Agenda

MARKETPLACE 2025 AGENDA

Tuesday, December 9

The Contracting Academy (TCA) | VIRTUAL   

This is an opportunity for businesses to grow their technical knowledge of contracting with federal government, state and local government, and government prime contractors. The series of workshops will benefit established businesses looking to grow and develop their government sales.

Visit The Contracting Academy (TCA) website for additional details.

Wednesday, December 10

IN-PERSON MARKETPLACE WISCONSIN | BAIRD CENTER     

10 a.m. – Check-in and Badge Pick-Up Opens

10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Exhibitor Move-in

Noon-3 p.m. – Educational Breakout Sessions

Smart & Secure: Leveraging Automation and Responsible AI for Small Business Success (S103 AB)

This panel session brings together multiple perspectives on how small businesses can use artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to improve everyday operations. Panelists will share practical ways these technologies are helping business owners save time, reduce costs, and work more efficiently. The session will highlight responsible ways to use AI in business while also sharing practical tips for keeping data safe. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or looking to strengthen your digital strategy, this session offers clear, actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence.

Moderator:
Elzie Flenard, Founder, Journey To Mastery
Panelists:
Jen Adamski, Founder, Klario
Heather Ferguson, Program Manager, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison
Katie Grillaert, Chief Strategy Officer, Assessed Intelligence

Expanding Your Capacity and Capabilities with Joint Ventures, Teaming, and Mentor-Protégé Partnerships (S103 D)

Collaboration is the key to success. By working together, companies can achieve more than they could alone—boosting efficiency, expanding capabilities, reducing costs, and driving greater overall results. Join this panel of experienced professionals and successful businesses to learn how to identify and qualify the right partners. Panelists will also share practical insights on building strong relationships and crafting agreements that deliver mutual benefit to all participants.

Moderator:
Aina Vilumsons, Executive Director/CEO, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
Panelists:
Samuel Jack, Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell LLP
Darryl “Shane” Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin District Office
Dele Ojelabi, Principal, Comcentia
Anna Steinfest, President and CEO, AFF Research
Jean Marie Thiel, President and CEO, Belonger Corporation Inc.
Alex Ysquierdo, Director, Wisconsin Department of Administration-Supplier Diversity Program

Practical Use of AI: Real-World Solutions for Small Businesses (S103 AB)

This workshop explores how small businesses can actively use artificial intelligence (AI) to drive results, featuring real-world examples and practical applications. Attendees will learn how AI-powered dashboards, automation tools, and intelligent solutions are being used to improve decision-making, enhance customer experiences, and streamline operations. From marketing and inventory management to customer service and data analysis, this session highlights accessible AI tools and strategies that can be implemented today to boost efficiency and competitiveness.

Moderator:
Jen Adamski, Founder, Klario
Panelists:
Roger Lam, CEO and Founder, Ordify AI
Stacy Jeffers, Founder, That’s Right, Sweetie
Amy Bruner Zimmerman, Senior Business Consultant, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison

Building Business Credit and Financing Options: Accessing Capital for Growth (S103 D)

This workshop provides small business owners with essential knowledge and tools to build strong business credit and explore financing opportunities. Participants will learn how to establish and improve their credit profile, prepare for grant applications, and access funding through microloans, traditional lending, and alternative sources. Whether you’re seeking startup capital or looking to expand, this session offers practical guidance to help you become loan-ready and unlock financial resources to support long-term growth.

Moderator:
Vanessa Sancha, Assistant Vice President, Business Access Advisor, US Bank
Panelists:
Michael Hetzel, Director of Lending, WWBIC
Jeff Musa, Regional President, Southeastern WI, Peoples State Bank
Willie Smith, Executive Director, Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
Nelson Soler, Ph.D., President and CEO, Latino Chamber of Commerce of South Eastern Wisconsin

2 p.m.

E-commerce and Digital Presence: Building and Optimizing Your Online Storefront (S103 AB)

This workshop is designed to help small business owners create a strong digital presence and grow their online sales through effective e-commerce strategies. Participants will learn how to build and optimize an online storefront, refine digital branding, improve digital presence for end-user experience, optimize information architecture, and leverage digital tools to attract and retain customers. From choosing the right platform to enhancing search visibility and integrating payment solutions, this session offers practical guidance to help businesses thrive in the digital marketplace.

Moderator:
Alex Ysquierdo, Director, Wisconsin Department of Administration-Supplier Diversity Program
Panelists:
Elzie Flenard, Founder, Journey To Mastery
Toan Ly, President/Agency Principal, Rectify Services LLC
Kellie McGinnis, Marketing & Engagement Strategist, City of West Allis

Leveraging Your Business’s Value for Long-Term Sustainability and Continuity (S103 D)

This session is designed to help entrepreneurs unlock and maximize the value of their businesses while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and continuity. Learn how to assess and enhance your business’s worth, identify pathways for transition, and ensure your company remains viable with or without your daily involvement. Key topics include succession planning, identifying management or buyers, and strategies for building a business that can scale, sustain itself, or successfully transition ownership. Whether you’re looking to step back, sell, or secure your legacy, this session provides the strategic tools to prepare your business for the future.

Moderator:
Kola Alayande, Ph.D., Associate District Director, SCORE
Panelists:
Kara Gunderson, Business Education and Technical Assistance Associate, First American Capital Corp.
Cesar Jimenez, Branch Manager, PNC Bank
Stephanie Melnick, Founder, Melnick & Melnick S.C. and She Stands Tall Forward Inc.

3:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m. – Opening Plenary Sessions (Ballroom AB)

Business Opportunity Panel: Milwaukee County offers businesses a wide range of support from helping open a brick-and-mortar location to contracting opportunities and more. Come learn from your friendly County representatives about how we help you start and stay open for business.

Moderator:
Kyle Ashley, Director of Community Outreach
Panelists:
Steve Taylor, County Board Supervisor, District 17
Celia Benton, Director of Economic Development
Lamont Robinson, Director of the Office of Economic Inclusion
Regina Flores, Director of Procurement

Business and Economic Opportunity Session

Moderator:
Lafayette Crump, City of Milwaukee Commissioner
Panelists:
Jeff Bohen, WisDOT Infrastructure Opportunities
Attorney Dimitri Zografi of Husch-Blackwell (Speaking to Effects of tariffs)

Report on the Economy- Tom Walsh, Economist with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Data Center Panel
Moderator:
Lafayette Crump, City of Milwaukee Commissioner
Panelists:
Edwin Van Velzen, Vantage
Ms. Khia Chukudebelu, Community Affairs Manager for Microsoft
Ugo Nwagbaraocha, NAMC
P.J. McGreal, Walsh Group

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Networking Reception in Expo Hall (Ballroom CD)

WEDC Remarks: Sam Rikkers, Deputy Secretary and COO 

Sponsor Speaker: Vanessa Sancha, US Bank  

Thursday, December 11

IN-PERSON MARKETPLACE WISCONSIN | BAIRD CENTER     

7 a.m. – Check-in and Badge Pick-Up Opens

8-9:15 a.m. – Breakfast Program/Panel Discussion (Ballroom AB)

Business Panel
Moderator:
Mike Ward, WEDC
Panelists:
Dr. Shakkiah Curtis — The Pink Hustle Firm
Jennifer Gollnick — Data Informed Financial Services LLC
Andy Sawyers — Seadog Creative
Cristina Villanueva — Ambas Financial Services LLC
Amy Woods — FAVORY

9:30-11:45 a.m. – Expo Hall and Buyer Meetings (Ballroom CD)

9:30-11:45 a.m. – Educational and Networking Sessions

Wisconsin’s public and private colleges and universities purchase a wide range of goods and services every year—everything from technology and facility upgrades to professional services and supplies. This session will feature purchasing representatives who will share insights into their procurement processes, upcoming opportunities, and vendor qualification requirements. 

Moderator:
Athena Agoudemos, Associate Director, Wisconsin SBDC Network
Panelists:
Craig S. Meyer, CPSM, CSCP, Assistant Director, Purchasing, Marquette University
Tommy Zetting, Purchasing Manager, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc. 
Sam Mahood, CEO, Superior Equipment and Supply Co.

Strategic Connections is a fast, one-hour, business-only roundtable where owners and decision-makers meet other local companies for targeted conversations. A session moderator guides the discussions, so every participant engages  —no presentations, no outside agencies, just purposeful B2B networking.

Topics: Construction, Technology, Social Media and Marketing, Transportation, Hospitality, Health and Wellness

In this session, procurement professionals and industry experts will share how to find opportunities, understand bid requirements, and meet compliance standards. Learn strategies to showcase your capabilities, build relationships with decision-makers, and compete effectively in this high-demand market. Whether you’re a prime contractor or a subcontractor, you’ll gain practical insights to help grow your business in the construction and trades sector.

Moderator:
Adam J. Skenandore, President, ANASA Traffic Control Services, LLC

Speaker:
Keith Harenda, President, KPH Construction
London Thomas, President/CEO, White Glove Group, Inc.

Noon-1:15 p.m. – Luncheon (Ballroom AB)

Emcee, Diana Gutierrez, WISN ABC 12 

Remarks: Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Jose Perez, Council President and Alderman of the 12th District, Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, DOA  

Sponsor Speaker: Aaron Popkey, Packers Green Bay Packers 

Keynote: Pamela Boivin, Chairwoman of WEDC 

1:30-4 p.m. – Expo Hall Reopens for Exhibitors and Buyer Meetings (Ballroom CD)

1:45-3 p.m. – Educational and Networking Sessions

Strategic Connections is a fast, one-hour, business-only roundtable where owners and decision-makers meet other local companies for targeted conversations. A session moderator guides the discussions, so every participant engages  —no presentations, no outside agencies, just purposeful B2B networking.

Topics: Construction, Technology, Social Media and Marketing, Transportation, Hospitality, Health and Wellness

Explore the pathways to expanding your business beyond U.S. borders in this dynamic panel discussion. Experienced international trade professionals and exporters will share practical insights on identifying promising markets, navigating regulatory requirements, building global partnerships, and managing risks. Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to grow your international sales, this session offers the knowledge and connections to help you take the next step. 

Moderator:
Koreen Grube, Director, US Commercial Service Wisconsin, US Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
Panelists:
Ken Wasylik, Managing Director, EM Wasylik Associates
Ngosong Fonkem, Attorney, Amundsen Davis
Joe Ryan, President, Mac-Tech

4 p.m. – Conference Ends

Expand your business opportunities today

Facilitate connections through networking, workshops, panel discussions, buyer meetings and much more. Connect with resources and potentially make a deal or lay the framework for a future contract.

How can we help?

Whether you’re interested in attending, exhibiting, sponsoring, networking or finding new diverse suppliers, we’re here to help.