Registration now open for Upstate NY MWBE Conference 2026
The City of Rochester will host the 4th Annual Upstate MWBE Conference from Monday, March 30, through Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Minority and women business owners from the Finger Lakes, Western New York, Central New York, and Southern Tier regions are invited to register online.
This year’s event – themed “Creating Space Where Certification and Merit Elevates Excellence” – will offer MWBEs the opportunity to choose from four training tracks to learn how to combine credentials, capability, and performance to drive long-term success.
“The Upstate NY MWBE Conference is more than an event. It brings together players and partners that help MWBEs grow their businesses and create jobs,” said Mayor Evans. “If you are a minority- or women-owned business, you will not want to miss this year’s conference. I encourage you to register today to access real opportunities that will help build and expand your business.”
MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) is a federal program administered by state and local governments to help minority- and women-owned businesses overcome racial and structural barriers to securing government contracts for goods and services.
The 4th Annual Upstate MWBE Conference kicks off at 1 p.m. Monday, March 30, with an afternoon workshop, an evening jazz reception, and an awards dinner with a keynote speaker. It continues from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, with morning and afternoon training tracks, and a luncheon with a guest speaker. It concludes with a full day, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, with panel discussions, a networking luncheon, and an MWBE Expo.
About
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.
Conference Contact
Day 1 – Excellence March 30, 2026
Under Construction Boot Camp (afternoon)
A hands-on workshop bringing together skilled trades programs, trainees, contractors, and MWBE firms to support business growth and capacity building.
Location: Rochester Riverside Convention Center
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.
Day 2 – Merit March 31, 2026
Breakfast and lunch are included
Purchase tickets today and register for:
1:1 with ESD for MWBE certification status updates
1:1 with Apex Accelerators for Counseling and Bid matching opportunities
Interactive training sessions
Participants can choose from four tracks and learn from industry 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
Day 3 – Elevate April 1, 2026
Breakfast and lunch are included
Opportunities, panels, and expo
A full day focused on connection, insight, and opportunity.
Programming includes:
Agency presentations on upcoming projects and contracting opportunities
Success stories from certified MWBE companies
Panel discussions with live Q&A
Large-scale expo
Featuring New York state agencies and community organizations offering:
Project opportunities
Funding resources
Technical assistance
Business development support
