Upstate NY MWBE Conference

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.