Event Details
MARKETPLACE WISCONSIN
Governor's Conference on Diverse Business Development
October 23-24, 2019
Potawatomi Hotel & Conference Center
1721 W. Canal St.
Milwaukee
MARKETPLACE Agenda
MORNING • Wednesday, Oct. 23
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Contracting Academy is a learning opportunity for businesses to grow their technical knowledge of contracting with the State of Wisconsin, federal government and government prime contracts. This series of workshops will benefit established businesses looking to grow and development their government sales and focus on three areas:
- Government construction contracting
- Selling goods and services to the government
- Federal manufacturing and technology
The Contracting Academy will be held at Potawatomi Hotel & Convention Center.
This event is co-hosted by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Wisconsin Procurement Institute. Separate registration is required.
Download information on the Wisconsin Business Certification Program
AFTERNOON • Wednesday, Oct. 23
Economic Opportunity Sessions
A series of presentations and panels on upcoming major public and private projects as well as topics relevant to small businesses
1:30 p.m.
Registration and networking
2:00 p.m.
Presentation: Wisconsin’s Current Footprint on Race and Ethnicity
Contract Opportunities
- Wisconsin Center
- 2020 Democratic National Convention, Milwaukke
- Komatsu HQ
Panel: Cybersecurity Awareness
Online directory to connect suppliers and service providers to new business opportunities
EVENING • Wednesday, Oct. 23
38th Annual MARKETPLACE Reception
5:30 p.m.
Welcome Keystone Event Sponsor by U.S. Bank
Business networking reception with businesses, government agency representatives, public officials, lenders, business service providers and MARKETPLACE corporate sponsors
Remarks by WEDC Deputy Secretary/COO Tricia Braun
Reception program
- Business and Community Development Awards
- Diverse Business State Contractor Awards (Wisconsin Department of Administration)
- 8(a) Graduate of the Year and Minority Business Champion Awards (SBA)
- Networking
8:00 p.m.
Reception adjourns
Thursday, Oct. 24
Governor’s Awards Breakfast
7 a.m.
Registration opens
8:00 a.m.
Remarks by Keystone Sponsor, U.S. Bank
Remarks by breakfast sponsor, Milwaukee Business Journal
Introduction by WEDC Secretary and CEO Melissa Hughes
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
Presentation of:
- MARKETPLACE Sponsor Hall of Fame
- Minority-Owned Business Awards
- Women-Owned Business Awards
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Awards
Expo Hall
9:00 a.m.
- Buyer meetings: One-on-one matchmaking meetings with dozens of federal, state, local, university and corporate buyers
- Exhibitors: Over 100 exhibitors, including small businesses, lenders, business resources, professional service, and government agencies
- Business networking lounge: Centrally located within the Expo Hall for making connections with potential buyers and partners
12:00 p.m.
Business Lunch
Remarks by Keystone sponsor, U.S. Bank
Remarks by WEDC Vice President of Business and Community Development Mary Gage
- Small business success stories
- Contracting/procurement panel
1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Expo hall and one-on-one buyer meetings resume
Hotel Accommodations
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
1611 West Canal St., Milwaukee
Reservations: 844-217-4100
Hotel website
Please note that you are responsible for making your own room reservation at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino.
Group rate code: MAR10222019