Schedule: Best of Local Content Summit 2026

Join us at the premier gathering dedicated to shaping the future of industry, workforce, and community development! Hosted by the foremost authority in local content, the Best of Local Content Summit is a multi-day event that brings together evidence-based data, technical compliance education and training, and a celebration of top industry leaders, policymakers, professionals, businesses, and projects. These trailblazers drive public-private small business contracting, job creation, community benefit investments, and stakeholder engagement across sectors, both domestically and internationally.

Through insightful discussions, strategic networking, and groundbreaking collaborations, attendees will gain invaluable perspectives on the evolving landscape of local content.

This summit is part of a larger celebration recognizing the prestigious Local Content Power List (individual awards) and Best Businesses (company awards), which honor excellence and leadership across industries. All awardees will be featured in the year-long 2026 Best of Local Content campaign, highlighting their contributions to local content development beyond a single-day summit.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with pioneers, share best practices, and help shape the next era of local content success!

DAY 1 | Tuesday, February 24 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Jersey City, NJ

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sports, Entertainment, Hospitality & Tourism Breakfast
Explore how public-private partnerships across these dynamic industries are catalyzing domestic and international development. Learn how contracts, grants, tax incentives, and other economic development tools are driving workforce development, small business growth, and community prosperity.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Athletes Make The Best™: International Soccer Fans Preview
A dynamic showcase of athlete-owned and athlete-led businesses and destinations redefining economic development. This preview highlights how sports, cultural identity, and local content strategies are converging to enhance quality of life—within and beyond the world of sports.

DAY 2 | Wednesday, February 25 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | New York City

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
A high-impact networking session for industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of local content policy and practice.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Local Content Briefing: Investors, Lenders & Insurers
An essential dialogue for financial institutions focused on mitigating risk and maximizing value creation through alignment with local content regulations, ESG commitments, and infrastructure investment strategies.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Local Content Briefing: Suppliers, Manufacturers & Workforce Trainers
A focused session showcasing the critical role of supply chain partners and training institutions in achieving compliance and maximizing project outcomes.

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Local Content Exchange: Buyers & Suppliers Marketplace
A live B2B and B2G marketplace connecting local and small businesses with developers, prime contractors, and public-sector buyers engaged in infrastructure and clean energy projects that require local content compliance.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Local Content Power List & Best of Local Content Awards
A prestigious recognition ceremony honoring leading companies and individuals advancing small business inclusion, job creation, community investment, and stakeholder engagement. These changemakers are setting new benchmarks for compliance and economic impact.

DAY 3 | Thursday, February 26 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Long Island, NY

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Local Content Professional Certification Masterclass
A comprehensive, full-day certification program designed for businesses and professionals to deepen their expertise in local content policies, improve procurement readiness, and unlock new growth opportunities in regulated and incentivized markets. This hands-on training is essential for navigating today’s evolving infrastructure and economic development landscape.