Tuesday, December 8
The Contracting Academy | 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 website for additional details.
Wednesday, December 9
IN-PERSON MARKETPLACE WISCONSIN | BAIRD CENTER
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Expo hall setup
Noon
Check-in and badge pick-up opens
1-3 p.m.
Main programming/plenary session
3-5 p.m.
Educational breakout sessions
Empowering established Wisconsin businesses: Strategies for competing in state, federal, and corporate procurement markets
This session is designed to help attendees learn to identify procurement opportunities, build meaningful buyer relationships, and understand effective engagement strategies before opportunities are released. Incorporate practical networking and matchmaking opportunities that foster lasting business connections.
This session is designed to provide practical strategies that help businesses strengthen resilience, embrace innovation, and adapt to evolving economic, workforce, technology, and market conditions. This session will highlight emerging opportunities, including artificial intelligence adoption, supply chain resilience, and business continuity planning.
This session is designed to showcase successful partnership models, supplier development pathways, and Wisconsin business success stories that demonstrate scalable growth strategies. Encourage collaboration, mentorship, and cross-industry partnerships that help businesses expand capacity and compete for larger opportunities.
As artificial intelligence advances and cybersecurity threats evolve, staying competitive requires more than incremental upgrades. This panel introduces “Competitive Architecture”—a strategy built on using the latest emerging technologies to leapfrog competitors and capture market share. Join us for an actionable discussion on turning complex tech trends into long-term organizational stability and dynamic growth.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Networking reception
Join us to celebrate of the 45th Anniversary of MARKETPLACE. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and networking with business leaders, entrepreneurs, buyers, and resource partners from across Wisconsin.
Thursday, December 10
IN-PERSON MARKETPLACE WISCONSIN | BAIRD CENTER
7 a.m.
Check-in and badge pick-up opens
8:15-9:30 a.m.
Breakfast program/Opening plenary session
9:45 a.m.-noon
Expo hall opens
Buyer one-on-one meetings
Resource tables
Technical sessions
Explore opportunities to sell your products and services to state agencies, municipalities, and other public entities. Learn how buyers identify suppliers, advertise opportunities, and make purchasing decisions. Join the discussion on vendor registration, bidding requirements, and building relationships with government buyers.
How do business certifications fit into your government contracting strategy? Join this session for an update on available programs, requirements, and impact on purchasing decisions. Learn how to use your certifications to increase visibility, connect with buyers, and pursue contracting and teaming opportunities.
12:15-1:30 p.m.
Luncheon and speakers
1:30-4 p.m.
Expo hall resumes
Buyer one-on-one meetings
Resource tables
Technical session
Speaker: Robert Williams, Supplier Development Specialist, MMSD
MMSD’s 2050 Facilities Plan lays out more than $2 billion in projected capital needs – from biosolids and energy upgrades to green infrastructure, sewer rehabilitation, and controls modernization. This session shows where those needs are likely to become contracts, and how businesses of all sizes can prepare now.
