FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is Contract Connection (Matchmaking)?

      ◆   Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 1:30pm - 5:00pm

      ◆   Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 1:30pm - 5:00pm

Is there a deadline to opt-in or submit additional Contract Connections information?
Yes, please opt-in or submit information by January 27, 2023.

Can I pick my own Contract Connections meetings?
No, the National 8(a) Association will be pre-matching all meetings on behalf of each company.

How are the matches determined?
Based on Buyers’ requirements, the National 8(a) Association will match Suppliers based on the capabilities provided in their company’s registration.

When will I know who I’m meeting with?
Matchmaking schedules will be sent out the week prior to the conference.

I have more than one person from my company attending, can they get an appointment as well?
Only one schedule of meetings is provided per company and more than one person from the company may attend the appointment(s).

How long are the meetings?
Each meeting is 15 minutes in length.

I received my schedule of meetings, do I need to check in at the conference?
No, just be sure to arrive at the Contract Connections area at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment time.

I received my schedule of meetings, but I want more meetings.
Additional meetings will be offered at the conference through an“ Open-Call” process. You will need to wait in the “Open-Call” queue and listen for an announcement to know which Buyer is available.

I received my schedule of meetings, but I need to make changes.
Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org or visit the Contract Connections Info Desk at the conference.

Why didn’t my company receive any meetings?
Your company’s capabilities did not align with the interests or current needs of the attending Buyers, or there were no available appointments. Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org if you would like a detailed explanation.

I registered for the conference but didn’t indicate I was interested in being a Supplier. How can I do that now?
Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org to edit your registration.

I registered for the conference late, but I want meetings.
Suppliers registering for the conference after January 27, 2023, can email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org prior to the conference. We will be assigning matchmaking meetings on-site at the conference at the Matchmaking Info Desk and through “Open-Call” during Contract Connections hours.

      ◆   On-Site Scheduled Meetings: Visit us at the Contract Connections Info Desk on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 8:00am – 1:00pm to schedule Contract Connections appointments.

      ◆   “Open-Call” Meetings: Occur 2 minutes after each matchmaking meeting start time. If a supplier does not show up for their pre-scheduled meeting or the buyer has availability, we look to the “Open-Call” area to match a supplier with a buyer who is available.

What should I bring to my meeting?
Bring plenty of business cards, capability statements, and any marketing materials to provide to the Buyers.