- ABOUT
- KEYNOTE SPEAKER
- AGENDA
- REGISTRATION INFORMATION
- HOTEL INFORMATION
- SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES
- AWARDS/ NOMINATIONS
- BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATION
- PRIZE PROGRAM
The Business Council Annual Meeting is our premier event of the year, providing information, inspiration and entertainment, creating a one-of-a-kind forum focusing on improving New York’s business climate and economy. The conference format allows guests to balance time between our impactful and informative panel discussions and various recreational activities in a relaxing setting, all allowing for prime networking with fellow attendees. This year, the meeting will focus on the 2026 elections, both at the state and federal level, and other issues important to New York State, including discussions on quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and more
Event sponsorships and exhibits let you associate your brand and products with the prestige and wow factor of The Business Council to create awareness of your company, broaden visibility, reinforce your image among New York State’s business leaders and build camaraderie and establish important relationships.
Register today, as you won’t want to miss this signature event that will allow you and your company to become informed on the latest state policies while networking with business leaders from across the state.
Joseph Carr
Napa Valley Vintner Joseph Carr is the founder of Josh Cellars, the top-selling premium wine brand in the United States and Canada.
Mr. Carr began his career in the wine business as a celebrated sommelier working in New York City, Palm Beach, Florida, and finally at the prestige of Sagamore Hotel.
He went on to work for wineries all over the world, including Freemark Abbey, Frescobaldi, Torres, and Chapoutier. Carr rose to become president of Mildara Blass’s export division—the largest export arm of the Foster’s Group—before launching his own négociant operation in Napa Valley in 2002. The New York Times called his early venture “a producer to watch.” In 2007, he and his wife, Deirdre Carr, created Josh Cellars in their garage and sold their first cases out of the back of an old Land Rover. Today, Josh Cellars produces over eight million cases and is distributed globally. The brand and Carr have been featured in People, The Wall Street Journal, Esquire, Wine Spectator, and Food & Wine; in 2024, Wine Enthusiast named Josh Cellars Winery of the Year.
Mr. Carr has spoken at Harvard Business School, Wharton, Culinary Institute of America, NYS Economic Council, United States Chamber of Commerce, as well as private banking conferences. “He has given a commencement address at Geneseo State University, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.”
Committed to philanthropy, Carr supports first responders, volunteer firefighters, the military, arts and education programs, and cancer treatment initiatives. He lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and divides his time between the Cape and Napa Valley.
| Registration Type | Before 6/29/26 | 6/29/26-9/8/26 | After 9/8/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Member |
$645 | $675 | $750 |
| Non-Member | $745 | $775 | $850 |
| Chamber Executive | $400 | $425 | $425 |
| Spouse | Significant Other | $400 | $425 | $500 |
| Golf* | $160 | $160 |
*You must be registered for the Annual Meeting to participate in our golf tournament or other recreational activities.
*Single event/daily pricing is available. Please contact Maribeth Riley at (518) 694-4468
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration until Friday, September 11, 2026. You will be refunded, less a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after September 11, 2026, will not be eligible for a refund. We encourage you to send a substitute in your place if you cannot attend. Hotel cancellations must be made directly with The Sagamore. Please refer to your confirmation from The Sagamore for their cancellation policy.
By registering for this event, you, and anyone who attends the event with you, grant The Business Council of New York State, Inc. permission to photograph, record, and/or film you during the event. These photographs, recordings and/or videos may be used in future Business Council of New York State, Inc. promotional materials
To make your room reservation for The Sagamore, please see the instructions below.
- Your reservation can be made using this link.
- Click “Select Dates” to modify “Arrival & Departure” dates.
- Enter “Number of Guests” and click “Check Availability”.
- Click on “Room Types” and select desired room type(s).
- Complete the reservation by filling in your contact and billing information. Fields in bold are required.
Guests can also make their reservations via The Sagamore website
- Simply click “Book Now” on the upper right-side corner of the screen
- Select Code Type “Group/Block Code”
- Enter Group/Block Code: 4205942
- Click “Check Availability”
- Click “Select Dates” and enter Arrival & Departure dates, and # of guests.
Hotel Reservation Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026
Should you require special assistance, they may call The Sagamore reservations department directly at 866-385-6221 and identify yourself as being with : THE BUSINESS COUNCIL
Guestroom Deposit: A credit card is required to confirm each guestroom reservation. A non-refundable $50.00 processing fee will be charged at the time of booking. The balance of stay will be charged to the same card fourteen (14) days prior to arrival date. Should the reservation be cancelled more than 14 days prior to arrival, the $50.00 processing fee will be forfeited. If the cancellation is made fourteen (14) days or less from arrival, the total amount will be forfeited. In the event that you do not arrive on the arrival date, your reservation will be cancelled and the amount collected will be forfeited at that time.
Resort Fee: Room rates are subject to a $25 taxable Resort fee per room, per night. The Resort fee includes access to two (2) bottles of water in your room daily, complimentary coffee daily, wireless internet in guest rooms and public areas, no charge for local and 1-800 calls, entrance to the Fitness Center, indoor/outdoor pools and waterfront, self or valet parking.
GOLD SPONSORS
SPONSORS
The Business Council is THE business association in New York State. By sponsoring our Annual Meeting your organization’s name and logo will be front and center in the minds of the state’s leading voices in business, government and media. Our conference development team will work with YOU to:
- Build awareness for your company/organization.
- Grab the attention of our diverse membership that simply cannot be found anywhere else.
- Associate your brand with New York’s other best and brightest.
Our members hail from across the state and represent all industries — our reach and the caliber of our membership simply cannot be matched. Annual Meeting attendees are already in prime deal-making mode, your sponsorship WILL deliver results.
As a sponsor of The Business Council’s Annual Meeting, you can increase your visibility before the top business leaders in New York State. Sponsorships range from our unique outdoor corporate banners to a wide array of event and activity levels. We invite you to share in this exciting member showcase by taking advantage of one or more of our unique sponsorship opportunities.
Our exhibits are open through the two days of event programming. We build in exclusive time for attendees to mingle with exhibitors and showcase what makes your organization among the best New York has to offer. Where else can businesses put their products and brands in front of the state’s leading business voices? Nowhere!
Click here to view sponsorship and exhibit opportunities
Have questions or need more information? Contact Maribeth Riley at [email protected] or call 518.694.4468
*Prices listed are for members of The Business Council. If you're not a member and are interested in sponsoring, please contact Maribeth Riley
- 2026 Chuck Steiner Memorial Chamber of the Year Award
- Corning Award for Excellence
- Father Peter Young Award for Community Service
- Member of the Year Award
- Minority and Women's Business Award
The prize program is a popular feature of the Annual Meeting and provides a fun and exciting way for companies to showcase their product to Business Council members attending from across the state.
We are seeking donations of unique and interesting prizes to include in our Networking Lounge. All prizes will be displayed, and the companies will be recognized for their contribution throughout the course of the Annual Meeting.
If you are willing to donate gift card(s) or a prize basket with promotional items specific to your company, please contact Danielle Gormley or call 518.694.3843.
