Long Island Business Summit & Thrive Awards
About the event
Where Long Island business comes together. A one-day summit of insights, connections, and opportunities – from startups to fortune 500s – designed to help you grow smarter and faster.
For the first time in Long Island history – business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across industries come together in one place to meet, learn, collaborate, and grow.
Whatever your business goals, you’ll find the insight and resources you need to thrive and succeed!
Icons. Insights. Impact.
Why Attend
The HERALD LONG ISLAND BUSINESS SUMMIT is the best place to meet and connect with fellow business owners, executives, and professionals from all over Long Island.
Elevate your business network to a whole new level by forming relationships with other driven business owners and entrepreneurs.
- Mingle and Network with Businesspeople from
Different Industries - Connect Face-to-Face with
New Customers
Leads, Investors
B2B Service Providers - Explore Dozens of Product & Service Providers
- Collaborate and Innovate with Like-Minded Professionals
- Gain New Knowledge and Insight from Colleagues and Industry Leaders
- Be Inspired and Invigorated
- Boost Your Business and Brand
- Benefit from
Special Promotions
Giveaways
and other Offers
Why Exhibit
The HERALD LONG ISLAND BUSINESS SUMMIT is the perfect opportunity to engage face-to-face with other business owners, customers, vendors, and service providers.
You’ll share your products and services with the right audience for your business, in a professional, driven, and collaborative environment.
- Reach Your Target Audience
- Make Immediate Sales
- Generate Leads
- Meet New
Customers
Referral Sources
Investors - Introduce Your Company’s New Products & Services
- Give Live Product & Service Demonstrations
- Receive Real-Time Feedback from a Large, Diverse Audience
- Stand out from Competitors
- Establish & Expand Your Brand
- Expand Your Partner Network
- Form Beneficial Business Relationships
- Gain New Business Knowledge
- Boost Your Business Growth
LONG ISLAND BUSINESS SUMMIT PRESENTS:
THE THRIVE AWARDS™
Privately held and family companies are the driving force behind Long Island’s economic vitality — fueling innovation, creating jobs, and building stronger communities. With more than 100,000 such enterprises across the region, their influence is felt in every industry and every neighborhood.
The Thrive Awards are given in several different categories to businesses and persons who embody Long Island’s spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience, and who are making a meaningful impact on our economy and community.
THRIVE Awards honorees and their guests are invited to a luncheon held in their honor during the HERALD LONG ISLAND BUSINESS SUMMIT.
All luncheon participants are invited to attend the business summit free of charge, courtesy of Herald partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP – Attorneys at Law.
2026 Thrive Awards Honorees
Multi-generational
Jonathan S. London
Private Wealth Advisor & Co-Founder, Jonathan London, Next Horizon WealthExcellence in Entrepreneurship
Christiana Neophytou, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director, Theralympic Speech Therapy
Stephanie Montano, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director & Speech Language Pathologist, Theralympic Speech Therapy
Legacy Leadership Award
Stew Leonard Jr.
President & CEO , Stew Leonard’sInsurance Innovation Award
Eric Kleinstein
Founder, My Life Policy PlanSocial Impact Award
John and Mark Cronin
Co-Founders, John’s Crazy Socks
Construction Excellence Award
John Psyllos and Paul Apostolou
Principals, All Island Home Renovation
Environmental Leadership Award
Daniel J. Rivers
President, River Environmental, LLC
Creative Excellence Award
Natalie Bowen
President, BOWEN
Up-and-coming Eatery
Xiomara Romain
Co-Owner & General Manager, The Barnyard Caribbean Soul Bistro
Compassionate Care Award
Alexis Tischler, DVM, CHPV, CPEV
Hospice Veterinarian, Comforted Companions Veterinary CareHealth & Wellness Leadership Award
Matthew Rutman, DO
CEO & Doctor, Balanced Health & Wellness
Neeta Mitchell, RN
President, Balanced Health & Wellness
Team Excellence Award
K&D Tree Masters
Media & Creative Leadership Award
Phillip Hammond
Senior Producer & Creative Director, PH Consulting & MediaTravel Industry Leadership Award
Kathryn Mazza-Burney
Chief Sales Officer, TravelsaversNicole Mazza
Chief Marketing Officer, TravelsaversArts & Culture Team Award
CM Performing Arts Center
Culinary innovation award
Paula Gottlieb Herman
Owner, Private Chef & Host/Producer, Cooking With Stars
Education Excellence Award
Olga Binyaminov
Owner and Founder, Exceed Learning Center
Small Business Achievement Award
Fenton Jagarnauth
President, Above Designer Closets and MoreWomen’s Innovation Award
Bari Saffron
Founder, VigilantSheMental Health Leadership Award
Sara Malagold, PHD
Neuropsychologist; Founder & Director, Complete Neuropsychology PCService Industry Excellence Award
James Skinner
Manager, A&C Pest ManagementCommunity Champion
Kerry Gillick-Goldberg
Founder, KGG Enterprises, LCC/Baby Essentials of LI
Restaurant Group of the Year
Patrizia’s Restaurant Group
Future Innovators Leadership Award
Kara Cannon
Executive Director/CEO, Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe
2026 Photo Gallery
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Click on a logo to learn more.
Tickets and Sponsorships
Sponsorship & Exhibitor info
For more information, please contact Amy Amato, Executive Director, Corporate Relations and Events
aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x224