2005 MATCHMAKER CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 16TH TO 18TH IN ORLANDO
Orlando, FL – The Matchmakers Conference & Expo which serves as a conduit for small and minority businesses to meet and form relationships with Florida’s governmental agencies and major companies, will be held on November 16th to 18th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The Matchmaker conference is designed to create an atmosphere that allows small and minority businesses to cut to the chase in dealing with State of Florida agencies and large corporations. Matchmaker allows MBEs to meet purchasing agents and decision makers face to face, pitch their goods and services, negotiate contracts, and form relationships through one on one appointments, business workshops, an all day trade show, the golf tournament and several networking receptions throughout the three day event.
The State of Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) has made diversifying big business their top priority, citing that the increase of successful small and minority businesses has a direct correlation to the economic success for all Floridians.
“In order for Florida to remain a leader in corporate America, it must keep up and that means inclusion of all Florida businesses.” said Windell Paige, Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity “They have to be allowed and encouraged to realize their full potential. The Matchmaker Conference plays an important role in making this happen. As a matter of fact, several contracts will be awarded at the conference. We wanted to guarantee that MBEs are able to see immediate results from attending the 2005 Matchmakers Conference & Expo.”
Nolia Brandt, President of Brandt Information Services Inc, comments about the OSD and the Matchmaker “being an entrepreneur is a lonely place, there are so many decisions to make, so you need a network of people who can support you. The Matchmaker Conference not only gives you that support and certifiable advice, but they also provide the tools to help you empower others.” Brandt Information Services Inc is a Tallahassee based, state certified WBE with 50-employees that produces $5.5 million in revenues.
Attendance at the 2005 Matchmaker Conference is anticipated at 1200-1600 business people; 30% from government agencies like the Executive Office of the Governor, 40% from small/minority businesses and 40% from large corporations like Office Depot, PBS&J, G-Tech, Unisys and more.
Matchmaker 2005 is November 16th to 18th in Orlando. Registration prices vary by the size of the company and/or participant. For more information go to www.flmatchmaker.com or contact the Department of Management Services, Office of Supplier Diversity at 850-922-9423.
