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2026 NYSEDC Economic Development Conference



2026 NYSEDC Economic Development Conference
February 10 - 11, 2026
Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street, Albany



Registration Now Open! Here!

Full Conference Registration
Member Rate:                      $295.00 
Future Member Rate:     $395.00

NYSEDC will issue a full refund for cancelations received prior to January 31, 2026.  After January 31, NO REFUND will be given.


Sponsorship Opportunities - Closed
Contact Kate Manley, call 518-426-4058, or fill out the online sponsorship form here to secure your sponsorship.


Restaurants within walking distance of Albany Capital Center

 Event Location + Hotel Information

Renaissance Albany Hotel, 144 State Street, Albany - SOLD OUT

BOOKING YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY - Your event registration confirmation email will contain a link with our room block at the Renaissance Albany Hotel. If you have any questions, please contact Steph Cavalier.

Alternate Lodging

Fairfield Inn & Suites Albany Downtown

Rooms are $189 per night. 

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Albany Downtown
Rooms are $149 per night.

Hilton Albany - SOLD OUT
Rooms are $169 per night. Last day to book is January 13, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center
Rooms are $159 per night. Last day to book is January 10, 2026


If you don't receive your registration receipt, please check your spam filter or junk mail or email Steph Cavalier.



Visit our Exhibitors
Exhibitors in blue  are Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Advanced Technology (CAT)

  • Advance Albany County Alliance
  • Alliance for Clean Energy NY (ACE NY)
  • Barclay Damon LLP
  • Binghamton University- Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging - S3IP
  • Bohler Engineering
  • Brightcore Energy
  • Civic Serve Economic Development Technologies
  • Clarkson University
  • Colliers Engineering & Design
  • Cornell University
  • Couch White
  • CSArch
  • Envision Group
  • FuzeHub
  • Harris Beach Murtha
  • Hodgson Russ
  • Hudson Valley Community College
  • LaBella Associates
  • LeChase Construction Services, LLC
  • Loewke Brill Consulting Group, Inc.
  • New York Geothermal Energy Organization
  • New York Power Authority (NYPA)
  • NYS Office of Community Renewal
  • NYSERDA
  • NYSTEC
  • Pursuit
  • Revelio Labs
  • Rochester Institute of Technology - Golisano Institute for Sustainability
  • RPI - Center for Smart Convergent Manufacturing Systems
  • Syracuse COE
  • University at Albany - The Center of Excellence for RNA Research and Therapeutics (CERRT) and the Weather and Climate Analytics COE
  • University at Albany Economic Development
  • University at Buffalo Business & Entrepreneurship Partnerships
  • University of Rochester - CoE in Data Science and AI
  • Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc.
  • Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP



Conference Agenda

Tuesday, February 10

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Registration Open
Registration Sponsored by Phillips Lytle
Lanyards Sponsored by Bohler Engineering
Charging Station Sponsored by New York Power Authority (NYPA)
Photography Sponsored by Utica IDA
WiFi Sponsored by Alliance for Clean Energy NY (ACE NY)


8:00 am - 9:30 am
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Breakfast Served
Sponsored by The Agency (Broome County IDA / LDC)


9:15 am - 9:30 am
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Ryan Silva | Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC)

9:30 am - 10:30 am
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Plenary Session | New York State Legislative Landscape: An Update from State Legislators
Sponsored by National Grid

Hear from leaders in New York’s Legislature in a moderated fireside chat. Panelists will discuss their priorities for 2026, and how public policy in Albany will impact economic development across the state into the future.


10:30 am - 10:45 am
Exhibitor Hall

Refreshment Break and Exhibitor Booths
Sponsored by C&S Companies


10:45 am - 11:45 am

Breakout Sessions
Sponsored by Bond, Schoeneck, & King and Weston & Sampson Engineers


10:45 am - 11:45 am
Room 1A/1B, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Manufacturing 2026: Bridging the Gap from Innovation to Implementation

As small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) navigate a rapidly-evolving landscape, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) serves as a critical bridge for adopting transformative technologies. This panel will explore the practical integration of generative and agentic AI, flexible automation, and additive manufacturing to boost operational efficiency and product customization. Experts will discuss technology strategies for building resilient domestic supply chains, securing digital assets against rising cyber threats, and upskilling the workforce to thrive in an increasingly automated environment.


10:45 am - 11:45 am
Room 2A, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Cross-Regional Collaboration and Coalition-Building for Economic Growth

This panel explores how rural and urban communities can partner across regions to advance workforce development, tourism, and infrastructure investment. Panelists will highlight practical strategies for cross-regional collaboration, including leveraging MWBE programs to expand access, strengthen partnerships, and drive inclusive economic growth statewide.

