LICA

The Next Business Breakthrough Starts with a Conversation

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine gave stirring opening remarks about the need to improve our region’s infrastructure. Behind him are Joe Campolo, Managing Partner of Campolo, Middleton & McCormick LLP, Founder of STRATA Alliance, and HIA-LI Board Member, and Cara Longworth, Regional Director of Empire State Development.

One of my favorite stories about the power of the HIA-LI Trade Show goes back many years.

Before joining HIA-LI, I was exhibiting at this very trade show on behalf of my former employer when I struck up a conversation with a senior executive from Computer Associates. It was a chance encounter. One of the countless conversations that take place on a trade show floor each year. But that single conversation eventually led to one of the largest contracts in that company’s history.

It’s a reminder that you never know where your next opportunity, partnership, client, or breakthrough idea will come from.

That story was very much on my mind as more than 4,000 business professionals gathered at Suffolk Credit Union Arena at Suffolk County Community College for HIA-LI’s 38th Annual Business Trade Show & Conference.

Featuring more than 375 exhibitors, this year’s event embraced the theme, “The Next Business Breakthrough.” Judging by the energy on the trade show floor, the packed networking events, and the meaningful conversations taking place throughout the day, there were plenty of breakthroughs happening.

Connections That Create Opportunity

The event also received strong reviews from participants, with more than 70 percent of survey respondents rating their experience an eight or higher on a 10-point scale.

Denise Labosco of Suite AI Solutions, a first-time exhibitor, described the event as “extremely organized” and praised the quality of the attendees, noting that she walked away with “real conversations and real leads.”

Returning exhibitor Alice Thomson of Southampton Inn said she was glad her organization returned for a second year, citing the meaningful connections she expects will lead to future business opportunities.

Those comments reflect what has made the HIA-LI Trade Show such a valued annual tradition for nearly four decades. While the exhibitors, industries, and business challenges may evolve over time, the power of bringing people together remains unchanged.

More Than Networking: A Conversation About Long Island’s Future

While the trade show floor was buzzing throughout the day, one of the highlights was the Executive Luncheon, “Economic Development: Reshaping Long Island’s Landscape.”

Moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, the luncheon featured a special welcome by video from Governor Kathy Hochul and opening remarks by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. The panel included Joe Campolo, Managing Partner of Campolo, Middleton & McCormick LLP, Founder of STRATA Alliance, and HIA-LI Board Member; Jim Coughlan, Co-Founder and Principal of TRITEC Real Estate and HIA-LI Board Member; Cara Longworth, Regional Director of Empire State Development; and Paul Pontieri, Mayor of the Village of Patchogue.

Although each panelist brought a different perspective, a common theme emerged throughout the discussion: Long Island’s future depends on our ability to create places where people can live, work, innovate, and build businesses.

The conversation touched on some of the most important issues facing our region, including workforce development, housing, innovation, infrastructure investment, downtown revitalization, and economic competitiveness.

Panelists discussed major projects already transforming Long Island, from transit-oriented development and downtown redevelopment initiatives to emerging innovation corridors designed to help turn research and new technologies into businesses and jobs. They emphasized that economic development is no longer about a single project or a single community. Success depends on collaboration among government, business, developers, educational institutions, and community leaders working toward a shared vision for the region.

Turning Ideas Into Action

One particularly important theme was the connection between housing and workforce development. Businesses cannot attract and retain talent if workers cannot afford to live where they work. Likewise, innovation cannot thrive if promising startups and skilled professionals leave the region in search of opportunities elsewhere.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of investing in quality-of-life initiatives that make Long Island an attractive place to live, raise a family, launch a business, and pursue a career.

What made the luncheon especially valuable was that it moved beyond identifying challenges. The panelists offered real-world examples of projects, partnerships, and strategies already producing results and creating momentum for the future.

That spirit of collaboration carried throughout the entire trade show.

Every year, the HIA-LI Trade Show brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, government officials, educators, and innovators from across Long Island. It creates opportunities to share ideas, build relationships, and discover solutions to common challenges.

Most importantly, it reminds us that Long Island’s greatest asset is not a building, a development project, or even a business sector. It is the people willing to come together, exchange ideas, and work toward a stronger future.

And that is where the next business breakthrough often begins.

Uniting for Progress: Business Groups Power Community Success

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This week, Long Island Business News published an op-ed by Long Island Builders Institute CEO Mike Florio and me titled “When Business Groups Unite, Communities Win.” You can read the full piece here.

In the column, Mike and I reflect on an important lesson from this year’s Republican primaries in Huntington and Smithtown. At stake were two major initiatives: Huntington’s Melville Town Center Overlay District and Smithtown’s Kings Park revitalization. Both projects were designed to address some of our region’s most pressing challenges—creating affordable workforce housing, bringing vitality back to local downtowns, and supporting jobs in the construction trades.

