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.Â
Industry Leaders Forum - Development & Construction
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) (EST)
Description
2026 Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum
The Future of Downtown
Downtown Buffalo’s pre-pandemic momentum has undeniably shifted. With fewer employees working downtown full time, reduced demand for office space, higher vacancy rates, and mounting pressures on commercial businesses, development and construction leaders are navigating a far more complex and uncertain environment. Financing new construction and renovation projects has become increasingly difficult, and questions remain about what types of projects and uses will be viable in today’s market.
The 2026 Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum is not intended to restate these challenges—our members are living them every day. Instead, this year’s forum will center on solutions. Through guided discussion with industry peers and thought leaders, the conversation will focus on tangible recommendations for incentive programs, policy tools, and market-driven initiatives that can support strategic investment in downtown Buffalo. A particular emphasis will be placed on the conversion, reuse, and adaptation of existing buildings and spaces as a pathway to stabilizing and re-energizing the downtown core.
This forum will produce actionable insights to help shape the next phase of downtown’s evolution and position the region for sustainable, market-responsive growth.
Industry Leader Forum – Development & Construction
Wednesday, January 28
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
79 Perry St., Ste. 200
Buffalo, NY 14203
Agenda
8:00 am - 8:30 am - Networking & Registration
8:30 am - 10:00 am – Program
The ILF is a BNP member-only benefit for applicable companies. Interested in learning more about ILF membership? Seth Piccirillo, Director of Economic Development, at spiccirillo@thepartnership.org
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Take your seat at the table
The ILF is a BNP member-only benefit for applicable companies.
Please contact Seth Piccirillo, Director of Economic Development, at spiccirillo@thepartnership.org for more information.
To become a member of BNP and participate in ILF, click here.
The ILF is a BNP member-only benefit for applicable companies. Interested in learning more about ILF membership? Seth Piccirillo, Director of Economic Development, at spiccirillo@thepartnership.org
79 Perry St., Ste. 200
Buffalo, NY 14203 United States
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.
How to Cash In on Connections: The Untapped Power of BNP Networking
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.