Rochester Professional Consultants Network upcoming events

Stopping Scammers In Their Tracks (10-Apr-2026)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Scams and scammers are everywhere these days - in our inbox, on our phones, on social media, in our face. It's not only exhausting, it is frustrating and at times scary. AI and automation are making these threats more convincing than ever. Scamming is an industry, and scammers are constantly improving the techniques they use to fool us.

We all share common beliefs about scams, scammers and being scammed, and these shared beliefs actually make it easier for scams to work on us. It's no longer practical to rely on our ability to detect scams, we need to understand how scams work and adopt practices that protect us by preventing scams from getting started.

Key Takeaways:

The realities of scams and scammers
How scams actually work, and why what we believe about scams makes us more susceptable
How we can better protect ourselves from being scammed

Note: Images from this event may be used for promotional purposes.

_______________________

About David:

David Finger is the Computer Gardener. David makes house calls to indivduals and small businesses to resolve technical problems that others have not been able to fix, and does so without making anyone feel technologically inadequate.

In his spare time, David is constantly tinkering with technology, so his business is really just an extension of his innate curiosity about all things technical. When David is not experimenting with and fixing tech stuff, he spends a lot of time working with young people, helping them develop their leadership, teamwork and life skills through programs such as Junior Achievement, Scouting America, Science Olympiad and more.

For over 2 years, David has been on a mission to help people stop becoming scam victims, and has given presentations to hundreds of people about how to Stop Scammers In Their Tracks.

This meeting is open to the public.

COST: $10 for nonmembers

Contact us at helpdesk@rochesterconsultants.org if you experience any trouble registering for this event.

SPECIAL NOTE: This will be a hybrid event where you can attend via Zoom or in-person at 2800 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14616. Attending in-person is highly encouraged.

After the meeting ends, open networking (with private breakout rooms for those on Zoom) will continue until 10:00 a.m. ET for the attendees.

After you register, you will be sent two (2) emails, one from RPCN and one from Zoom. NOTE: The email from RPCN will be sent almost immediately but the ZOOM email may be delayed by a few minutes. Be patient while waiting for it. Click the link in the Zoom email to join this event.

Spotlight your business! Register as a meeting sponsor. For details on sponsoring, click HERE.

{830 3480 3514}

Enhancing Human Capital - Deep Dive (16-Apr-2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Influence Without Authority

Getting Things Done When You’re Not in Charge

Facilitator: Dave Bassett

Consultants are often expected to lead projects, influence teams, and deliver results without having any formal authority. We’ll take a deep dive into what actually works when you cannot just tell people what to do.

During the session, we’ll explore practical strategies for building trust, aligning interests, and mobilizing action across roles, silos, and personalities.

This session is interactive, discussion-driven, and immediately applicable to real real challenges you encounter both in your vocation and avocation.

________________________________

Dave has been a Patent Agent registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office since 2004 and has helped people get patents in a wide number of fields. Dave also has a strong interest in helping others to become more effective in their interactions with their colleagues and as such has been a charter member of the RPCN Enhancing Human Capital team. He is also a current director and a past president and a past treasurer of RPCN.

This meeting is free and open to everyone.

________________________________

This series provides an opportunity to explore Dr. Floyd Tucker's "Enhancing Human Capital" program, designed to help businesses build healthy organizations and happy employees.

{870 9404 5484}

Business Forum (17-Apr-2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join us for an interactive and lively session of problem solving as attendees find solutions to the challenges they've encountered when starting, scaling, or maintaining an entrepreneurial venture. The complexity of small business is ever-changing, and solutions will be shared by peers who have found answers for themselves.

Bob Lurz, a veteran startup consultant and long-time supporter of RPCN, will be facilitating this forum.

This meeting is friendly, fresh, and open to the public.

COST: $10 for nonmembers

Contact us at helpdesk@rochesterconsultants.org if you experience any trouble registering for this event.

SPECIAL NOTE: This will be a hybrid event where you can attend via Zoom or in-person at 2800 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14616. Attending in-person is highly encouraged.

After the meeting ends, open networking (with private breakout rooms for those on Zoom) will continue until 10:00 a.m. ET for the attendees.

Spotlight your business! Register as a meeting sponsor. For details on sponsoring, click HERE.

{876 4567 9245}

Board Meeting (17-Apr-2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

RPCN does not run itself. It takes a Board of Directors that meets monthly. Everyone is welcome to attend. Stop in to see what is behind the success of the organization.

Note: Images from this event may be used for promotional purposes.

SPECIAL NOTE: This will be a hybrid event where you can attend via Zoom or in-person at 2800 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14616. Attending in-person is highly encouraged.

COST: This event is friendly, free, and open to everyone.

