HIA-LI, one of Long Island’s leading business advocacy organizations and a driving force behind regional economic development, will present its 38th Annual Business Trade Show and Conference on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Suffolk County Community College’s Suffolk Credit Union Arena in Brentwood.
Running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the event remains Long Island’s largest B2B trade show, featuring more than 375 exhibitors and drawing over 5,000 business professionals, including top executives, entrepreneurs, and key decision-makers from across the region.
This year’s theme, “The Next Business Breakthrough,” reflects the event’s focus on innovation, workforce development, and the economic forces shaping Long Island’s future.
“Businesses today are navigating rapid change—from artificial intelligence to workforce challenges to large-scale development projects reshaping our region,” said Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI. “The HIA-LI Trade Show is where those conversations happen and where connections are made that lead directly to growth, opportunity, and the next business breakthrough.”
Industry Hubs
New this year, the trade show floor will feature a series of specialized industry “Hubs”—an evolution of previous pavilion-style groupings—designed to highlight key sectors driving Long Island’s economy:
- Innovation and Economic Development
- Energy and Environmental
- Finance
- Technology and AI
- Healthcare and Wellness
- Workforce Development and Training
- Made in USA Manufacturing
- Not-for-Profit
Executive Programming
The day will include high-level programming focused on regional growth and business strategy.
The morning begins with VIP Coffee & Connections, an exclusive, sponsor-only networking event designed to bring together business leaders ahead of the trade show floor opening.
The Executive Luncheon, titled “Economic Development: Reshaping Long Island’s Landscape,” will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (registration begins at 11:00 a.m.). Moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, the session will feature opening remarks by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
Panelists include:
- Joe Campolo, Managing Partner, Campolo, Middleton & McCormick LLP; Founder, STRATA Alliance; HIA-LI Board Member
- Jim Coughlan, Co-Founder and Principal, TRITEC Real Estate
- Cara Longworth, Regional Director, Empire State Development
- Paul Pontieri, Mayor, Village of Patchogue
The discussion will examine major projects and initiatives transforming Long Island’s economic landscape, and how public and private sector collaboration is driving long-term regional growth.
Breakout Sessions and Trade Show Talks
Attendees will have access to a full slate of educational programming designed to deliver practical, real-world insights. 60-minute breakout sessions will address critical business topics, including:
- AI readiness, risk, and implementation strategies
- The role of battery storage in strengthening Long Island’s energy grid
- Workforce development and building talent pipelines through work-based learning
In addition, Trade Show Talks—fast-paced, 20-minute sessions held on the trade show floor—will provide actionable insights on topics such as:
- Podcasting and brand development
- Modern sales strategies and relationship-building
- Networking techniques that drive meaningful connections
- Managing stress, burnout, and work-life balance
- Strategic communication and high-impact conversations
- Website optimization in the age of AI
- Electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure
Networking Opportunities
The trade show will once again feature Speed Networking, organized by HYPE—HIA-LI’s Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs Committee, offering attendees a structured and efficient way to build new business relationships.
“The Trade Show continues to be one of the most important economic engines for business connection on Long Island,” said Anthony Manetta, Chair of the HIA-LI Board of Directors, CEO of Standard Advisors Group, and Babylon Town Councilman. “By bringing together leaders from across industries, we are helping to drive collaboration, innovation, and long-term growth for the region.”
Get Involved
Exhibitor booths and sponsorship opportunities are in high demand. To learn more, contact Anthony Forgione at [email protected] or call 631-543-5355.
Attendees are encouraged to pre-register online to avoid the $10 walk-in fee: https://www.hia-li.org/trade-show/.
