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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.
2025 NYSCAA & NYSWDA's Annual Professional Development Conference: Local Action, Lasting Impact
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Preliminary Conference Schedule
Conference Schedule
Please note: This schedule is preliminary. All sessions, speakers, times, and locations are subject to change.

Here’s the breakdown of meals for the October conference:

  • Breakfast will be provided on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

  • Lunch will be provided on Tuesday and Wednesday only.

  • Thursday (Lunch-on-your-own) evening will feature the Gala Dinner.

  • Friday is a shorter day, with most sessions concluding before noon. (Breakfast only)

  • Please also note that Tuesday is a Pre-Conference day.

MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Our Speakers
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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!

Experience William Nicholson Live at This Year's Gala

We are thrilled to announce that William Nicholson will be our featured musical guest during the 2025 Annual Conference Gala in Syracuse!

For over 40 years, William has brought people together through music as a composer, performer, and storyteller. With his custom-made eleven-string harpguitar, he has traveled the U.S. and Europe, carrying on the tradition of legendary folksingers like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. His time as an itinerant folksinger has deeply shaped his perspective and his connection to the Community Action movement.

In September 2025, William released his eighth album of original works, Beautiful (JoBop Records, Inc./ASCAP). His performance at the Gala promises to be both inspiring and unforgettable, adding a special note of celebration to our time together.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience William Nicholson live at the Gala!