As the largest regional chamber of commerce in WNY, we bring approximately 4,500 people together each year via an unprecedented number of events, meetings, and workshops. Designed to facilitate networking opportunities, encourage business development, support professional development, and drive business advocacy, there is a BNP event for every member of your organization.
2026 BNP Forward
Thursday, June 4, 2026 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) (EDT)
Description
BNP Forward is a half-day experience designed to help emerging professionals take the next step in their careers with confidence. You’ll gain practical skills, expand your network and better understand how to engage in the region’s business and civic landscape.
Walk away with tools you can apply immediately and relationships that support your growth long-term.
This event is for BNP Young Professionals. Not yet a BNP YP? Click here to join our membership exclusively for the next generation of leaders.
What you’ll experience
- Meaningful connections with peers and regional young professionals
- Career strategies to take ownership of your professional growth
- Communication skills to navigate today’s workplace with confidence
- Real-world insight into how civic engagement strengthens leadership and expands networks
- A clearer understanding of how business, policy and community intersect in Buffalo Niagara
Program overview
This half-day experience includes three interactive learning sessions focused on career growth, communication and civic leadership, followed by a panel discussion with regional leaders. The program concludes with a networking happy hours, where you can connect with peers and explore opportunities with local organizations.
Three sessions:
- Own Your Edge: Why professional development defines the next leader
- Learn how to take ownership of your career path and build the habits, skills and mindset that drive long-term growth and strengthen the regional business community.
- Speak Smart: Mastering effective communication in the workplace
- Build practical communication skills to navigate workplace dynamics, deliver your message clearly and increase your impact across teams.
- Lead Where You Live: Building impact through civic engagement
- Discover how getting involved in your community can expand your network, strengthen your leadership and open new career opportunities with clear ways to take action.
Panel discussion:
- Regional leaders share real-world perspectives on leadership, engagement and impact.
Happy hour & BNP YP Exchange:
- Network with peers while regional young professional groups table and share their programs.
Event details
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Location: TBD
Cost: $50 for BNP YP members
- $57.16 for new BNP YP members (includes application fee and event ticket). Click here to apply →
SHRM Credits
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership has officially been named an authorized Recertification Provider by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). With this certification, participants in our qualified educational trainings and other HR-related programming will now have the opportunity to receive Professional Development Credits (PDCs).