Description

BNP Forward is a half-day experience at music venue Electric City 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 get involved in the region’s business and civic landscape.

Walk away with useful tools you can apply immediately and relationships that support your growth long-term.

This event is for BNP Young Professional members. Not part of BNP YP yet? Join today for $57.16 as you register below, and we'll include your ticket to BNP Forward. We'd love to see you there!

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 examples of how civic engagement strengthens communities 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, plus a panel discussion and time for Q&As after each session. The program concludes with a networking happy hour, where you can connect with peers and explore opportunities with local organizations.

Session 1 | 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.
• Led by Celine Krzan, Clinical Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, Operations Management and Strategy, University at Buffalo School of Management

Panel discussion | Lessons Learned on the Climb Up

• Featuring graduates from the BNP Empower management training program:
  • Joshua Howard, Director of Talent Development, Seneca Gaming Corporation
  • Tori Robinson, Marketing Manager, Safetec of America, Inc.
  • Jenessa Santos, Operations Manager, Lippes Mathias LLP

Session 2 | 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.
• Led by Pete Petrella, President, TalentRise

Session 3 | 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.
• Featuring:
  • Josh Veronica, Director of Government Affairs, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
  • Michael Greco, Government Affairs Senior Associate, O'Donnell & Associates
    
  • Rachael Ireland, Community Engagement Manager, Rich Products
  • Shannon Patch, V.P. Government Relations, Delaware North
  • Jerome Singletary, Director of Government Relations, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
  • Taisha St. Jean Tard, Erie County Legislator, District 2 (Buffalo)

Happy hour & BNP YP Exchange:

• Network with peers while exploring regional young professional programs at the following organizations:
  • Big I Western New York: Next Generation of Insurance Professionals (NextGenBuffalo)
  • BootSector
  • ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project
  • The Establishment / Vision Financial Group
  • WNY Women's Foundation

Event details

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Location: Electric City
Cost: $50 for BNP Young Professional members

• Not a BNP YP member? Join today for $57.16 (includes application fee and event ticket).
  
  
  Thank you to our sponsors: