Belmont Park Village

Connecting, Learning, Growing: The Power of One Day at the HIA-LI Trade Show

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Harris Beber, Global Head of Marketing for Google Workspace, will keynote the Executive Breakfast.

Every year, I get excited when May rolls around, because it means the return of the HIA-LI Annual Trade Show & Conference — and 2025 is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic and forward-looking events ever.

On Thursday, May 29, we will welcome some 4,000 business professionals and showcase more than 375 exhibitors at the Suffolk Credit Union Arena at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood. This is the 37th year of the show, and our momentum just keeps growing. As always, our goal is simple: to create a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and Long Island business moves forward.

This year’s event, once again presented in partnership with our friends at Sands New York, is packed with opportunities for education, inspiration, and high-impact networking.

We’ll kick off the day with our Executive Breakfast at 8:00 a.m., featuring Harris Beber, the Global Head of Marketing for Google Workspace. Harris, who was previously CMO of Vimeo and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top marketing executives in the country, will speak on the topic: “Demystifying AI: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters for Your Business.” In a business environment that’s moving faster than ever, this session will offer real-world insight into how AI is reshaping collaboration and productivity across industries. I encourage everyone to register early—this is a ticketed session with limited seating.

At 11:30 a.m., we turn our attention to economic development at the Executive Luncheon titled “Reshaping Long Island’s Landscape.” We’re thrilled to welcome Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine who will provide opening remarks. Our panel will be moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, and features an incredible lineup:

These leaders will discuss some of the most ambitious projects underway in our region, including Belmont Park Village, Station Yards, the hotel and resort casino proposal for the Nassau Hub, the Electron-Ion Collider at Brookhaven Lab, and the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. This is also a ticketed event, and I strongly recommend registering in advance to ensure your seat.

In addition to the breakfast and luncheon, we’re introducing exciting new content this year. Our new “Trade Show Talks” are fast-paced, 20-minute sessions hosted right on the trade show floor, which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Topics include AI, leadership, business development, networking strategies, and workplace wellness. And of course, we’re continuing our ever-popular 60-minute breakout sessions, which cover everything from marketing to cybersecurity to relationship-building. Our Speed Networking sessions will also return this year, giving you the chance to make powerful new connections quickly and efficiently.

We’ll also feature six themed industry pavilions on the show floor:

  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Innovation & Economic Development
  • Energy & Environmental
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing (in memory of Ron Loveland)

Each pavilion is designed to help attendees focus their networking and learn what’s new in their specific area of interest.

Whether you’re looking to grow your network, explore new vendors, or learn from industry leaders, this show delivers. I genuinely believe there is no better one-day opportunity to engage with the Long Island business community.

Attendees are encouraged to pre-register to avoid the same-day $10 walk-in fee. For exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Anthony Forgione, HIA-LI’s Director of Business Development, at aforgione@hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355. You can also find everything you need at www.hia-li.org/trade-show.

I look forward to seeing you on May 29. Let’s make it our best trade show yet!