The Greater New York Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of promoting business innovation and adaptation in New York City, as evidenced by two recent events that highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations and networking.
AI-Search Readiness Seminar
On September 24, 2026, the Chamber hosted a seminar titled "Your Next Client Is Asking AI for a Referral: How to Get Your Business AI-Search Ready," presented by Kathleen Banks, CFRE, CFOP, of Advancement Digital. According to the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, the seminar focused on equipping businesses with strategies to enhance their visibility in AI-driven search results.
As AI tools like Google's AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity become integral to consumer research, businesses must ensure their online presence is optimized for these technologies. The session outlined seven key strategies, starting with the importance of claiming and maintaining an accurate Google Business Profile and connecting to Google Search Console. Businesses were advised to create detailed answer pages and service-area pages, consistently request and respond to reviews, and utilize structured data to ensure search engines accurately represent their business information.
Attendees were provided with a checklist and a free Google AI-Ready Check to help implement these strategies. The seminar emphasized the importance of tracking and cookie consent alongside visibility, highlighting the need for businesses to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Annual Business Expo at BMCC
Earlier in the month, on September 17, 2026, the Chamber held its Annual Business Expo at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). This event, now in its 25th year, serves as a vital networking platform for the business community, offering tools and resources to foster growth. The Expo featured seminars on New York City's economic development, AI adoption in the workplace, and career skills for college students, as reported by the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce.
Highlighting the event was the presentation of the Excellence in Leadership Awards to distinguished leaders such as Jessica Lappin, Robert Earl, Don Rogers, and Eric Gertler. These awards recognize significant contributions to business and community leadership.
The Expo also marked the launch of the BMCC AI Task Force (AITF), with a panel discussion on responsible AI featuring industry experts from Microsoft, IBM, BizNuvo, LinkedIn, and BMCC. The panel stressed the importance of human-centered AI, governance, and the development of AI skills across various job functions.
Additionally, the Hudson Room Workshops provided hands-on learning opportunities for students, featuring AI workshops with Google and AWS and a careers-in-technology panel by IBM. These sessions allowed students to engage directly with industry leaders and gain practical experience.
The success of the Expo was made possible by the support of numerous sponsors, including the 100 Year Association, Advanced Pharmaceutical Inc., BizNuvo, and many others, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of New York's business community.
These events underscore the Chamber's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among New York City's businesses, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven market.