2026 Southern Tier Leadership Summit Announced at St. Bonaventure University
Regional leaders will gather on August 20 at St. Bonaventure University for a full day of insight, connection, and practical strategies centered on workplace health and wellness.
ST. BONAVENTURE - Leadership Allegany and Leadership Cattaraugus will once again bring the region's professionals together for the 2026 Southern Tier Leadership Summit, set for August 20, 2026, at St. Bonaventure University.
The 2026 summit will focus on health and wellness in the workplace - an increasingly important focus for organizations of all sizes. This all-day event will bring together 150 of the region’s emerging leaders to learn from experts on critical topics such as employee mental health, work-life balance, engagement, and retention.
Since 2013, Leadership Allegany and Leadership Cattaraugus have partnered annually to host a collaborative summit that sparks ideas, builds connections, and strengthens leadership across the Southern Tier. This year’s summit continues that tradition, offering practical tools, inspiring keynotes, and engaging breakout sessions designed to energize professionals from business, education, and non-profit sectors. Approximately 150 participants are expected to attend.
The keynote speaker will be Kate Welshofer. An award-winning writer, speaker, and content creator, Welshofer is also known for her former role as a Buffalo news anchor and her current creative business, Welshofer Creative. She will bring her signature blend of insight, inspiration, and humor to the day.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting leadership development in the region. Sponsorship also helps offset event costs and maintain accessible registration fees. Available sponsorship levels include:
Breakfast Sponsor - $250 (4 available)
Refreshment Break Sponsor - $250 (4 available)
Registration Sponsor - $500 (1 available)
Session Materials Sponsor - $500 (1 available)
Keynote Speaker Sponsor - $1,500 (1 available)
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful day! Organizations interested in sponsoring the event may contact Shauna Keesler, Summit Chair, at skeesler@cutco.com for more information. Complete event details and registration link will be available beginning May 1, 2026 at www.leadershipcattaraugus.org/events.