The National Association of Communication Centers (NACC) Excellence at the Center Conference 2026 

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Expressive Communication Center is proud to host the 25th annual meeting of NACC’s Excellence at the Center Conference on April 9-11, 2026. The theme for this year’s conference is Rising to the Moment: Communication Centers Leading Through Change. This theme recognizes communication centers as thoughtful leaders who actively shape their response to transformation. In an era of evolving technology and shifting educational priorities, communication centers demonstrate how student-centered approaches can inform innovation and how inclusive practices can guide institutional decision-making. 

  • April 9-11, 2026 at the RIT Expressive Communication Center 

  • Attendees: 100 

  • Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton – Rochester 

 

BASICCON 
Join hundreds of college students and young adults for a weekend of passionate worship, 
dynamic teaching and life-changing ministry! This high energy event is one of the largest of 
its kind in the Northeast, drawing students from dozens of universities and churches. 
BASIC stands for Brothers and Sisters in Christ and is a Non-Profit Organization serving 
local churches to reach college students. 
 
• April 10-12, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Rochester 
• Attendees: 400 
• Hotel: Hyatt Regency Rochester 
 
Battle of the Thrones I90 Duals & Individual 
Battle of the Thrones’ goal is to be a leader in this industry with the focus on the wrestler. 
We believe that wrestling is more than just a sport; it’s a pathway to personal growth and 
lifelong friendships. Our vision is to empower youth through wrestling by instilling values of 
perseverance, respect and sportsmanship. Our commitment to excellence remains at the 
forefront of everything we do. 
 
• April 11-12, 2026 at the Dome Arena 

• Attendees: 1700 
• Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton – Rochester 
 
NYS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) – State Leadership Conference 
FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a 
global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. 
 
• April 13-17, 2026 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center 
• Attendees: 700 
• Hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton - Rochester,Hyatt Regency Rochester,Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown 
 

NYS Archaeological Association Annual Conference 

The New York State Archaeological Association (NYSAA) is composed of professional and avocational archaeologists who share an interest in the archaeological past of New York State. NYSAA promotes archaeological and historical research into the lives of people of diverse cultures living in what is now New York State and the material culture that they have left behind over the last 10,000 years. 

  • April 17-19, 2026 at Rochester Airport Marriott 

  • Attendees: 100 

 

Flower City Invitational – Flower City Eagles Special Hockey 

The mission of Flower City Special Hockey is to provide a safe and engaging environment for individuals of all skill levels, with various developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities to learn and play hockey, and build interpersonal life skills in Rochester, NY and the surrounding counties. 

  • April 18, 2026 at Tim Horton’s Iceplex 

  • Attendees: 240 

  • Hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton - Rochester, Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester Marketplace 

 

UPWARDS for the Future 

The semiconductor industry requires a highly skilled and diverse workforce that can strengthen technology leadership and innovation across ecosystems in the U.S. and Japan. To address this need, Micron and Tokyo Electron (TEL) launched the U.S.-Japan University Partnership for Workforce Advancement and Research & Development in Semiconductors (UPWARDS) for the Future Network alongside university partners. This partnership cultivates a more diverse, robust and highly skilled talent pipeline for the semiconductor workforce and drives emerging research while increasing the pipeline of students studying a semiconductor curriculum. 

  • April 22, 2026 at RIT 

  • Attendees: 60 

  • Hotels: Courtyard Rochester Downtown, The Strathallan Hotel and Spa, a Tapestry by Hilton 

 

The Northeast Child Abuse Conference 

The Northeast Child Abuse Conference is nationally recognized as the premier child abuse conference in the Northeast region. This cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary training is a must for anyone who works with children. 

  • April 22-23, 2026 the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center 

  • Attendees: 1000 

  • Hotels: Hyatt Regency Rochester 

 

Finger Lakes Adult Hockey Tournament 

The Finger Lakes Adult Hockey Tournament will be held April 24-26th, to benefit BreakthroughT1D.org (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Four divisions will compete this year with D-, D, D+, and a Veterans Division. 

  • April 24-26, 2026 at Tim Horton’s Iceplex 

  • Attendees: 270 

  • Hotels: Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester Marketplace, Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn 

 

2026 Rochester Regional Health System Flower City Challenge 

Ready to race into Spring? The 2026 Rochester Regional Health System Flower City Challenge is taking place, Sunday, April 26th, in-person or virtually at Parcel 5 in Downtown Rochester. This event offers a Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) & 5K (3.1 Miles), plus a Kids 1/2 Mile. There is also a Virtual 5K and Half Marathon offering for those who can't make it on race day! Enjoy a common start/finish, and a post-race party with an Athletic Village. 

  • April 26, 2026 at Parcel 5 

  • Attendees: 3500