Antonio Delgado

A Day of Ideas, Innovation, and Impact at the HIA-LI 2025 Trade Show

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At the Executive Luncheon podium is Jim Coughlan, Co-Founder and Principal, TRITEC Real Estate. Seated to his left is Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President, Sands New York.

I had the privilege of welcoming nearly 4,000 business professionals to the Suffolk Credit Union Arena on May 29 for our 37th Annual HIA-LI Business Trade Show & Conference—and what a day it was.

From the moment doors opened, the energy was palpable. More than 375 exhibitors transformed the arena into a bustling marketplace of ideas and opportunities. Our industry pavilions—Technology, Finance, Innovation & Economic Development, Energy & Environmental, Healthcare, and Manufacturing—showcased Long Island’s strengths and the forward momentum of our regional economy.

The day began with an unforgettable Executive Breakfast headlined by Harris Beber, Global Head of Marketing for Google Workspace. Harris offered a dynamic and accessible presentation, “Demystifying AI: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters for Your Business.” He made it clear that AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a practical tool, already reshaping productivity, marketing, and decision-making. One moment that stuck with me: Harris pointed out that “AI won’t take your job, but someone using AI might.” That one sentence sparked countless hallway conversations afterward—and that’s exactly the kind of thought leadership we aim to deliver through HIA-LI.

Later in the day, we hosted our Executive Luncheon titled “Economic Development – Reshaping Long Island’s Landscape.” We were honored to welcome Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who offered thoughtful and passionate opening remarks on the need for sustained, inclusive growth. He emphasized that “when we invest in people, we expand opportunity,” and spoke about the importance of aligning infrastructure investments with workforce development to ensure that all Long Islanders can thrive. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine followed with a passionate call to action, reminding us that Long Island can and should be the economic engine for all of New York State. “Show me how you invest your money and I’ll show you where your state or county is going,” he said, as he advocated for infrastructure funding, better public transportation, and policies that allow our region to retain and attract young families.

The luncheon panel was skillfully moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, who reminded the audience that “Economic development isn’t just about buildings—it’s about planning for the people who will live and work in them. That’s what today’s conversation is all about.”

The panelists included:

Together, they painted an exciting picture of Long Island’s future—one filled with innovation, revitalization, and resilience.

Of course, our Trade Show is more than marquee speakers. This year, we introduced Trade Show Talks—fast-paced, 20-minute floor presentations covering everything from HR law to financial strategy. Alongside these were our traditional breakout sessions, diving deeper into leadership, marketing, and emerging technologies. And for those seeking quick networking wins, our speed networking sessions helped connect dozens of professionals in record time.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of the day was hearing what attendees and exhibitors had to say. As one first-time attendee, Chris Mundy of MILCON Construction, shared, “This was a great opportunity to meet other business owners and generate new leads.” Another, Siobhan Ainsworth of Long Island Igloos, wrote, “I was very impressed with the event as a whole. It was well organized and gave me the opportunity to make a lot of great connections.” And Richard Cassiano of North American Resource Capital, Inc. added, “There was a great variety of exhibitors to meet.”

These kinds of comments reflect the very heart of why we produce this event.

And the numbers tell the story too:
✅ 100 percent of sponsors rated the show 8 or better out of a scale of 10.
✅ Nearly 80 percent of attendees gave us top marks.
This feedback, gathered directly from our post-event surveys, confirms that our trade show continues to meet or exceed the needs of Long Island’s business community.

I’m grateful to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and the entire HIA-LI team who made the day possible. If you missed this year’s event, we hope to see you next year. And if you were there—we hope you left as inspired as we did.

Here’s to continued growth, stronger relationships, and a thriving Long Island.

Shaping the Future of Long Island: Reflections from HIA-LI’s 46th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program

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Pictured: HIA-LI board members and Legislative Program panelists pause for a group photo.

HIA-LI’s 46th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program marked a significant confluence of ideas and strategies from key regional and statewide policymakers and leaders. This year’s event was a vibrant forum for discussing Long Island’s trajectory, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and adapting to new societal post-pandemic norms.

Here at HIA-LI, we’re extremely proud of the strides made in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, a major economic engine with 55,000 employees and $13 billion in economic output. Significant achievements include new branding initiatives, such as the introduction of flags and signage as well as vital infrastructure developments such as sewage expansion.

Our focus on sustainable development is evident in our plans for electric vehicle integration and a transportation study for the park. We’ve broadened the scope of our Economic Development Task Force, while our Workforce Development Task Force has been pivotal in bridging the gap between businesses and educational institutions.

I’m especially proud of our membership growth of over 21 percent and our successful engagement strategies across all HIA-LI social media channels. That includes a new partnership with Going Local TV as well as the growth of our Business Steps Up podcast.

Kicking off the Legislative Program, newly elected Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine’s comments were particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on environmental and infrastructural initiatives. He passionately advocated for a referendum on clean water, seeing it as vital for Suffolk County’s ecological future. Romaine highlighted the crucial need for the electrification of the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Jefferson line, explaining how it would revolutionize local transportation and stimulate economic growth. Further, he underscored the importance of securing equitable funding from Albany, essential for the region’s comprehensive development.

Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim – who also serves on the Long Island Regional Planning Council – shared his vision for Smithtown’s infrastructure development, specifically referencing his advocacy for sewage treatment plants as a catalyst for growth and environmental protection. Wehrheim emphasized the need for community-centric governance, stressing the importance of civic engagement in shaping effective local policies.

John Walser, Director of Economic Development at the Town of Islip, representing Supervisor Angie Carpenter, provided insights into the economic development strategies being implemented in Suffolk’s second largest township. He elaborated on initiatives aimed at strengthening local businesses and attracting new investment. Walser acknowledged the pivotal role of the Long Island Regional Planning Council in coordinating the region’s economic strategies.

We were once again honored that Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado joined us virtually via “live” Zoom. He articulated the state administration’s dedication to supporting Long Island’s communities. Delgado spoke on the significance of public-private partnerships in achieving community safety, affordability, and economic prosperity. He further highlighted the governor’s commitment to expanding the FAST NY program to prepare sites for development, fostering New York’s competitive edge in national job creation.

Delgado also discussed the “Long Island Forward” program, aimed at addressing the residential housing shortage by encouraging municipalities to create shovel ready sites through targeted incentives. The goal, he said, is to retain local talent, allowing young people to raise their families on Long Island with an eye towards strengthening New York’s economy.

After each speaker had a chance to present, a lively discussion ensued on a variety of timely topics such as reviving Long Island’s economy post-COVID-19, emphasizing technological innovation; addressing Long Island’s affordable housing crisis; the need for infrastructure improvements, especially modern solutions to traditional septic systems; and, advocating for environmental sustainability through green initiatives.

HIA LI’s 46th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program demonstrated the commitment and foresight of Long Island’s leaders. It also showed that the dedication and resilience of our members are the bedrock of our success. The discussions laid down a comprehensive roadmap for a sustainable and prosperous future in the bi-county region.

As we step into 2024, I encourage everyone to engage actively with HIA-LI, contributing to the collective growth and prosperity of this beautiful region we all call home.