WHAT TO EXPECT

The 2024 National Small Business Conference offers two days of Contract Connections presented by American Express on February 6-7, 2024.

Buyers (Government Agencies and Large Primes) will host 15-minute one-on-one meetings with Suppliers (Small Businesses). All matchmaking meetings are pre-assigned appointments.

Matchmaking will be facilitated by the National 8(a) Association. All Contract Connections (matchmaking) communications will be sent from matchmaking@national8aassociation.org so please add to your contact list to avoid emails going to junk folder.

REGISTERING FOR CONTRACT CONNECTIONS (MATCHMAKING)

 

  • When completing your conference registration, you will be asked, “Will you be participating in Business-to-Business Contract Connections (matchmaking)?” To indicate you’re interested in participating in Contract Connections (matchmaking), select “Yes” and complete the additional prompted questions for Contract Connections (matchmaking). Select “Buyer” if you are a federal agency or large prime and “Supplier” if you are a small business.
  • If you previously submitted your registration and would like to change your Contract Connections (matchmaking) interest status or any of your Contract Connections (matchmaking) information, please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org.
  • Suppliers registering for the conference after January 12, 2024 can email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org prior to the conference or visit the Contract Connections (matchmaking) Info Desk while at the conference to check if there are any available appointments.

 

YOUR MEETINGS

 

  • Buyers & Suppliers will be pre-matched and assigned meetings based on the information provided for your Contract Connections (matchmaking) profile.
  • If your company’s capabilities align with any of the Buyers and there is an available appointment, a copy of your company’s meeting schedule will be emailed the week prior to the conference.
  • Buyers, additional meetings may be added to your schedule throughout the conference to accommodate Suppliers who signed up for Contract Connections (matchmaking) on or after January 12, 2024.

 

AT THE CONFERENCE

Buyers

  • Plan to arrive to the Contract Connections (matchmaking) room about 15 minutes prior to your meeting’s scheduled start time.
  • Each Buyer will be assigned a table number and will be provided their Contract Connections (matchmaking) schedule with Supplier information. 
  • Contract Connections (matchmaking) Coordinators will make announcements in front of the Contract Connections (matchmaking) room at each meeting start time to allow Suppliers with appointments to proceed to their Buyer’s table.
  • Each meeting is only 15 minutes and will have 5-minute breaks between each appointment.
    •  13 minutes into the meeting, a 2-minute end of meeting warning will be announced.
    •  At the 15 minute mark, an end of meeting announcement will be made.

Suppliers

  • Be sure to bring a copy of your Contract Connections (matchmaking) meeting appointments. If needed, schedules can be printed at the Contract Connections (matchmaking) Info Desk.
  • There is no need to check in for your meetings at the Contract Connections (matchmaking) Info Desk, unless you have any schedule changes/cancellations.
  • Plan to arrive to the matchmaking room about 5 minutes prior to your meeting’s scheduled start time to line up in the “Appointments” queue.
    • Take this time to identify the table number the Buyer you are meeting with is seated at (a table listing will be provided).
  • Contract Connections (matchmaking) Coordinators will make announcements in front of the Contract Connections (matchmaking) room at each meeting start time to allow Suppliers with appointments to proceed to their Buyer’s table.
  • Each meeting is 15 minutes, please plan accordingly.
    • 13 minutes into the meeting, a 2-minute end of meeting warning will be announced.
    • At the 15 minute mark, an end of meeting announcement will be made, and you will be asked to exit the room.
  • If you have back to back meetings, you will still need to exit the matchmaking room and line up in the “Appointments” queue again.
  • Many Buyers also have exhibit booths, please feel free to also visit with them there as well.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!