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Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
WHEN

October 7–10, 2025

WHERE

Marriott Syracuse Downtown 100 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY, 13202

NYSCAA & NYSWDA's Annual Conference
About Conference
Join us for our 2025 Annual Conference as we bring together representatives from Community Action and Weatherization Agencies to connect, learn, and grow.
01.
1. WHO WE ARE?
The NYSCAA & NYSWDA Annual Conference is a dynamic gathering of dedicated professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates united by a shared mission. We represent diverse agencies and organizations focused on poverty alleviation, energy efficiency, community empowerment, and improving quality of life throughout New York State.
02.
2. What We Do?
We convene annually to provide an interactive and engaging platform where attendees can exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and participate in meaningful discussions. Our conference features inspiring keynote speakers, specialized training sessions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen skills, enhance knowledge, and foster impactful connections.
03.
3. Our Goals
Our aim is to empower participants through collaborative learning and professional development. We seek to strengthen strategic partnerships, explore innovative solutions to persistent challenges, and support continuous improvement in delivering impactful services that address poverty, promote energy sustainability, and uplift communities statewide.
Become a Sponsor
Show your commitment to community empowerment and energy equity by becoming a sponsor of the 2025 NYSCAA & NYSWDA Annual Conference. This premier gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with leaders from across New York’s Community Action and Weatherization networks. Sponsorship packages include branding opportunities, exhibit space, and direct engagement with attendees.

👉 Interested? Contact us to explore sponsorship levels and benefits!
Preliminary Conference Schedule
Conference Schedule
Please note: This schedule is preliminary. All sessions, speakers, times, and locations are subject to change.

📅 Tuesday, October 7 – Pre-Conference (HR/Finance)

8:00 AM
Registration Open
Room: TBDFloor: TBD
TBD
8:00 AM
Breakfast
Finger Lakes BallroomLobby Level (2nd Floor)
Morning welcome and energizing start.
9:00 AM
Conference Welcome
Presenter: Tim Nichols, CEO of NYSCAA
Finger Lakes BallroomLobby Level (2nd Floor)
Kick-off remarks, overview of goals.
9:30–10:45 AM
Concurrent Sessions
  • Fraud: Prevent, Detect, and Respond
    Van Hoovenberg
    10th Floor
  • The Basics of Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations
    Lussi B-C Lobby Level (2nd Floor)
11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Concurrent Sessions
  • Finance Round Table
    Van Hoovenberg 10th Floor
  • Constructive Discipline & Documentation
    Lussi B-C Lobby Level (2nd Floor)
12:30–1:30 PM
Lunch
Lussi BallroomLobby Level (2nd Floor)
1:45–3:00 PM
Concurrent Sessions
  • OMB & Uniform Guidance Updates (Part 1)
    Lussi B-C Lobby Level (2nd Floor)
  • NY Employment Law Updates & Managing Leave Time
    Van Hoovenberg 10th Floor
3:15–4:30 PM
Concurrent Sessions
  • OMB & Uniform Guidance Updates (Part 2)
    Lussi B-C Lobby Level (2nd Floor)
  • Increasing Retention Through Policy & Benefits Improvements
    Van Hoovenberg 10th Floor
3:30–5:00 PM
Early Core Conference Registration
Edelweiss-ExcelsiorLobby Level (2nd Floor)

📅 Wednesday, October 8 – Core Conference

9:00–9:45 AM
Opening Comments
Finger Lakes BallroomLobby Level (2nd Floor)
9:45–10:45 AM
Keynote: Carrie Grace
Finger Lakes BallroomLobby Level (2nd Floor)
TBD
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Concurrent Sessions
  • Wipfli
    HemlockGround Floor
  • Rochester Works – Lindsay Murphy
    CanandaiguaGround Floor
  • Citizen Preparedness Corp
    ConesusGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Management Track
    KeukaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Auditors Track
    OwascoGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Crew Track
    SenecaGround Floor
2:00–3:30 PM
Concurrent Sessions
  • UB – Trauma-Informed Considerations
    Executive RoomGround Floor
  • DOS | Lead Intervention
    ConesusGround Floor
  • NASCSP – CSBG Annual Report
    HemlockGround Floor
  • Shawn Howell
    CanandaiguaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Management Track
    OwascoGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Auditors Track
    SenecaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Crew Track
    KeukaGround Floor
4:00–5:00 PM
Concurrent Sessions
  • UB – Trauma-Informed Considerations (Part 2)
    Executive RoomGround Floor
  • NYS DOS Updates & Information
    ConesusGround Floor
  • NASCSP – CSBG Annual Report (Part 2)
    HemlockGround Floor
  • Angela Howell – Unlocking Your Potential
    CanandaiguaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Management Track
    OwascoGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Auditors Track
    KeukaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Crew Track
    SenecaGround Floor

