Adam Roma, Buffalo-based community leader and sales representative with Principal Financial Group, shares the story behind one of the city’s most beloved traditions, the Taste of Buffalo. As Chair of the 2026 festival, Adam offers an inside look at how this nationally recognized event, now the largest two-day food festival in the country, has grown from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of Buffalo’s summer season.

Founded in 1984 with just 22 restaurants, the Taste of Buffalo has evolved into a massive, city-wide event featuring over 50 local restaurants, wineries, and vendors, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to downtown each year. Now spanning Delaware Avenue from Chippewa Street to Niagara Square, the festival not only showcases Buffalo’s culinary scene but also highlights the city’s energy, diversity, and sense of community.

In this talk, Adam pulls back the curtain on what it takes to produce an event of this scale. Powered entirely by volunteers, the festival relies on hundreds of individuals working behind the scenes, from logistics and setup crews to communications, hospitality, and vendor coordination. From late-night street transformations to early-morning breakdowns, the operation is a carefully choreographed effort that ensures the city is both activated and restored seamlessly.

Adam also highlights the critical partnerships that make the event possible, including coordination with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees. With robust planning, security measures, and real-time communication strategies, the Taste of Buffalo continues to prioritize both celebration and safety.

Beyond the food, the festival offers live entertainment, local beverages, and experiences for all ages, creating an inclusive, vibrant atmosphere that brings people together. At its core, the Taste of Buffalo is more than just an event, it’s a reflection of the city itself: collaborative, resilient, and proud.

With the 43rd annual festival approaching on July 11–12, 2026, Adam invites the community to be part of this tradition, celebrating not just great food, but the people and partnerships that make Buffalo thrive.