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.
Inclusive Impact Symposium
Friday, June 27, 2025 (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM) (EDT)
Description
Back by popular demand, this year’s event will be built around several rounds of Impact Chats – interactive knowledge sharing tables where participants can contribute, learn, and expand their knowledge and networks.
Time: 8:00am – 11:30 (Continental breakfast provided and mid-morning snack)
Location:
Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse
One Bills Drive
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Agenda:
8:00am - 9:00am - Registration, Networking, MBI Vendors, Breakfast
9:00am - 9:10am - Welcome
9:15am - 9:55am - Impact Chat Round 1
9:55am - 10:35am - Impact Chat Round 2
10:35am - 10:45am - Break
10:45am - 11:25am - Impact Chat Round 3
11:25am - 11:30am - Final Comments
Impact Chat Round 1: Navigating the New DEI Landscape
The Trump administration’s Executive Orders freezing the federal government’s DEI practices are having a ripple effect on the efforts of profit and non-profit organizations. This Impact Chat round will focus on key questions facing DEI leaders and stakeholders at this critical moment.
Participants will have a choice of the following Table Topics:
· How to refuel your DEI efforts
· How to mitigate risk and ensure compliance in your DEI efforts
· How to effectively message your DEI efforts for internal and external audiences
· Should we rebrand our DEI efforts?
· How to support DEI professionals and practitioners
· How to effectively advocate internally for DEI initiatives
Impact Chat Round 2: Beyond Race – Embracing the Full DEI Spectrum
By intentionally focusing on the fullest spectrum of DEI, organizations will be able to move faster and further in their efforts to build truly inclusive workplace cultures. Are all employees, across all identities and backgrounds, equally motivated, committed, and enabled?
Participants will have a choice of sharing on the following aspects of DEI:
· Generational Diversity.
· Neurodiversity
· Cultural Humility
· LGBTQ+ Inclusion
· Socioeconomic Inclusion
· Religious Acceptance
· Mental Health Awareness
· Workplace Accessibility
· Gender Identity
· Veteran Status
Impact Chat Round 3: Leveling Up – Best practice sharing for leaders with a distinct role, goal, interest, or situation.
This Impact Chat round is designed to tackle more specialized topics with the help of table leads that can help inform the discussion based on experience.
Participants will choose from the following table topics:
· How to effectively recruit and retain people with disabilities.
· How to increase the diversity of your vendors and suppliers
· How to effectively recruit and retain refugees and new Americans
· Inclusive hiring practices that work
· DEI in the age of AI
· When you are the only one – Understanding identity in the workplace
Thank you to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Event Sponsor
For SHRM HR professionals, this series is valid for a total of 2 PDC for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
Buffalo Niagara Partnership is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.
Tickets:
Early Bird: Now – June 5
· Member: $95
· Non-member: $175
After June 5th:
· $125 individual member ticket
· $225 individual nonmember ticket
Table of 10: Early Bird: Now – June 5
· Members - $900
Table of 10 After June 5th
· Members - $1,100
1 Bills Drive
Orchard Park, 14127
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
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