November 30, 2026 – December 21, 2026

The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State (AWDC) will celebrate a decade of connecting and educating agricultural professionals when Labor Roadshow X returns this December with five in-person events and two webinars across New York State. Programming details and speaker information are now available.

Topics for this year’s programming include:

• H-2A: Overview for Employers Considering the Program, Housing Requirements, Legislative Updates, and Practical Participation Tips from H-2A Agents and Employers
• Compliance Updates from New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)
• Unionization
• Employee Engagement and Improving Culture
• NYSDOL Enforcement Tips
• Employee Handbooks

In-Person Events (8:30 AM–4:30 PM ET)

• December 7 — Walden, NY
• December 9 — Malone, NY
• December 15 — Batavia, NY
• December 16 — Geneva, NY
• December 17 — Rome, NY

Presenters

Jay Canzonier — Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Presenting: H-2A Housing Inspection Insights

Mary Slattery — Director of the Division of Compliance & Education (DOCE), NYS Department of Labor
Presenting: NYSDOL Compliance Update

Tom Bortnyk — másLabor
Presenting: Practical H-2A Participation Tips

Richard Stup and Lucas Smith — Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Presenting: Unions 101: An Interactive Training Session

Mike Paglialonga — Littler Mendelson P.C.
Presenting: NYSDOL Enforcement Tips

Kaitlyn Lutz — Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Presenting: Feedback Drives Results, so Let’s Get Moving!

A Panel Discussion with H-2A Employers
Employers from all commodity groups will come together and share their experiences with the H-2A program. From those handling the entire H-2A process themselves to those enlisting the help of a trusted agent, attendees will hear directly from employers about the realities of participating in the program and tips for making it work for employees and employers.

Virtual Events (1:00–3:00 PM ET)

• November 30 — Kickoff Webinar
• December 21 — Closing Webinar

Presenters

Richard Stup and Lucas Smith — Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Presenting: Employee Handbooks 101

Lynn Jacquez — C.J. Lake, LLC
Presenting: An Intro and Background on H-2A for Year-Round Employers and Other New Users

John Hollay — National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE)
Presenting: H-2A & Washington Legislative Update for Farm Employers

Joshua Viau — Fisher Phillips LLP
Presenting: Union Litigation Update for New York Employers

Learn more and register here: https://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/2026/10/19/labor-roadshow-programming-and-speaker-info-now-available/