BNP Lead

Description

Developing Leaders. Driving Innovation. Strengthening Buffalo Niagara.

Wednesday, January 27, 2027 | 1:00–5:00 PM
Electric City | 433 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Strong leadership is essential to building strong organizations, developing talent, and driving regional economic growth.

Introducing BNP LEAD, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's leadership development event designed to equip professionals with the insights, strategies, and connections needed to lead in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing business environment.

Bringing together business executives, emerging leaders, leadership development experts, and regional decision-makers, BNP LEAD offers a dynamic experience focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping leadership today and into the future.

Through four engaging sessions, attendees will explore the impact of emerging technologies, strategies for developing talent, practical lessons from executive coaches, and the critical connection between effective leadership and regional economic competitiveness.

Four Sessions. One Focus: Stronger Leadership.

Why Leadership Matters to Regional Economic Competitiveness

Leadership extends beyond individual organizations. It shapes the economic future of our entire region. Join regional business leaders for a discussion examining how strong leadership drives innovation, strengthens workplace cultures, retains talent, and supports economic growth. Explore the importance of developing the next generation of leaders and building a stronger, more competitive Buffalo Niagara.

Moderated by Grant Loomis, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

Leading in an Age of Disruption

Artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and evolving workplace expectations are fundamentally changing how organizations operate. Led by the University at Buffalo School of Management, this forward-looking session will explore how leaders can embrace innovation, navigate uncertainty, and successfully guide their organizations through constant change.

Developing Leaders at Every Level

Great organizations don't just recruit leaders. They develop them. Facilitated by Niagara University's Holzschuh College of Business Administration, this interactive session will explore practical approaches to identifying high-potential talent, strengthening mentorship and sponsorship, and creating meaningful leadership opportunities throughout an organization. Attendees will also assess their own leadership pipelines, identify development gaps, and consider actionable next steps.

What Great Leaders Get Wrong: Four Coaches, Four Lessons

Even the most experienced leaders have blind spots. In this fast-paced, engaging session, four experienced executive coaches will share practical lessons on the behaviors, habits, and challenges that can limit leadership effectiveness. Moderated by Susan Waas of AAA and featuring facilitators from the BNP Executive Exchange, this session will deliver candid perspectives and actionable insights that participants can immediately put to work.

Who Should Attend?

BNP LEAD is designed for professionals at every stage of their leadership journey, including senior executives, emerging and high-potential leaders, business owners, managers, and professionals responsible for talent and organizational development.

Whether you're leading an organization, building a team, or preparing for your next leadership opportunity, BNP LEAD will provide valuable perspectives, practical strategies, and meaningful connections to help you move forward.

Invest in Leadership. Invest in Buffalo Niagara.

The future of our region depends on the strength of the people and organizations leading it.

Join the Buffalo Niagara Partnership on Wednesday, January 27, 2027, at Electric City for BNP LEAD and be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of leadership in Buffalo Niagara.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2027
Time: 1:00–5:00 PM
Location: Electric City
Address: 433 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Registration: $50 for BNP members | $75 for non-members

Thank you to our Engagement Sponsor