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
An immersive half-day experience designed to equip emerging professionals with the skills, connections, and civic perspective needed to lead in Buffalo Niagara’s business community.
What You’ll Experience
- Strategies to take ownership of your career path and professional growth
- Practical communication techniques for navigating today’s workplace
- Insight into how civic engagement strengthens leadership and expands networks
- A deeper understanding of how the Buffalo Niagara Partnership supports regional economic development and policy
- Direct connection with peers and regional Young Professional organizations during a closing networking happy hour
Program / Event Overview
BNP Forward is a half-day conference featuring three interactive learning sessions, followed by a panel discussion and networking happy hour:
Session #1: Own Your Edge: Why Professional Development Defines the Next Leader
Focuses on empowering participants to take charge of their career and leadership journey while understanding how individual growth strengthens the local business community.
Session #2: Speak Smart: Mastering Effective Communication in the Workplace
Session #3: Lead Where You Live: Building Impact Through Civic Engagement
Explores how civic involvement enhances leadership, expands networks, and creates career opportunities—plus practical ways to contribute in both community and workplace settings.
Panel Discussion: Regional leaders share real-world perspectives on leadership, engagement, and impact.
Happy Hour + Session #4: BNP YP Exchange
Network with peers while regional Young Professional groups table and share their programs.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 1:00–5:00 PM
Location: TBD
Tickets: $50 BNP YP Member
$57.16 - New BNP YP Member (includes YP application fee & Event Ticket)
Tickets: $50 BNP YP Member
$57.16 - New BNP YP Member (includes YP application fee & Event Ticket)
Signature Events:
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).
Learn more here
From the blog
Buffalo Niagara Partnership releases 2023-2024 Annual Report
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership held its Annual Report to Members on Nov. 14 at Statler Buffalo, highlighting its mission and recent achievements.
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Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or a budding professional, networking plays a pivotal role in your career growth. At the BNP, we understand the significance of forging meaningful connections, which is why we’re excited to share the numerous benefits of networking with our members.
2023 DEI Symposium: Meet Beth Sullivan, Panelist
The BNP is pleased to welcome Beth Sullivan, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, as a panelist for the 2023 DEI Symposium. We will be helping you get to know each presenter, panelist, and moderator in the weeks ahead, leading up to the June 1st event.
2023 DEI Symposium: Meet Mauricio C. Diaz, Speaker
The BNP is pleased to welcome Mauricio C. Diaz, Program Director, Buffalo Procurement Initiative as a Speaker at our 2023 DEI Symposium. We will be helping you get to know each presenter, panelist, and moderator in the weeks ahead, leading up to the June 1st event.