Utica to host the 2026 NYS Tourism Conference

UTICA, N.Y. — Utica will host the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference, presented by the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). The event is set for April 22-24, 2026 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica, located at 200 Genesee St. in downtown Utica. It will welcome more than 200 tourism professionals from across New York state to the Mohawk Valley, Oneida County Tourism (OCT) announced. OCT says Utica’s growing hospitality infrastructure, central location in the state, and recent investments all played a role in the selection, per the Sept. 18 announcement. “From Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Evolution expansion in Verona to the Utica University Nexus Center, a thriving food and beverage scene, and rising recognition of the area’s arts and heritage, the city continues to be an increasingly attractive hub for events of all kinds,” OCT contends in its announcement. Madison Cermak, director of operations at Oneida County Tourism, is leading the effort to bring the conference to Utica, alongside OCT President Sarah Foster Calero and the NYSTIA executive team. The event is expected to generate more than 250 hotel room nights and an estimated $75,000 in direct spending at local restaurants, coffee shops, and businesses. “Hosting the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference is an incredible honor for Oneida County Tourism and for our community,” Calero, who is also a board member of NYSTIA, said in the announcement. “I’ve attended this conference in other parts of New York, and now it’s our turn. For me, this is about more than welcoming colleagues from across the state — it’s our chance to give attendees a taste of what makes us special, and I’m not just talking about chicken riggies and halfmoons. We’re excited to create a conference experience that delivers tremendous value while giving everyone a true sense of place here in CNY.” “We’re so excited to welcome the New York State Tourism industry to the Delta Marriott Utica,” Lee Arthur, general manager at Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica, said. “We are looking forward to showcasing not only our hotel, but also Oneida County and all the exciting things happening around the city.” Conference programming will include keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, along with off-site learning classrooms and immersion tours at attractions across the county. “Oneida County is proud to host the NYSTIA Conference and to showcase all that our region has to offer,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. said. “From our rich history and cultural attractions to our natural beauty and growing hospitality industry, this gathering provides an incredible opportunity to highlight why Oneida County is such a unique and welcoming destination for visitors from across New York State and beyond.”