Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) below if you have more questions regarding matchmaking. If you still have questions after reviewing all of the matchmaking information please contact matchmaking@national8aassociation.org and we will provide a response within 48 hours of your inquiry.

Is there a deadline to submit matchmaking information?
Yes, please opt-in or submit information by May 30, 2023.

Can I pick my own matchmaking 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 matchmaking 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 Matchmaking 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/Buyer. 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 May 30, 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 Matchmaking hours.

• On-site Scheduled Meetings: To be considered for these meetings, please submit matchmaking related information by May 30, 2023, and visit us at the Matchmaking Info Desk on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm and Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 8:00am – 11:00am to schedule your appointments.

• “Open-Call” Meetings: occur 2 minutes after each matchmaking meeting start times. 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.

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