DOING BUSINESS WITH THE ONEIDA INDIAN NATION

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 
TURNING STONE CONFERENCE CENTER

OVERVIEW

On September 12, 2025, we will host Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation, a half-day conference focused on growing opportunities for new vendors and existing partners. The event is also an opportunity to share more information about the economic impact of the Nation’s enterprises in Upstate New York and on local businesses, discuss current initiatives and plans for future growth and diversification of these enterprises and promote the Oneida Indian Nation as an engine for economic development across the region. 

Below, please find the program for Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation, including panel topics, descriptions and participants. 

PROGRAM AGENDA

8:30 am: Registration Opens/Networking Breakfast

An opportunity to meet with Turning Stone Enterprises leadership, local businesses and other regional stakeholders. 

9:30 am:  Welcome/Opening Remarks 

Todd Saunders, Turning Stone Enterprises and Oneida Innovations Group Senior Vice President for Innovation

Pete Carmen, Turning Stone Enterprises Chief Operating Officer

Remarks provide an overview of the conference program and focus on enterprises’ greatest needs over the next 12-18 months, including supplies related to hospitality, meetings and events, cannabis and more. 

10:00 am: Partnering with the Oneida Indian Nation – 2-Part Panel Discussion

During this panel, Turning Stone Enterprises leaders will discuss what defines a great partner or vendor for the Oneida Indian Nation’s business operations. At the same time, long-time/standout third-party partners/vendors discuss their experiences in working with the Nation and how the ongoing growth of its enterprises has supported the success of their own businesses. 

Turning Stone Enterprises Panel 

Moderated by: Steve Mahler, Turning Stone Enterprises Vice President for Enterprise Engagement and Loyalty

With:

      • Jerry Marrello, Turning Stone Enterprises Vice President for Regional Casinos
      • Charles Newland, Turning Stone Enterprises Vice President for Food and Beverage
      • Kelly Hsieh, Turning Stone Enterprises Director of Strategic Initiatives
      • Paul Gwilt, Oneida Indian Nation Director of Civil Engineering and Nation Facilities

Partners/Vendor Panel

Moderated by: Joel Barkin, Turning Stone Enterprises Vice President for Strategic Communications and Community Engagement

With: 

      • Jim McCarthy, Northland Communications President
      • Hal Silverman, Hal Silverman Studio President 
      • Anthony DePerno, Victory Sign President

11:00 am: Locating Your Business on Oneida Indian Nation Land – Panel Discussion

Representatives from local businesses share the unique benefits of building/operating a business on Oneida Indian Nation lands, the impact of the Nation’s economic development activities and other rapid growth across the region that make this area an ideal place to start/operate/expand a business and their experiences working with the Oneida Indian Nation and Turning Stone Enterprises leadership. 

Moderated by: Meghan Beakman, Turning Stone Enterprises Senior Vice President for Administration and Oneida Indian Nation Counsel

With: 

      • Joel Shapiro, The Commons at Turning Stone Owner
      • Brian Cohan, Benchmark Development Principal

11:30 am: Hosting Events with Turning Stone Enterprises – Panel Discussion

Participants discuss the benefits of hosting events at Turning Stone Enterprises, including exceptional amenities, best-in-class service and everything needed for business and leisure available in a single location. Turning Stone Enterprises leaders share new opportunities and amenities for conferences, meetings, conventions and more across Turning Stone Enterprises with the Turning Stone Evolution and the Point Place Casino expansion.

Moderated by: Dan Jones, Turning Stone Enterprises Director of Guest Experience

With: 

      • Sarah Just, Turning Stone Enterprises Director of Sales and Conference Services
      • Sharon Aguillen, Turning Stone Enterprises Director of Entertainment and Events
      • Felix Mares, Turning Stone Enterprises Director of Event Technology

12:00 pm: Lunch Buffet

12:30 pm: Keynote Address

Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises Chief Executive Officer

      • Introduced by George Kilpatrick, Inspiration for the Nation Host

An update on the latest developments in the Turning Stone Evolution and Point Place Casino expansion, an overview of upcoming growth and diversification across Turning Stone Enterprises, including a new Verona Collective dispensary and the opportunities this evolution will create for new and existing partners. Focused on the vision that drives the Nation’s continuous reinvestment in its enterprises, investments in the region and commitment to its role as an economic engine for Upstate New York. 

1:15 pm: Procurement Fair 

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with purchasing agents and business leaders across the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises to discuss top priorities for sourcing goods and services today and in the months ahead as the Nation’s enterprises continue to evolve.