Social Program

In addition to the planned excursion to Niagara Falls, there are opportunities to sail on the Spirit of Buffalo, a 73 foot schooner. The conference is located in the heart of Buffalo’s cultural, culinary, and entertainment districts. There are plenty of options to explore along Buffalo’s waterfront, Chippewa street, the Elmwood district, historic architecture and museum tours, and of course places to relax and unwind in the temperate summer weather.

A welcome reception for conference participants will be offered at the Hyatt Regency on Sunday evening, 16 July at 7:00pm. This evening get together will allow you to unwind after your travel with food and drink and meet with colleagues and friends from around the world.

We are pleased to announce that the EDISON20 Gala will be held at the historic Statler City in downtown Buffalo. The Statler was Buffalo’s most prominent event space for most of the 20^th century, hosting presidents, world leaders, and Hollywood legends. As part of Buffalo’s 21^st century renaissance, the Statler was restored to its former glory and reopened in 2011. Directly across the street from the art deco city hall, it is again considered Buffalo’s premier event space, providing elegant service with outstanding food and cocktails.

More on the Statler’s rise from the ashes can be found here.

America’s oldest state park, Niagara Falls State Park stands today as an American icon and as an enduring legacy of the visionaries who worked to save it for generations to come.

Every year, millions of visitors flock to the border between Canada and the US to take in the spectacular beauty of Niagara Falls. Along with this majestic natural wonder, the historic Niagara Falls State Park is filled with amazing attractions including the Maid of the Mist.

Conference Attendees will have a chance to explore the park and see the Falls up close on the Maid of the Mist, in continuous operation since 1846.

“Sail back in time aboard the Spirit of Buffalo. Discover traditional sailing on a classic 73-foot topsail schooner. Attendees will have the chance to sail on this beautiful vessel, with its magnificent red sails, on a craft brew cruise. Join the crew and hoist the red sails, or sit back, relax and see the city in a new (old?) way.”

An American Treasure, the Albright Knox is a vibrant museum in the heart of Buffalo’s Cultural District. The museum has been collecting and exhibiting art since 1862. It is home to one of the world’s most extraordinary collections of modern and contemporary art. 

Collection Highlights

"Frank Lloyd Wright. Louis Sullivan. H.H. Richardson. Stanford White. Eliel and Eero Saarinen. If you were to list the great designers from the first half of the 20th century, you’d find they all converged in Buffalo." - Visit Buffalo Niagara

Whether you want to tour some of the greatest American architecture of the 20th century, drink craft beer along Buffalo's revitalized waterfront, or just enjoy the wonderful Buffalo summer, EDISON20 attendees will have no shortage of options in which to participate during their downtime.