"Bold Conversations. Smarter Tools. Real Growth."
THRIVE 2026 is where forward-thinking business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators gather to shape the future of success. This year’s symposium will explore the powerful intersection of human insight and AI innovation—how to use emerging tools not as dictators, but as partners that reveal patterns, accelerate decision-making, and support empowered teams. Grounded in the principles outlined in our newest guidebook.
"How to Create Your Future with Confidence: Collaborative Insights for Building a Bold Tomorrow"
Each session provides real-world, actionable strategies for sustainable growth, collaborative leadership, and future-ready business models.

Why Attend THRIVE2026?
THRIVE2026 is more than a symposium — it’s your blueprint for the future of business and leadership. Each session reveals one of six essential “puzzle pieces” of growth: aligning purpose with passion, mastering decision-making, navigating transitions, unlocking hidden value, leading globally with authenticity, and turning your personal brand into a leadership tool. Combined with the power of AI as your always-on partner, these insights will help you work smarter, scale faster, and lead with greater clarity, creativity, and impact.
Why Become a Supporter?.
When you support THRIVE2026, you’re not just backing an event — you’re aligning your brand with a movement that redefines success for the next decade. Supporters gain year-round visibility through the official THRIVE Resource Guide and ongoing community engagement, positioning your organization as a champion for innovation, leadership, and purposeful growth. Your support helps fuel bold conversations and creates lasting opportunities for entrepreneurs, visionaries, and leaders across industries.










Meet The Authors
"How to Create Your Future with Confidence: Collaborative Insights for
Building a Bold Tomorrow"
Network and Learn at THRIVE 2026
Connect directly with the authors of this insightful new book and engage with Long Island’s most prominent thought leaders. Participate in dynamic discussion groups, explore the latest advancements in AI technology, and expand your professional network. Participants will also gain exclusive opportunities to advertise in our permanent resource guide and secure a lasting presence on our website, ensuring ongoing visibility long after the event.
This experience is intentionally curated for a select audience. Seating is limited to ensure an elevated level of engagement, direct access to thought leaders, and meaningful conversations that extend beyond the symposium.
Authors' Reception January 14
$249.00
2-Day Symposium
Authors' Reception and Symposium
January 14, 15
$449.00


Laura (McLeod) Palker
President and Co-Founder
Events Education & Workforce Development Federation
CEO, EventPro USA
“Laura Palker is a visionary leader and Founder of the Events Education & Workforce Development Federation, an organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the global events workforce through education, advocacy, and collaboration. In her chapter, “Purpose-Driven Passion,” she explores how aligning purpose with passion transforms individual drive into collective impact. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and a certified Virtual Events Professional, she continues to inspire industry professionals to reimagine what’s possible when purpose fuels progress and passion powers change.
Ellen Williams
CEO and Principal Analyst
The Salient Strategist
Functional Technology & AI Deployments, Agentforce Innovator, Sustainability Excellence Associate, Keynote Speaker, Author, Podcast Host
"Data-Driven Decisions Come From 5 Senses"
“Ellen Williams introduces a 5 Senses framework for data-driven decision-making—showing how leaders can blend technology with human observation to make smarter, faster choices.”


Joyce Tash
President
National Commerce Exchange
The National Commerce Exchange (NCE) is a leading barter and trade network that has been helping businesses conserve cash, increase sales, and build customer relationships since 1980.
"The Power of Barter and Reciprocal Trade: A Game-Changer for Business Growth"
“Joyce Tash shows how businesses can boost sales and purchasing power through NCE’s innovative barter and trade system.”
Kyle Griffith, CBI, CMAP
Managing Partner,
The NYBB Group
Trusted M&A Advisor for Business Owners Planning their Retirement and the Sale of their Company
"The M&A Playbook – Strategies for Business Owners to Sell Smart and Maximize Value"
“Kyle Griffith shares strategies from his M&A Playbook—helping business owners plan smart exits, avoid pitfalls, and build lasting generational wealth.”


Carolina Luna
Photographer for Brands Leading with Heart - Humanize your Brand.
"The Future of Leadership is Personal Branded"
“Carolina Luna shows how leadership today is personal. In her chapter, she shares how building a personal brand with authenticity and heart transforms confidence, vision, and connection.”

Dr. Neva Alexander
Global Leadership Strategist
Nevalliance, (MWBE Certified Company), International Women’s Connector
Legacy Architect
"Strategic Global Leadership for Sustainable Business Growth"
“Dr. Neva Alexander shares strategies for scaling businesses globally, fostering cross-border collaborations, and leading with a vision that drives sustainable growth.”

MEET LONG ISLAND'S VISIONARIES

Adrian Miller
Content Alchemist | I Write the Words That Win You Business | Social, Web, Sales, Blogs | Writer. Strategist. AI content editor. Voice-Finder. Sanity-Saver.