  • Moderator | Shae Brown | Senior Consultant and Marketing Manager, NYSTEC - IgniteU NY
  • Derek Crossman | Deputy Regional Director, Empire State Development
  • Manna Doyle | Procurement Counselor, Empire APEX Accelerator
  • Finn Kreidler | Senior Procurement Counselor, Empire APEX Accelerator
  • Jenny Low | Executive Advisor, Division of Minority & Women's Business Development, Empire State Development

10:45 am - 11:45 am
Room 2B/2C, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Innovative Solutions to Site Power Challenges

Companies and Economic Developers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions like storage and advanced grid technology to address power reliability, capacity, and quality issues. The growing market for these solutions is also creating opportunities for New York companies who manufacture these technologies. Today’s panel will discuss these emerging solutions and how they are being applied to help solve power challenges facing site owners and companies.


12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Lunch and Keynote Session | Accomplishments and Priorities: A Look at the New York State Budget

State Budget Director Blake Washington joins the NYSEDC 2026 Economic Development Conference to discuss the New York State budget outlook and its impact on the state’s economic development initiatives.


1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Sessions
Sponsored by Storrs Associates and Farrell Fritz


1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Room 1A/1B, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Federal View of New York: How the National Landscape Impacts Economic Development in the Empire State

Listen in as federal officials from the EDA, EPA, and SBA discuss economic development with a national lens. Panelists discuss the status of economic development initiatives and priorities at the federal level, and how the changing landscape will impact New York’s economy.

  • Moderator | Ron Peters | President and CEO, Fulton County Center for Regional Growth
  • Dan Rickman | District Director, United States Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Vanessa Martins | Chief of Staff, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2
  • Lucas Martin | Economic Development Representative (NY / NJ), United State Economic Development Administration (EDA)

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Room 2A, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Regional Approaches to Innovation: Partnering with CATs and COEs Across New York State to Create Economic Opportunity

New York State funds the 15 Centers of Excellence (COE) and 15 Centers of Advanced Technology (CAT) to foster collaboration between the academic research community and the business sector to develop and commercialize new products and technologies, to provide basic and applied research and development to promote critical private sector investment in emerging high-technology fields in New York State, and to create and expand technology-related businesses and employment. This session will showcase how the CATs and COEs build off of regional strengths and support broader statewide initiatives for economic development, plus you will learn how you can partner with these Centers.

  • Moderator | Mike Kennerknecht | Assistant Director of State Relations & Economic Development Coordinator, University of Rochester
  • Tamara Rosanio | Associate Director of Partner Programs, Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems
  • Matt Cusack | Director of Industry and Strategic Partnerships, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Smart Convergent Manufacturing Systems
  • Nick Koziol | Business Engagement and Communications Manager, University of Rochester Center of Excellence in Data Science and AI
  • Smitha James | Sr. Associate Director, Life Sciences Programs, University at Buffalo Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Room 2B/2C, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | New York’s Economic Development Budget Proposals

Hear about Governor Hochul’s newest strategies for economic development, as advanced in the Governor's recent State of the State address and Executive Budget.  From policies that drive innovation, to leading investments in manufacturing, and a suite of programs to create vibrant communities across the State, the Governor has recently outlined her vision for the State's economic growth.

  • Alison Kabir | SVP Policy, Legislative Affairs, and Green Initiatives, Empire State Development
  • Elizabeth Morrisey | Senior Director of Policy and Operations, Empire State Development
  • Ben Verschueren | Executive Director, NYSTAR

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Exhibitor Hall

Refreshment Break and Exhibitor Booths


2:45 pm - 3:45 pm

Breakout Sessions
Sponsored by LaBella Associates


2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Room 1A/1B, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | A Timely Look at New York State’s Opportunity Zones

Opportunity Zones create an opportunity to leverage private sector investment in pockets of communities where investment is needed. Hear from legal experts on New York State’s Opportunity Zones. This panel will discuss the broad landscape of the opportunity zone program, recent changes and updates and how those changes impact economic developers, and real-world examples to anchor the discussion.


2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Room 2A, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | New York’s Quantum Future: Opportunities for Economic Development

From the semiconductor corridors of Upstate, to the quantum data centers of Westchester, to the networking labs of Long Island, New York is not simply "preparing" for a quantum future—it is building it.  Quantum technology is moving from the realm of science fiction to becoming an engine of economic and social development. Leveraging the investments New York State has made in critical technologies such as semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, and optics, the State's growing quantum technologies industry will catalyze new opportunities for New Yorkers.

  • Moderator | Deborah Novick | Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Westchester County
  • John Levy | Chief Executive Officer, SEEQC
  • Travis Scholten | Technical Lead, Public Sector, IBM Quantum
  • Tim Thomas | Chief Academic Officer, Griffiss Institute

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Room 2B/2C, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Powering Growth: Aligning New York's Energy System with Economic Development

New York’s energy system sits at the center of economic growth, workforce development, and the clean energy transition. This panel will explore where the state’s energy landscape is succeeding and falling short, and what must change to ensure reliable, affordable energy that supports investment and job creation. Panelists will discuss siting, affordability, workforce readiness, and emerging pressures - and where we go from here.

