Take a tour of The Hyatt Regency Buffalo / Hotel and Conference Center

Check-in: 4:00 PM ET
Check-out: 11:00 AM ET

Group Reservation Websites – make your hotel reservation online! Last day to book at the group rate is Monday, August 25, 2025.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AND INVITEES:
Group Rate: $226/night plus taxes and fees for single/double occupancy.
Group Reservations Link

GOVERNMENT MEMBERS:
Group Rate: $117/night plus taxes and fees for single/double occupancy.
Must have valid government ID at check-in.
Group Reservations Link

Group Reservations by Phone – Call 1-716-856-1234 and mention the group code “G-NSRC” to book your reservation.

Airline Travel
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is located approximately 15-20 minutes (10 miles) from The Hyatt Regency Buffalo / Hotel and Conference Center and is serviced by major airlines. Taxi service is available on the lower level and rates are approximately $35 to the hotel. Valet-only parking is available at the hotel for $29.50 per night. Visit BUF Airport site.

Questions?
Conference Planner:
Marisha Gonzalez, NCSLA Program Associate
mgonzalez@ncsla.org or 212-686-6874

NCSLA 2025 NORTHERN/SOUTHERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Buffalo, New York

Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel & Conference Center
Two Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14202
September 14-16, 2025

Over a Barrel: Riding the Rapids of Alcohol Regulation, Honoring the
Empire State’s Spirit and History of Innovation

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Buffalo, New York - once known as the “Gateway to the West”—offers a dynamic mix of historic charm, vibrant culture, and modern revitalization. The 2025 NCSLA Northern/Southern Regional Conference will take place in the heart of downtown at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, just steps from the waterfront, KeyBank Center, and the beautifully restored Shea’s Buffalo Theatre.

Conference attendees can explore Buffalo’s architectural gems, walk along its revitalized Canalside district, and sample a celebrated food scene—from classic wings to James Beard-nominated chefs. All this is just a short drive from the majestic Niagara Falls, one of the world's natural wonders and an international tourist hub shared with our Canadian neighbors to the North.

BUSINESS MEETING

The 2025 North-South Regional Conference in Buffalo, NY, themed Over a Barrel: Riding the Rapids of Alcohol Regulation, Honoring the Empire State’s Spirit and History of Innovation, kicks off on Sunday with an optional Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, providing attendees scenic and close-up views of the wondrous Niagara Falls. The rough yet beautiful waters provide apt symbolism for the alcoholic beverage industry and regulation during our current time; tumultuous and fraught with peril yet full of history and strength.

This theme highlights both the evolving landscape of alcohol regulation and the importance of maintaining responsible oversight. The panel presentations emphasize the balance between embracing innovation and ensuring compliance and safety in the industry while honoring the creative entrepreneurial spirit, resolve to succeed and the rich history that brings us to today.

Featured panel presentations include a discussion of navigating rising costs - to include impacts of fluctuating tariffs - in the alcohol industry amid the ever-shrinking proverbial pie; doing good compliantly in relation to donations and scholarships; assessing public policy surrounding the environmental impact of the alcoholic beverage industry; and exploring the differences between an alternating proprietorship and custom crush along with the attendant rules and obligations surrounding each. Panelists will address the essential role alcohol regulators play in educating legislators on real world impacts of policy decisions while distinguishing such function from lobbying and lawyering, as well as considering fulfillment houses and how they fit into the regulatory framework as DTC sales continue to grow.

The program will include a regional dive into an historical journey from prohibition to today and a nod to our small local businesses who are striving to comply and thrive through stories of their trials, tribulations and successes. Finally, the conference will include a fun and alcohol-related trivia packed “Jeopardy” panel because learning plus competition equals a good time. To view the entire business agenda, just click on the links below.

Business Agenda

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

We’ll have plenty of time to socialize and network during the conference. Sunday afternoon features an optional group tour of Niagara Falls, located about 20 miles or 30–40 minutes from the hotel. Shuttles will depart around 2:00 p.m. and return by 6:00 p.m. The tour is $25 per person, and transportation will be provided by NCSLA. That evening, conference registration opens at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo Conference Center, followed by a welcome reception from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

On Monday evening, we’ll gather at the hotel for the President’s Dinner. The conference will wrap up by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and attendees are encouraged to spend Tuesday evening exploring downtown Buffalo, which offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, architecture, and waterfront views.

Checkout Visit Buffalo/Niagara for dinner and drink recommendations!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Register before Friday, August 22nd to take advantage of the Early Bird Rate. Rates will increase by $100 after the 22nd.

You have the option of paying by credit card or check. The registration fees are outlined below:

• Government Members = $500
• Associate Members = $750
• Non-member Associate (one time dues waiver subject to NCSLA approval) = $1000
• NCSLA Past President (includes one guest) = Fee waived (NCSLA Bylaws Article I, Section 2)
• Spouse/Guest (All Meals + President’s Banquet) = $450
• Spouse/Guest (President’s Banquet Only) = $275
• Guests Under 21 (All Meals + President’s Banquet) = $200
• Conference Speaker – Government Member = Fee Waived
• Conference Speaker – Associate Member or Invitee = $250

Speakers will be emailed a unique code to register at the discounted rate.

Niagara Falls Group Tour Registration (optional):
We are also excited to invite you to attend a group tour of Niagara Falls on Sunday, September 14th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Tickets are $25 per adult and can be added on at the time of your conference registration.

ADDITIONAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Government Members – does your state have a travel ban or hardship? Contact Jenna Ayala for details or complete the NCSLA subsidy conference program application.

Payment Options: If paying by check, please make payable to National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, and send to 330 West 38th Street, Suite 1105, New York, NY 10018 along with a copy of your registration. *All checks must be received prior to the start of the conference

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations are subject to a $200.00 deduction per person. Due to contractual commitments there will be NO REFUNDS AFTER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025.
NCSLA Federal Tax ID Number: 52-6043243.

Exhibitor Information: The cost of one (1) 6 ft. or 8 ft. skirted table for two (2) consecutive conference days is $500 per table. If you would like to purchase exhibit space please complete the Exhibitor section on the registration form. Exhibitor is responsible for all charges and making arrangements with the hotel. Once exhibitor has registered and paid the fee, Marisha Gonzalez will provide additional exhibitor information.

Attire: Attire for all scheduled business and social functions is casual or business casual. The average high/low temperatures in Buffalo are 72° / 56°F. For guests participating in the Niagara Falls tour, water-resistant layers and shoes are recommended.

Special Accommodations: Please indicate any special requests or accommodations on the registration form.