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
July 20, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

August 31, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Houston Minotiry Supplier Development Council - Conference Room
Three Riverway, Suite 555

Houston, TX 77056

Tel: (713) 271-7805

EXPO Business Opportunity Marketplace Events

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 - George R. Brown Convention Center - Exhibit Hall C

20/20 Insight - George R. Brown Convention Center 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by State Farm Insurance
Don’t miss out!  Attend the “day before EXPO” marketplace 20/20 Insight forums.  Top executives from the Petrochemical/Oil and Gas, Medical, Government, Transportation, Construction, Food and Beverage 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. 

Capital Connections Noon – 1:00 p.m.  (Ticket is required for entry) Sponsored by Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo

Best of Class - 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Column A, 1521 Austin Street, Houston, 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, September 22nd – George R. Brown Convention Center – Exhibit Hall C

Early Bird Energizer – 7:15 a.m. – 8:15 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.

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