The Sustainable Business Summit is the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable’s annual flagship event and the region’s premier platform for sustainable business leadership.

This year’s Summit will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the historic Richardson Hotel in Buffalo, NY. The 2025 theme, The Future We Build Today, invites us to explore what’s possible when bold sustainability goals are paired with practical, actionable strategies.

The half-day program will feature an inspiring keynote speaker, expert-led breakout sessions, and energizing networking—all designed to help turn sustainability ideas into practical action.

Stay tuned for more information about sponsorship opportunities, our keynote speaker, and ticketing details coming soon!

Call For Speakers

We’re now accepting proposals for engaging, action-oriented sessions that align with the 2025 theme. Whether you’re a sustainability expert, business leader, policymaker, or community advocate, we want to hear your bold ideas and practical solutions.

We’re especially interested in proposals that include:

• Clear audience takeaways and practical relevance
• Direct connections to the Western New York business context
• Interactive or participatory session formats
• Topics that range from beginner-friendly to advanced

Sessions will be 50 minutes in length and may feature one or multiple speakers. All accepted speakers will receive member pricing for Summit registration.

Submission deadline: August 1, 2025

View the full Call for Speakers announcement for submission instructions and details on what to include in your abstract.

Submissions should be emailed to wnysbr@gmail.com with the subject line: Summit Session Proposal.

Why is this Topic Important?

This year’s theme challenges us to think big, while staying grounded in action. The Future We Build Today encourages attendees to imagine bold, long-term possibilities for sustainability in our region, and to explore the tools, strategies, and partnerships needed to make that future a reality.

Summit sessions will highlight both visionary ideas and on-the-ground solutions, organized around two interconnected tracks:

Envisioning What’s Possible

What could WNY look like if we led with bold climate action and systemic change? This track highlights transformative ideas like breakthrough technologies, forward-thinking policies, and reimagined systems that illuminate a thriving, sustainable future.

Building the Future Today

What can we do now to turn vision into reality? This track centers on real-world strategies, tools, and case studies that help businesses integrate sustainability into their operations and make measurable progress today.

As the business environment continues to change, the 2024 Sustainable Business Summit stands as a key event for Western New York companies aiming to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. With the theme “Translating Risk to Resilience,” this year’s Summit comes at a critical moment as companies face increasing challenges and opportunities related to sustainability.  By tapping into local expertise and engaging with regional leaders who are driving innovation in sustainability, attendees will gain the insights needed to turn these risks into opportunities for long-term success. With dynamic sessions exploring topics such as emerging technologies, people-centered resilience, and navigating the regulatory landscape, as well as ample networking opportunities, this Summit is your chance to connect, learn, and build a foundation for a resilient future.

About the Venue

Previous Summits