2008 MatchMaker Conference and Trade Show

SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 19-21, 2008 at Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL

To help minority, women, and service-disabled veteran enterprises connect with state government spenders, the Office of Supplier Diversity hosts the annual MatchMaker Conference and Trade Show November 19-21, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This year's theme is "The Diversity Blueprint: Success through Leadership, Innovation, and Education."

Recognized as Florida’s signature event for minority and women business entrepreneurs, MatchMaker 2008 promises to be an exciting, educational and purposeful event as it links minority business owners with state government and corporate sponsors to drive economic development. Last year’s event attracted over 1,500 attendees. This year we expect attendance of service-disabled veteran small businesses.

The MatchMaker 2008 agenda will be packed with events, offering attendees numerous opportunities to enhance their business skills and provide opportunities for minority businesses to network with leading corporations as well as state and local government procurement officials.

This year’s event will feature several companies looking to purchase goods and services from eligible, certified minority vendors. OSD strives to enhance vendor involvement with purchasing personnel, not only through our traditional series of professional development workshops and sessions, but with opportunities such as the professional development breakfast, awards banquet and nightly networking receptions.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE MATCHMAKER CONFERENCE?

The MatchMaker Conference and Trade Show will match minority vendors with government and corporate spenders. As you may know, MatchMaker 2008 is an excellent opportunity for small, minority and women-owned business enterprises, government purchasing representatives and major corporate representatives to network.

WHO WILL YOU MEET?

Minority business entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to meet with government agency representatives, supplier diversity managers and procurement directors and managers from both the government and corporate sector. Diversity managers and procurement directors will have the chance to network with small and minority businesses throughout the state.