For decades, there has been a perception that business interests and community interests are at odds. Too often, the debate is framed as “profits versus people.” But the reality is that responsible development and strong communities go hand-in-hand. The Melville and Kings Park projects represent the kind of forward-looking planning that benefits working Long Islanders and strengthens our economy.

Recognizing this, Long Island’s leading business organizations—including HIA-LI, the Long Island Builders Institute, the Long Island Association, the Association for a Better Long Island, the Long Island Contractors Association, and the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island—came together to speak with one voice. By joining forces, our coalition clarified the stakes for voters and pushed back against misinformation.

The results spoke volumes. Voters supported candidates who stood for progress, workforce housing, and job creation. Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth called the outcome a “victory of truth over lies.” Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim expressed pride in continuing to make his town “a wonderful place to raise a family.” These outcomes reinforce a simple but powerful truth: when business organizations unite, communities benefit.

The lesson extends far beyond these two towns. Long Island still faces significant challenges—housing shortages, aging infrastructure, and the need to retain young talent while supporting middle-class families. None of these issues can be addressed in silos. But when business groups align around shared priorities, our message carries further and our communities grow stronger.

At HIA-LI, we believe collaboration is not just a strategy but a responsibility. By working together, we can advocate for policies that create opportunity, foster innovation, and ensure Long Island remains a place where the next generation can build their future.

Read the full op-ed in Long Island Business News here.

Fostering Economic Growth and Efficiency: Why Long Island’s Largest B2B Trade Show on May 23 is More Than Just an Event

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I am extremely proud of the role HIA-LI plays in bolstering Long Island’s $200 billion economy through our annual Business-to-Business Trade Show and Conference. This event isn’t just a gathering; it’s a dynamic forum for vital economic discussions and a catalyst for business collaboration. Each year, we witness how this trade show has evolved into an influential platform where businesses come together not only to showcase their offerings but to engage in meaningful dialogues about innovation, efficiency, and profitability.

It’s about more than just networking — it’s about empowering businesses to reimagine their branding, streamline their operations, and enhance their market presence. This year, as we host our 36th annual trade show on Thursday, May 23, at the Suffolk Credit Union Arena at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, we continue our commitment to advancing these critical conversations.

With over 250 exhibitors from diverse sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare, we are setting the stage for over 4,000 business professionals, including decision-makers, upper management, and industry leaders, to discover new products and services, forge strategic partnerships, and uncover new avenues for growth. Our collaboration with Sands New York, returning as the Title Sponsor, underscores our dedication to integrating local businesses into the broader economic framework, facilitating a shared journey towards sustainable regional development.

Connecting Businesses and Creating Opportunities

As we move forward with preparations for this major event, our focus remains on creating a vibrant gathering that provides all participants with unparalleled opportunities to engage, learn, and succeed. It’s a platform for businesses to forge valuable connections, share insights, and work together to advance the region’s economy.

Our break-out sessions include two Sands New York procurement workshops that aim to connect local businesses with Sands staff, integrating local suppliers into their procurement process. It’s an incredible opportunity for regional businesses to access new opportunities and build lasting relationships.

Celebrating Innovation at the Executive Luncheon

I’m particularly excited about our Executive Luncheon, “Economic Development Projects Changing Long Island’s Landscape,” from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, this session will feature opening remarks by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Sands New York Senior Vice President Tracey Edwards.

Our distinguished panelists include:

We’ll discuss transformative projects like Shoregate in Bay Shore, Station Yards in Ronkonkoma, and Midway Crossing, also in Ronkonkoma. These initiatives, collectively, promise to reshape our region’s economic future by creating jobs, fostering growth, and enhancing Long Island’s appeal for young professionals.

Engaging Sessions and Networking

In addition to the luncheon, attendees can look forward to a full schedule of complimentary break-out sessions, including:

  • “From Retail to Revitalization: A Seminar on the Transformation of Smith Haven Mall”
  • “Expanding Your Network”
  • “From Clicks to Conversations, Strategies for Direct Response Marketing Success”

Plus, our morning and afternoon “Speed Networking” sessions will help participants make rapid-fire connections with other business professionals.

Industry Pavilions and More

Our special industry sector pavilions offer an added focus into key industry sectors:

We also encourage attendees to bring non-perishable food items for Long Island Cares, helping us combat food insecurity in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Pre-Registration and Sponsorships

Pre-register for the event at www.HIA-LI.org to avoid the $10 same-day walk-in fee. For exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, contact Anthony Forgione at aforgione@hia-li.org or 631-543-5355.

Let’s celebrate Long Island’s vibrant business community, make valuable connections, and explore new opportunities. I look forward to seeing you there!