Expo Registration, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities now available; United Football League’s Pat Mathews to keynote
NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. — The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce will bring together businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders from across Western New York for its 2026 Small Business Expo on Thursday, November 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kenan Civic Arena in Lockport.
Since relaunching in 2024 with approximately 125 attendees, the Small Business Expo has grown each year, attracting nearly 200 participants in 2025. Organizers are aiming to welcome more than 300 attendees and 50 exhibitors this year, making it the largest Expo to date.
Designed as a full day of education, networking and business development, the Small Business Expo, presented by M&T Bank, gives business owners and professionals an opportunity to step away from their daily routines and spend time working on their businesses rather than simply working in them.
The event will feature exhibitors, educational programming, networking opportunities and presentations focused on providing businesses with new ideas, resources and connections they can put to work in their organizations.
Exhibitor, Sponsorship and Presentation Opportunities Available
Businesses and organizations interested in reaching a broad audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners are invited to participate as exhibitors or sponsors. Exhibitor tables are available for $250 on a first-come, first-served basis, and sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels. Organizations interested in presenting educational content may also participate in Expo mini sessions, with priority given to sponsors and vendors based on registration order.
Local Sports Industry Executive Pat Mathews to Keynote
A highlight of this year’s Expo will be a keynote presentation from Pat Mathews, President and CEO of Sports Leaders of Tomorrow (S.L.O.T.) and a member of the United Football League’s football operations team.
Mathews brings more than 25 years of experience in the sports industry, including 16 years with the Buffalo Bills and four years in leadership roles with the XFL and United Football League. Through Sports Leaders of Tomorrow, Mathews is working to develop the next generation of leaders in the sports industry through education, workforce development, mentorship, networking and access to real-world opportunities.
“The Small Business Expo is really about giving business owners and professionals permission to step away from the day-to-day for a few hours and focus on where their business is going next,” said Ryan Guerinot, Executive Director of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce. “The growth we’ve seen over the past several years shows how much value businesses place on opportunities to connect, learn from one another and build relationships that can support future success.
Having Pat Mathews join us adds another dimension to that conversation because his experience in professional sports, leadership and developing people translates directly to the challenges businesses face every day.”
Event Details
Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business Expo
Thursday, November 5, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kenan Civic Arena, Lockport, NY
Businesses interested in attending, exhibiting or becoming a sponsor can learn more and register through the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce Small Business Expo event page.
Event Information & Registration:
https://niagarachamber.org/events/niagara-usa-chamber-of-commerce-small-business-expo-2026/
About the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce
The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen and grow the Niagara County business community through advocacy, education, networking, business development and collaborative partnerships. The Chamber connects businesses with the people, resources and opportunities they need to succeed while serving as a voice for a strong and vibrant regional economy.
Media Contact:
Ryan Guerinot