Our North Star

Let’s be honest, 2025 was a challenging year. As priorities shifted and resources grew lean, many of us were forced to make difficult decisions, a trend that has only intensified in 2026. This period of deep reflection and strategic pivoting has been exhausting and, at times, isolating. We want you to know that you aren’t walking this path alone.
MORTAR is proud to invite you to our inaugural convening, Our North Star, Destination Cincinnati. Grounded in Frederick Douglass’s reminder that "those who suffer injustice are those who must demand redress," we are creating a dedicated space in historic Walnut Hills for entrepreneurs and partners nationwide.
Join us for a three-day experience designed to fortify our collective resilience, share vital knowledge, and build a community of conviction that you can carry back to your own city.

Conference Overview

Here's the rundown of what you can expect at Our North Star:

Welcome!

We're setting the vibe off strong with an activity to officially welcome you to Cincinnati! Bring your dancing shoes, because our friends at DANCEFIX have something special planned for us. This will be unlike any other ice breaker you've ever experienced before.

Breath Deeply

We’ve curated this event to be a stress-free environment. To set this intention, we invite our guests to start the day with one of two wellness practices. You can choose a mindful practice where you’ll center yourself to prepare for a day of inspiration, learning, and fellowship, or a scenic walk through Eden Park to get the endorphins pumping. This is a challenge by choice, so no pressure either way.

Imagine What’s Possible

Our North Star will be the place for our entrepreneurs and community partners to new build skill sets to push the movement forward. We want you to walk away motivated to tackle the challenges today, tomorrow, and beyond. Our breakout sessions will follow a two-track format: one for our business owners, the other for the organizations that serve them.

Pause

We’ll work hard, but we’ll also rest hard. Our Day Break session will make room for everyone to decompress from a content-heavy morning by relaxing with an activity our creative-leaning guests are sure to enjoy. If art isn’t your bag, this is also the perfect chance to get some fresh air in Five Points Alley, retreat to our self-care lounge, or check out resources in the Exhibition Hall.

Make Space for Joy

We’ll wrap the day with a happy hour hosted at Esoteric Brewery, a MORTAR Alumni-owned business. This will be a time to deepen your newly built relationships, reflect on your big takeaways from the day, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! If you want to keep the party going, we’re hitting the streets for BLINK, the nation’s largest public art event.

Dress Code & Packing List

We celebrate your individual style, encouraging a professional yet fresh, Urban Casual aesthetic. Think fitted denim, stylish tops, graphic tees, hoodies, tailored pants, chic dresses, and statement accessories that reflect your personality. Prioritize comfort and coverage.

October in the Queen City means any weather is possible.

Here's a list of helpful things to pack so you're prepared for any occasion:

1. Laptop or tablet
2. Business cards
3. Headphones
4. Sweatshirt or heavy jacket
5. Umbrella/poncho
6. Comfortable/walking shoes
7. Refillable water bottle
8. Portable charger
9. Tylenol, Zyrtec/Claritin, Airborne
10. Positive attitude and captivating people skills

Ticket Information

Our North Star is designed to be accessible for all guests planning to attend. Registration costs will be kept nominal and will include the following:

• Welcome Activity and Happy Hour night 1
• Catered breakfast
• Catered lunch
• Curated learning sessions
• Keynote presentation
• Drink tickets for Happy Hour night 2
• MORTAR Homecoming

Attendees who purchase VIP tickets will receive extra drink tickets, access to the Retreat Lounge, and conference merch.

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