The Marketplace

EXPO is the initial springboard whereby successful and long-lasting business relationships begin. There is no other event like EXPO which is dedicated to minority business development within the private and government sector. Attend all the events starting with the Pre-EXPO Marketplace Preparation Seminars designed to sharpen your buying and selling techniques.

Pre-EXPO  Marketplace Preparation Seminars
The Pre-EXPO Marketplace Preparation Seminars are designed to assist corporate buyers, prime suppliers, MBEs, and general attendees to take full advantage of EXPO’s on-site potential. You will learn “How to Work EXPO – The Marketplace” effectively to receive the optimum results you seek and expect!

Exhibitors and General Attendees

• August 18, 2010 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• September 15, 2010 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Houston Minority Supplier Development Council – Conference Room 
Three Riverway, Suite 555
Houston, Texas 77056
Tel: (713) 271-7805

EXPO Business Opportunity Marketplace Events

Wednesday, October 6, 2010  - George R. Brown Convention Center – Exhibit Hall E

New –Step It Up! – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Be totally motivated during the Step It Up morning session.  Daniel Grissom, speaker, coach and trainer, will inspire you to reap the benefits you are seeking when you attend EXPO’s Marketplace the following day.  A much-sought-after expert in business development, Mr. Grissom will guide you towards obtaining the results you seek and desire. See Video

Capital Connections 11:00 a.m. – 12:00  p.m.
Come enjoy conversation and information over a luncheon sponsored by Wells Fargo.  A group of Wells Fargo’s team will be on hand to discuss benefits and different programs they have designed specifically for small business to assist them with big banking.

20/20 Insight - George R. Brown Convention Center, Room 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Don’t miss out!  Attend the “day before EXPO” marketplace 20/20 Insight forums.  Top executives from the Petrochemical/Oil and Gas, Medical, Technology, Government, Transportation and Aerospace Industries will discuss industry trends for the coming year, the economic impact to their respective industry AND upcoming opportunities.  There will also be representatives from the corporations related to the featured industries who will be on a panel and in the audience for opportunity sharing discussions.  Come join the afternoon 20/20 Insight for information, industry trends, AND most of all OPPORTUNITIES!

Best of Class - 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. The Crystal Ballroom @ The Rice - 909 Texas (77002)
Attend the EXPO Best of Class reception the “evening before EXPO”, sponsored by some of HMSDC’s leading MBEs.  Continue your networking strategy.  Come prepared to meet the buyers representing Houston’s major corporations.  Have a first-class experience as you enter into the different worlds of contracting possibilities.

We urge you to become a sponsor and not miss out on this unique opportunity. 
Click here for more information on sponsorships.

Thursday, October 7 – George R. Brown Convention Center – Exhibit Hall E

Early Bird Energizer – 7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
The Early Bird Energizer breakfast the day of EXPO pays tribute to the Marketplace Sponsors and MBE Best of Class Sponsors who, because of their generous sponsorships, continue to make EXPO extremely successful. Don’t miss out on starting your day making great contacts. Be motivated into action by our dynamic breakfast keynote speaker,     Daniel Grissom! (video)

Business Starts “Right Here, Right Now!” – 8:30 a.m.
Industry leaders guide the procession to officially open a full day of business marketplace opportunities.  Get ready to witness a unique ribbon cutting experience guiding you onto the tradeshow floor filled with countless contracting potential.

The Rigel Awards – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Rigel Awards Luncheon brings major corporations and MBEs together.  They will be given genuine recognition for their continued support and contribution to the development of minority businesses. Each table seats five corporate representatives, serving as hosts, along with five EXPO attendees. To secure your ideal seating,  register EARLY for more networking opportunities. 

 The Marketplace (Products/Services EXPO) – 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Over 1,500 corporate buyers attend EXPO looking for suppliers who can provide their corporation with quality services and products, meet their timelines and provide exceptional value while meeting the corporation’s cost-saving needs. 

More than 1,000 top MBE executives attend the EXPO to present their products and services to buyers from corporations, government agencies, educational, financial and medical institutions and other MBEs.  The Marketplace is the place to be to PROCURE products and services and to PROMOTE products and services.

One-to-One   - 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
By Corporate Invite Only
Discuss contracting opportunities with the corporation(s) that invites you to discuss your product or service with their representative.  In these face-to-face sessions, you meet privately with corporate buyers and representatives regarding potential short or long-term contracting opportunities.  NOTE:  You must be certified by HMSDC in order to participate in these sessions.

Exhibitor Tear-Down & Move Out – 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m