Ellen Volpe
Networking ~ Relationship Building ~ Business Development for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders at Small to Mid-Sized Businesses

Merrill Zorn
Pres/CEO at Zorn’s of Bethpage
Merrill continues her grandfather’s made-from-scratch tradition, defining Zorn’s quality for more than 80 years.

Esther Fortunoff-Greene
Owner & President, EFG Designs, born into a legacy of jewelry, fashion, and retail, I offer timeless classics and a curated selection of exceptional pieces.

Marc Szczurowski
Owner, THE UPS STORE #1811, 4860, 4885
Multi-location franchise owner, entrepreneur with experience in the printing and small-business services industry.

Ester Horowitz
Master Business & Client Development Leader, in Innovative & Disruptor Companies. Achieving Growth Goals through Sourcing & Closing New Business, Developing & Experimenting In New Markets
"Your THRIVE 2026 Agenda:
A Day of Strategy, Growth & Connection
Join top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders for a dynamic symposium inspired by the book
"How to Create Your Future with Confidence: Collaborative Insights for Building a Bold Tomorrow"
Each chapter delivers actionable strategies from diverse experts, designed to fuel your business’s next leap forward.
Throughout the day, you’ll engage in hands-on breakout sessions, gain practical tools and templates for immediate use, and network with a community dedicated to long-term success. You'll also have exclusive opportunities to meet the authors during interactive roundtable discussions.
What You’ll Gain:
Insightful Strategies: Real-world advice you can implement immediately.
Valuable Connections: Network with peers and industry influencers.
Practical Resources: Tools and templates for long-term business growth.
Community Support: Join a thriving network committed to your success.
Explore a full day of expert-led workshops, collaborative sessions, and powerful networking moments — all designed to empower you with the confidence and resources to build a bold tomorrow.
SCHEDULE OF THE DAY
January 14
4:00 PM - Check In and Light Dinner
5:15 PM - 7:00 PM
Author Spotlights & Panel Discussion
Welcome to author spotlights featuring key insights, followed by a panel discussion on career influences and takeaways.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Networking with the Authors, Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktails
January 15
Participate in dynamic round table sessions, where participants pose thought-provoking challenge questions to inspire new perspectives. Work side by side with fellow participants to brainstorm solutions, explore key topics in depth, and gain real-time insights and coaching directly from the authors.
7:00 AM - 7:50 AM - Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Laura Palker – Fueling Purpose with Passion to rebuild an industry and its teams.
9:10 AM - 10:10 AM - Ellen Williams – Blending data and human insight for smarter decisions.
10:10 AM - 10:30 AM - Coffee Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Kyle Griffith – Transforming business exits into new beginnings.
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM - Lunch / Networking
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Joyce Tash – Unlocking growth through barter and reciprocal trade.
1:40 PM - 2:40 PM - Dr. Neva Alexander – Leading globally with authenticity and vision.
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM - Coffee break
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Carolina “Luna” Strada – Building influence through your personal brand
4:00 PM - 4:40 PM - AI Q&A - Aaryn Anand
4:40 PM - 5:00 PM - Networking with the Authors
JOIN US FOR THE AUTHORS' RECEPTION
Step into an unforgettable evening of connection, collaboration, and inspiration at the Authors’ Reception — an exclusive kickoff to THRIVE 2026 held at the stunning Fox Hollow venue. Imagine a curated mastermind experience where you’re not just attending an event, but joining a dynamic community of forward-thinking professionals, entrepreneurs, and Long Island’s best thought leaders. Over a glass of wine in this elegant setting, you’ll engage in meaningful conversations, expand your professional network, and gain direct access to the authors behind How to Create Your Future with Confidence and other visionary innovators. It’s like having your own personal boardroom — intimate, insightful, and designed to spark new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities that can elevate your business and leadership journey.



NETWORK WITH AUTHORS AND THOUGHT LEADERS
This is networking with purpose. You’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with accomplished authors, strategists, and business leaders who are shaping the future of leadership, innovation, and growth across Long Island and NYC. These are thoughtful, high-value conversations — not rushed introductions — designed to spark new ideas, uncover collaboration opportunities, and build relationships that extend well beyond the evening. Whether you’re looking for insight, connection, or your next strategic advantage, this is where meaningful dialogue happens.



COLLABORATE WITH BUSINESS LEADERS AND INNOVATORS
This is where ideas turn into action. Over two immersive days, you’ll collaborate with business leaders and innovators in an environment designed for real exchange — not passive listening. From curated networking and mastermind-style conversations to live discussions and open Q&A, you’ll have the opportunity to ask meaningful questions, test ideas, and gain insight directly from those who are building, leading, and innovating right now. You won’t just leave inspired — you’ll leave with clarity, connections, and practical takeaways you can apply immediately. If you’re ready to move your business, career, or vision forward, this is where it begins.