  • Moderator | Katy Zielinski | Senior VP of Public Affairs, Moxie Strategies
  • Vincent Albanese | New York State Laborers' Organizing Fund
  • Richard Barlette | Director, State Government Affairs, Constellation
  • Marguerite Wells | Executive Director, Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY)

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Keynote Session | Analysis of New York State’s Fiscal Health

The NYSEDC is joined by the Honorable Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli for an assessment of New York State’s financial landscape. In this session, the Comptroller will discuss recent accomplishments and look ahead at upcoming priorities aimed at maintaining fiscal accountability, budget stability, and a favorable landscape for economic growth.

Resource: Performance of Industrial Development Agencies in New York State


4:30 pm - 5:15 pm
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Plenary Session | New York’s Economic Blueprint: 2026 Budget Priorities and Opportunities
Sponsored by Barclay Damon LLP

Hear from business leaders across the state about New York’s roadmap for creating a thriving business climate. Panelists will discuss the ‘Blueprint for New York’ report and its findings, economic development priorities of the New York State Legislature, and opportunities for growth in 2026, including reducing regulations, addressing energy issues, and supporting business retention and expansion.

  • Moderator | Sarah Reginelli | Senior Vice President, Ostroff Associates
  • Heather Mulligan | President & CEO, The Business Council of New York State
  • John Ravitz | Vice President & COO, The Business Council of Westchester
  • Ashley Ranslow | New York State Director, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
  • Zach Steinberg | Executive Vice President, External Relations & Advocacy, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)

5:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Exhibitor Hall

Networking Reception
Sponsored by Westchester County Economic Development, Harris Beach Murtha, and Economic Development Partners, Inc.



Wednesday, February 11

8:00 am - 11:00 am

Registration Open
Registration Sponsored by Phillips Lytle
Lanyards Sponsored by Bohler Engineering
Charging Station Sponsored by New York Power Authority
Photography Sponsored by Utica IDA
WiFi Sponsored by Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY)


8:00 am - 9:30 am
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Breakfast Served
Sponsored by Colliers Engineering and Design


9:00 am - 9:30 am
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy

9:30 am - 10:00 am
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Keynote Session | A Conversation About Economic Development Priorities with Commissioner Knight

Commissioner Knight is dedicated to policies that advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth in her role with Empire State Development. In this session, you will hear from the Commissioner about recent accomplishments from Empire State Development, current initiatives, as well as priorities for 2026 and beyond.

  • Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner, Empire State Development (ESD)

10:00 am - 10:30 am
Main Stage, 2nd Floor

Keynote Session | Where New York State Economic Development is Heading in 2026: An Update from NYSERDA Leadership

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) plays a key role in the economic landscape of New York State. Hear from Chief Policy Officer John Williams about recent accomplishments and how the agency is looking ahead to continue New York’s economic growth. He’ll discuss the state energy plan, nuclear energy, and other economic development activity across the state.

  • John Williams | Chief Policy Officer, New York State Energy & Research Development Authority (NYSERDA)

10:30 am - 10:45 am
Exhibitor Hall

Refreshment Break and Exhibitor Booths


10:45 am - 11:45 am

Breakout Sessions
Sponsored by Orange County IDA


10:45 am - 11:45 am
Room 1A/1B, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Let Them Build: An Update on the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)

In her State of the State, Governor Hochul announced her "Let Them Build" agenda, a series of landmark reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure projects and lower costs to make government work better on behalf of New Yorkers. This initiative will spur a series of common sense reforms to New York's SEQRA and executive actions to expedite critical categories of projects that have been consistently found to not have adverse environmental impacts. In this session, Ashley will engage in interactive discussion with attendees about reforms to SEQRA and other Let Them Build initiatives.

  • Ashley Dougherty | Deputy Secretary for Agriculture and Environment, New York State Office of the Governor

10:45 am - 11:45 am
Room 2A, 1st Floor

Breakout Session | Technology-Driven Best Practices in Economic Development

Economic Development lives at the unique meeting point between business, government, and non-profit industries. This fireside chat-style session will explore both existing and emerging technologies that serve economic development organizations across New York and the practical applications of those technologies. Hear from technology industry experts as well as economic development end-users in this session.

  • Scott Black | VP, Market Development, CivicServe
  • Ana Liss | Director of Planning and Development, Monroe County

10:45 am - 11:45 am
Room 2B/2C

Breakout Session | An ABO Overview and Update on Public Authorities Reporting Information System (PARIS)

Joshua Norkin will provide an update on the Public Authorities Reporting Information System (PARIS) from the Authorities Budget Office. He discusses the opportunities and challenges of the system and how it impacts economic development projects and initiatives.


12:00 pm

Conference Closes



Thank  You To Our Event Sponsors!

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