📅 Thursday, October 9 – Core Conference

9:00–9:45 AM
Keynote: Marguerite Wells
Finger Lakes BallroomLobby Level (2nd Floor)
TBD
10:00–11:30 AM
Concurrent Sessions
  • UB – Trauma-Informed Considerations (Sequence Work)
    Executive RoomGround Floor
  • Aaron Wicks / Todd Butler
    HemlockGround Floor
  • Chelsea Ambrose / Laura Rossman
    CanandaiguaGround Floor
  • NYS DOS – Intro to ROMA
    ConesusGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Management Track
    KeukaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Auditor Track
    SenecaGround Floor
1:30–2:45 PM
Concurrent Sessions
  • UB – Trauma-Informed Considerations (Part 2)
    Executive RoomGround Floor
  • Julie Jakopic – Successfully Competing for Funding
    HemlockGround Floor
  • NYS DOH – Data Dive
    CanandaiguaGround Floor

📅 Friday, October 10 – Closing Day

9:30–10:30 AM
Concurrent Sessions
  • NYSCAA
    ConesusGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Management Track
    KeukaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Auditor Track
    CanandaiguaGround Floor
  • NYSWDA – Crew Track
    OwascoGround Floor
10:45 AM–12:15 PM
NYSWDA Concurrent Session
Room: TBDFloor: TBD
TBD
10:45 AM–12:15 PM
NYSWDA Policy Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting
Finger Lakes BallroomLobby Level (2nd Floor)
October 7–10, 2025 | Syracuse, NY
Buy Tickets
PRE-CONFERENCE
$120
/ person
Access to Oct 7 workshops & sessions
Access to Oct 8–10 general sessions & keynotes
All breakout workshops (Oct 8–10)
Networking events & receptions
Meals (varies by day)
Conference materials & session resources
CORE CONFERENCE
$335
/ person
Access to Oct 7 workshops & sessions
Access to Oct 8–10 general sessions & keynotes
All breakout workshops (Oct 8–10)
Networking events & receptions
Meals (varies by day)
Conference materials & session resources
FULL CONFERENCE
$410
/ person
Access to Oct 7 workshops & sessions
Access to Oct 8–10 general sessions & keynotes
All breakout workshops (Oct 8–10)
Networking events & receptions
Meals (varies by day)
Conference materials & session resources
MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Our Speakers
Carrie-Grace-Profile-Banner
CARRIE GRACE
NYSCAA KEYNOTE SPEAKER
We are thrilled to announce Carrie Grace as the NYSCAA keynote speaker for the 2025 Annual Conference.

Carrie Grace is a renowned encourager, speaker, and dedicated believer in the transformative power of kindness. Known for challenging the myth that “nice people finish last,” Carrie has inspired audiences worldwide with her insights on kindness, perseverance, and the profound impact positivity can have on workplace culture, team dynamics, and personal growth.

Keynote Topic: Breaking Barriers – From Silos to Solutions
Carrie will address critical issues such as overcoming workplace silos, fostering effective teamwork, and enhancing mental health and wellbeing. Her engaging session will provide actionable strategies to build unity, increase collaboration, and transform challenges into opportunities.

All conference attendees are welcome to attend this inspiring session.

Don’t miss Carrie Grace at the 2025 NYSCAA Annual Conference!

Register now to secure your spot and be part of this powerful experience.

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Marguerite Wells
NYSWDA KEYNOTE SPEAKER
We are thrilled to welcome Marguerite Wells as the NYSWDA keynote speaker for the 2025 Annual Conference.

Marguerite Wells is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc. and a leading voice in advancing renewable energy across the state. With deep expertise in solar, wind, and clean energy policy, she has dedicated her career to building a sustainable future that works for both communities and the environment.

Keynote Topic: Powering the Future – How Efficiency, EVs, and Renewables Are Transforming Energy for Everyone
From rooftop solar and electric vehicles to large-scale wind farms and advanced battery storage, renewable energy is reshaping the way we live and work. In her keynote, Marguerite will share a big-picture look at the clean-energy transition unfolding in New York and across the nation. She’ll highlight the innovations driving change—and how these breakthroughs can benefit every utility customer while strengthening the grid for generations to come.

All conference attendees are invited to attend this inspiring keynote session.

Don’t miss Marguerite Wells at the 2025 NYSWDA Annual Conference!

Hotel & Room Block
Space is limited—book early to ensure the best rate.

NYSCAA & NYSWDA have secured a discounted rate of $179 per night at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. The room block closes Monday, September 15, 2025, or sooner if it sells out.

October is a busy season in Syracuse due to university events, so prices may rise 30–40% once the block is full. Reserve your room right after registering to guarantee your savings.

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Overflow Hotels
(if the main hotel is full)

If the Marriott Syracuse Downtown room block is full, please use one of our overflow hotels below. Both are offering special conference rates and are a short distance from the venue.

Conference dates covered by these blocks: October 6–10, 2025.

How it works

  1. Try the main hotel first (Marriott Syracuse Downtown).
  2. If the main hotel is sold out on any of your dates, choose one of the overflow hotels below and use the “Book Group Rate” button.
  3. Book by the listed cutoff dates to guarantee the rate. After the cutoff, rooms/rates are subject to availability.
  4. If your agency is tax‑exempt, bring your certificate and confirm the hotel’s process at check‑in. 
  5. If your preferred date shows unavailable online, call the hotel directly and reference “NYSCAA & NYSWDA Conference” block.

Courtyard Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square

$179/night. Last day to book: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor

$122/night. Last day to book: Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

HURRY UP!
Register Now
Hotel rooms are limited—register today to lock in your rate and be part of
New York's premier Community Action & Weatherization gathering.