Upstate NY MWBE Conference 2026

Don’t miss the Upstate NY MWBE Conference 2026—a premier three-day, in-person event designed to connect, educate, and elevate Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) across Upstate New York.

Hosted by the City of Rochester, the 4th Annual Upstate MWBE Conference will take place March 30 – April 1, 2026, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. This signature event brings together MWBE firms, government agencies, contractors, and resource partners from the Finger Lakes, Western New York, Central New York, and the Southern Tier.

With nearly 300 attendees last year—and growing—this conference creates real opportunities for business growth through education, networking, and access to decision-makers. Whether you’re seeking contracts, capital, certification guidance, or strategic partnerships, this is where preparation meets opportunity.

The 2026 theme, “Creating Space Where Certification and Merit Elevates Excellence,” highlights the power of combining credentials, capability, and performance to drive long-term success for MWBEs.

Be part of Upstate New York’s premier MWBE gathering.
Register, exhibit, or sponsor the Upstate NY MWBE Conference 2026 and position your organization at the center of opportunity, innovation, and excellence.

• Secure your seat. Expand your network. Elevate your business.
• Join decision-makers, agencies, and MWBEs shaping the future of Upstate New York.
• Don’t just attend—participate, connect, and grow.

Why Attend the Upstate NY MWBE Conference?

The Upstate NY MWBE Conference is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for business growth.

• Connect with Decision-Makers
  Meet government agencies, prime contractors, and resource providers actively seeking qualified MWBE partners.
• Access Real Opportunities
  Learn about upcoming projects, funding sources, and real contracting pathways across Upstate New York.
• Build Capacity & Scale
  Gain practical tools in certification, capital access, bonding, operations, and strategic partnerships.
• Expand Your Network
  Build meaningful relationships with MWBEs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from four regions.
• Celebrate MWBE Excellence
  Recognize and uplift outstanding MWBE businesses that are setting the standard for performance and impact.

Who Should Attend the Upstate NY MWBE Conference?

• Certified and uncertified MBE & WBE businesses
• Entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Government agencies and authorities
• Economic development and community organizations
• Industry leaders and resource providers

Info: • Experience Interactive Learning Session & Workshop
A guided timeline of Rochester’s history, highlighting the contributions of minorities and women
Location: Rochester City Hall
Lunch provided
• “Under Construction” Boot Camp
A hands-on workshop connecting skilled trades programs, trainees, contractors, and MWBE firms to support growth and capacity building
Location: Rochester Riverside Convention Center
• Evening Events
o Jazz Reception
o Awards Dinner & Guest Keynote Speaker
o Recognition of outstanding MBE and WBE companies from each Upstate region

Info: • Interactive Training Sessions (Four Tracks)
Learn from industry experts on:
o MWBE and industry certifications
o Access to capital and funding opportunities
o Back-office operations and systems
o Capacity building and business scaling
o Bonding and surety
o Marketing your capabilities
o Strategic partnerships and joint ventures

Info: • Opportunities, Panels & Expo
o Agency presentations on upcoming projects and procurement opportunities
o Success stories from certified MWBE firms
o Panel discussions with live Q&A
o Large-scale Expo featuring NYS agencies and community organizations offering:
 Project opportunities
 Funding resources
 Technical assistance
 Business development support

Info: For one low registration fee, you will be immersed in a three-day journey focused on building capacity through innovation and equity. Registration includes:
• 6 meals
• Two dynamic keynote speakers
• Access to an Expo featuring 50+ business and contracting opportunities
• Five (5) tracks of interactive workshops
• A professional panel offering leading insights on:
o Business services
o Mentoring
o Contract and procurement opportunities
• Unlimited networking with MWBEs, agencies, contractors, and resource partners
Partial Conference Access (Days 2 & 3 Only) - $150.00
This option is ideal for attendees focused on education and opportunity-building. Registration includes:
• 4 meals
• Two dynamic keynote speakers
• Access to the 50+ opportunity MWBE Expo
• Four (4) workshop tracks
• Professional panel discussions on services, mentoring, and contract opportunities
• Unlimited networking opportunities
Register Today
Secure your spot for the 4th Annual Upstate MWBE Conference.

Info: Under Construction Boot Camp (Afternoon)
A hands-on workshop bringing together skilled trades programs, trainees, contractors, and MWBE firms to support growth and capacity building.
Evening Events:
• Jazz Reception
• Awards Dinner with Guest Keynote Speaker
MBE and WBE companies from each Upstate region will be nominated, with selected businesses receiving awards. More details coming soon.

Info: Interactive Training Sessions (4 Tracks)
Learn from experts on topics including:
• MWBE and industry certifications
• Access to capital and funding opportunities
• Back-office operations and systems
• Capacity building and scaling your business
• Bonding and surety
• Marketing your capabilities
• Strategic partnerships and joint ventures

Info: Opportunities, Panels & Expo
• Agency presentations on upcoming projects and contracting opportunities
• Success stories from certified MWBE companies
• Panel discussions with live Q&A
• Large-scale Expo featuring NYS agencies and community organizations offering:
o Project opportunities
o Funding resources
o Technical assistance
o Business development support

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher City of Rochester, NY