2025 EPIC Summer Sizzler Conference of the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York, INC.

The Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York is holding its 2025 EPIC Summer Sizzler Conference featuring Bridge Ministry, Congress of Christian Education, Laymen's Auxiliary, and Young People's Auxiliary. Founded in 1895, the initial organization was called the Baptist Church Union consisting of several Black churches across New York State.

  • August 3 – 8, 2025 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
  • Hotels: Hyatt Regency Rochester, Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown
  • Attendees: 1000

 

Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival

For three decades, the Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival has been a soundtrack to our summers and a celebration of community, culture, and connection. This year’s festival is headlined by the legendary Jeffrey Osborne, with featured performances by Dave Hollister, Sunshine Anderson, Sky Whatley, Negus IRap, Erin and Ross, Garth Fagan Dance, and DJ Dana. Hosting the festivities are Jazzy T from 103.9 WDYX, guest host Que of Day26, and Stage General DJ Flava.

  • August 8 – 9, 2025 at Innovative Field

 

2025 DoD Northeast Regional Council Conference & Matchmaker

Headquartered in Rochester, NY, the Monroe County Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator is the primary program for government contracting and marketing assistance, providing free and confidential services to businesses established in 13 counties in the Buffalo - Rochester - Syracuse corridor: Cayuga, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. While this is a Defense focused event. There will be representatives from Federal, State, and Local government agencies, Prime contractors, resource partners, and small businesses at this event.

  • August 11 – 13, 2025 at Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
  • Attendees: 300

 

Serious Play Conference

Celebrating its 18th year, the Serious Play Conference 2025 is North America’s largest dedicated games and learning conference. Under a new leadership team, the event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the transformative power of games and play. With over 80 sessions and 120+ speakers, the conference covers everything from game development to education, and from healthcare to heritage. Whether you’re looking to level-up your professional skills, connect with experts, or just have fun, there’s something for everyone. Experience hands-on workshops, panels, talks, networking opportunities, and the chance to play innovative games including XR, VR, and AR.

New this year, the inaugural Serious Play Esports Summit is a post-conference event that gathers key stakeholders from the esports ecosystem, including coaches, teams, organizations, educators, developers, researchers, and industry professionals. Hosted at MAGIC Spell Studios at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) on Saturday, August 16th, this one-day summit will explore the evolving landscape of esports in education and competitive gaming.

  • August 13 – 15, 2025 at St. John Fisher University
  • Hotels: The Del Monte Lodge- A Renaissance Hotel & Spa, Courtyard by Marriott/Penfield, Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown, Hampton Inn Rochester-Penfield
  • Attendees: 500

 

2025 Professional Learning Communities at Work® Institute

The Professional Learning Communities at Work® process is increasingly recognized as the most powerful strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement. This institute gives you and your team the knowledge and tools to implement this powerful process in your school or district.

  • August 18 – 20, 2025 at Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
  • Hotels: Hyatt Regency Rochester, Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown
  • Attendees: 1200

 

93rd NYS Skeet Championships

The NYS Skeet Shooting Association encourages competition in shotgun target shooting, especially that type generally known as skeet shooting.

  • August 22 – 24, 2025 at Rochester-Brooks Gun Club
  • Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta
  • Attendees: 120