Industry Leaders Forum - Economic Development Summit

2026 Economic Development Summit

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s 2026 Industry Leaders Forum (ILF) calendar culminates with the fourth annual Economic Development Summit on October 14 at Buffalo RiverWorks.

Bringing together leaders from across Buffalo Niagara’s key industries, the Economic Development Summit will examine the trends, data and economic forces shaping our region while providing perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Location: Buffalo RiverWorks, 359 Ganson Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

8:00–8:30 a.m. — Networking and Registration
8:30–10:00 a.m. — Program and Award Presentation

The 2026 Economic Development Summit will feature:

2027 Financial Forecast

Ariana Chiu, Investment Strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Chief Investment Office, will provide a forward-looking financial and economic forecast for 2027, offering insight into the economic trends, market conditions and financial forces businesses should be preparing for in the year ahead.

The presentation will provide business leaders with perspective on the evolving economic landscape and the factors likely to influence investment, growth and business decision-making in 2027.

Buffalo Niagara Prosperity Report

Grant Loomis, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, will present the Buffalo Niagara Prosperity Report, a regional benchmarking report providing a data-driven assessment of how Buffalo Niagara compares with peer communities across key economic, workforce, demographic and quality-of-life indicators.

By evaluating the region’s strengths, challenges and emerging trends, the report establishes a clear baseline for measuring progress and identifying opportunities to strengthen Buffalo Niagara’s competitiveness.

The findings will help inform strategic decision-making and provide a framework for how public- and private-sector partners can align around measurable priorities that advance regional prosperity.

Fourth Annual Industry Leader Award: Honoring Jonathan Dandes

The Summit will feature a posthumous presentation of the fourth annual Industry Leader Award to Jonathan Dandes, recognizing his extraordinary leadership, service and lasting impact on the Buffalo Niagara business community.

A former Chair of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Board of Directors, Dandes was a deeply respected business and civic leader whose influence extended far beyond the organizations he served. His commitment to collaboration, regional progress and strengthening Buffalo Niagara exemplified the spirit of the Industry Leader Award.

Following his passing in February 2026, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership is proud to recognize his legacy and the lasting contributions he made to the Partnership and the broader Western New York community.

About the Industry Leaders Forum

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership Industry Leaders Forum (ILF) brings together executives and decision-makers from across Buffalo Niagara’s key industry sectors to discuss the issues, opportunities and challenges shaping their businesses and the regional economy.

Throughout the year, ILF provides industry leaders with opportunities to connect with peers, share perspectives and engage in conversations around the economic, workforce, policy and business trends affecting their sectors. Individual forums create space for industry-specific dialogue, while programs such as the Economic Development Summit bring leaders from across sectors together to explore the broader forces influencing Buffalo Niagara’s economic future.

Interested in Joining the Industry Leaders Forum?

Companies interested in learning more about Industry Leaders Forum membership and opportunities to participate in the 2027 ILF calendar are encouraged to contact Seth Piccirillo, Vice President of Events & Programs, at spiccirillo@thepartnership.org.