Industry Leaders Forum - Energy & Telecommunications

Wednesday, September 16th

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Buffalo Niagara Partnership
79 Perry St., Ste. 200
Buffalo, NY 14203

Access to consistent and affordable energy — and the infrastructure needed to support a rapidly evolving economy — is becoming an increasingly important business issue across every industry.

As companies invest in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, data infrastructure, electrification and other emerging technologies, energy demands continue to grow. At the same time, businesses are navigating changing market conditions, infrastructure needs and questions surrounding our region's ability to provide the consistent and affordable energy necessary to support future investment and economic growth.

Join the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's Industry Leaders Forum – Energy & Telecommunications for a timely, interactive discussion examining the state of our energy market, the capacity of New York's electric grid and the infrastructure Buffalo Niagara will need to remain competitive in an increasingly connected and technology-driven economy.

Energy Market & Grid Capacity

The conversation will begin with Gary Marchiori, President of EnergyMark, leading Industry Leaders Forum members in a discussion of current energy market conditions, the factors influencing access to consistent and affordable energy, and how increasing demand from new technologies could impact businesses and economic development throughout our region.

The session will also feature an update from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) focused on electricity grid capacity and future forecasting.

NYISO is responsible for operating New York's bulk electricity grid, administering the state's competitive wholesale electricity markets, conducting comprehensive long-term planning, and advancing the technological infrastructure of the electric system serving New York State.

This update will provide important context on the capacity of the state's electric system, anticipated changes in electricity demand and the long-term considerations that could influence the ability of businesses and communities to access reliable power as energy needs continue to grow.

The Future of Infrastructure

We will conclude the session by expanding the conversation to the future of infrastructure in Buffalo Niagara, with an interactive group discussion focused on the telecommunications and digital systems necessary to support business growth and emerging technologies.

Topics will include fiber deployment and network modernization, 5G and next-generation wireless technology, and AI-driven increases in data consumption and connectivity needs.

Rather than a traditional presentation, this Industry Leaders Forum will center on expert insight, group discussion and peer-to-peer dialogue, giving participants the opportunity to share what they are experiencing within their own organizations, ask questions and identify challenges and opportunities that cut across industries.

As Buffalo Niagara works to attract investment, grow existing employers and embrace new technologies, access to consistent and affordable energy, a resilient electric grid and modern telecommunications infrastructure will be critical to our region's competitiveness and economic future.

Please join us for networking beginning at 8:00 AM.

Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 AM
Networking & Registration

8:30 – 10:00 AM
Industry Leaders Forum Discussion

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.