N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 12, § 253.35 – Conferences and hearings; conduct.

(a) Prior to the scheduled date of any hearing, the designated administrative law judge shall hold a conference with the parties to the proceeding. The failure of a party to appear at the conference may, in the discretion of the administrative law judge, constitute ground for dismissal of the absent party's pleading.
(b) Hearings shall be conducted by a designated administrative law judge. At any time, an administrative law judge may be designated to take the place of the administrative law judge previously designated to conduct the hearing. All hearings shall be open to the public.