emerson – Intellectual Property Attorney, Emerson Thomson Bennett, LLC
The Akron Leadership Prayer Luncheon event is co-chaired by:
-
Roger Emerson – Intellectual Property Attorney, Emerson Thomson Bennett, LLC
-
Steve Conzaman – Area Director, CBMC NE Ohio
-
Brenda Leisinger – President, Right Team, Inc.
-
Erica Howard – Northeast Ohio Area Manager, Empower Her Network
Mission
-
To provide a community gathering event that includes an encouraging message from a guest speaker, scripture readings, and prayer for our city and nation given by a diverse group of local business and community leaders.
-
To convene a yearly breakfast/luncheon emphasizing the importance of invoking the direction and blessing of God on NE Ohio, offering an invitation to all who would desire to attend.
-
To foster goodwill between the various facets and groups of our community, encouraging mutuality of trust by the acknowledgement of the higher authority and leadership of God.
Organizers
Our breakfast and luncheon events are organized by Northeast Ohio’s Christian Business Men's Connection (CBMC) and Christian Business Women's Connection (CBWC). We also have a volunteer steering committee, consisting of a variety of business and community men and women.
History
Our past speakers include Adolph Coors IV (Coors Brewing Co.), Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager), Elizabeth Dole (CEO Red Cross), Michael Franzese (former mob boss), David Baker (former CEO Pro Football Hall of Fame), Frank Harrison (CEO Coca-Cola Consolidated), and Jeff Struecker (US Ranger in the Black Hawk Down mission).
Registration Will Open November 2025
Registration Ends February 28, 2026
Register/Sponsor ClevelandRegister/Sponsor Akron
Reserve your seat today to attend the premiere gathering of local business leaders in Northeast Ohio. Seating is limited.
Cleveland Breakfast
Monday, March 9, 2026
Cleveland IX Center
1 I-X Center Dr.
Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Akron Luncheon
Monday, March 9, 2026
Todaro’s Party Center
1820 Akron-Peninsula Road
Akron, OH 44313