{885 1194 3013}

Sponsorships and Ads for Awards Luncheon 2026 (13-May-2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Please help support our 2026 Entrepreneurs Wall of Fame Awards Luncheon, where individuals will be honored in each of five categories:

Community Champion – John Adams

Leadership Award – Simeon Banister

Entrepreneur of the Year – Lauren Goetz

Linda Halliburton Friend of RPCN Award – Wayne France

Dave Young Dedicated Service Award – Frank Crombe

President’s Award – Joyce Curran

A detailed description of each award category is available HERE.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Awards Luncheon provides an excellent opportunity for sponsors and advertisers to increase their exposure and influence to small businesses. Listed below are several levels of sponsorship and what benefits they include.

Platinum Level: $500.00

3 minutes of podium time (recorded and made availble to your marketing team for repurposing)
Right to provide up to three promotional items per table
Full page print advertisement in the program booklet (Inside Front Cover)
Your company logo (large) on all signage at event
Your company logo (larger) on the event page and in all promotional emails
Your company logo in pre-event social media ad promotions
Your company logo in the RPCN newsletter sent to approx. 1,500 subscribers
Your company mentioned in all event press releases
Receive list of attendees
Includes two complimentary luncheon tickets

Gold Level: $250.00

Right to provide one promotional item per table
Half page print advertisement in the program booklet
Your company logo on all signage at event
Your company logo on the event page and in all promotional emails
Your company mentioned in pre-event social media ad promotions
Your company logo in the RPCN newsletter sent to approx. 1,500 subscribers
Your company mentioned in all event press releases
Receive list of attendees
Includes one complimentary luncheon ticket.

Silver Level: $175.00

Quarter page print advertisement in the program booklet
Your company logo on all signage at event
Your company logo on the event page and in all promotional emails
Your company mentioned in pre-event social media ad promotions
Your company logo in the RPCN newsletter sent to approx. 1,500 subscribers
Your company mentioned in all event press releases
Receive list of attendees

For Sponsorship interest, reach out to Tom Fecteau at 315-313-4280 or president@rochesterconsultants.org

Advertising Opportunities:

The Awards Luncheon provides an excellent opportunity for advertisers to support the organization and to increase their exposure to small businesses.

Listed below are the available levels of advertisements and prices.

Program Ad	Member	Non-Member
Business Card	$10	$15
Quarter Page	$30	$40
Half Page	$60	$75
Full Page	$100	$120
Back Cover (inside)	$110	$130
Back Cover (outside)	$110	$130

SIZES

Full Page (5”W x 8”H)

Half Page (5”W x 3.875”H)

Quarter Page (2.375”W x 3.875”H)

Business Card (2.375”W x 1.625”H)

FORMAT

High Resolution PDFs are preferred.

Ad content must be submitted/approved by Tuesday, April 21st

Ads can be designed for you. Please email ad size, text, contact info, and any high-resolution images (logos, stock art, etc.) to Melanie Watson at melanie@melaniewatsondesign.com. Please be clear on what you’d like included, as you will only be allowed one revision.

Reserve your spot today !

10th Annual Entrepreneurs Wall of Fame Awards (13-May-2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Please join us at at our 2026 Entrepreneurs Wall of Fame Awards Luncheon, where individuals will be honored in each of six categories:

Community Champion – John Adams, Greece Chamber of Commerce, FRANnet

Leadership Award – Simeon Banister, Rochester Area Community Foundation

Entrepreneur of the Year – Lauren Goetz, Everyday Hands

Linda Halliburton Friend of RPCN Award – Wayne France, University of Rochester Simon School of Business

Dave Young Dedicated Service Award – Frank Crombe

President’s Award – Joyce Curran

Dietary Restrictions

At the bottom of the registration form on the next page you can indicate any special dietary needs for you or your guests and we will do our best to accommodate you.

A detailed description of each award category is available HERE.

Options for sponsorships and program ads are available HERE.

Master of Ceremonies: Theresa Marsenburg

Theresa Marsenburg is a highly respected journalist and an Emmy-award-winning news anchor currently serving as the co-anchor for the evening news on WROC Channel 8 in Rochester. With a career built on a passion for storytelling and community engagement, she has become a familiar and trusted voice in the Greater Rochester area. Her excellence in the field was recently recognized on a broader scale when she was named one of the 2024 "Women of Distinction" by New York State Assemblymember Harry Bronson, an honor reserved for women who have made significant contributions to business, civic affairs, and humanitarian work.

Beyond her professional achievements in the newsroom, Marsenburg is known for her deep commitment to the Rochester community and her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Her extensive experience in public speaking and her reputation for professional integrity make her an ideal choice to lead the 2026 RPCN Awards Luncheon. As an emcee, she brings a blend of sophisticated poise and genuine warmth, ensuring that the achievements of the local business community are celebrated with the prestige and enthusiasm they deserve.

{000}