FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) if you have more questions regarding Contract Connections (matchmaking).

If you still have questions after reviewing all of the Contract Connections (matchmaking) information, please contact matchmaking@national8aassociation.org and we will provide a response within 48 hours of your inquiry.

When is Contract Connections (Matchmaking)?

  • Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 1:30pm - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 1:30pm - 4:00pm

Is there a deadline to opt-in or submit additional Contract Connections (Matchmaking) information?
If you are a supplier, please opt-in or submit information by January 12, 2024. If you are a buyer, please opt-in or submit information by January 4, 2024.

Can I pick my own Contract Connections (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?
Contract Connections (matchmaking) schedules will be sent out two (2) weeks 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 (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 Contract Connections (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. 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 12, 2024 can email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org prior to the conference. We will be assigning Contract Connections (matchmaking) meetings on-site at the conference at the Contract Connections (matchmaking) Info Desk and through “Open-Call” during Contract Connections hours.

  • On-Site Scheduled Meetings: Visit us at the Matchmaking Info Desk on Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 8:00am – 1:00pm to schedule Contract Connections (matchmaking) appointments.
  • “Open-Call” Meetings: Occur 2 minutes after each Contract Connections (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.

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!