2025 University of Minnesota Supplier Diversity Expo

2024 Supplier Diversity Expo Attendees

Date: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
Time: 9AM-3PM
Location: St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102

Join us for the 2025 Supplier Diversity Expo, an exciting opportunity to connect, collaborate, and champion diverse procurement with all small businesses. This annual event brings together university staff, procurement professionals, and a wide range of diverse small businesses to build meaningful partnerships and promote equitable economic opportunity.

Whether you're a supplier looking to navigate university procurement processes or a staff member seeking to diversify your vendor pool, the Expo offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical tools to drive change.

More information about breakout sessions & more coming soon!

2024 Expo Testimonials & Feedback

Expand all

Testimonial

Big Spirit Exhibitor Testimonial

Attending the expo is an incredible experience for Big Spirit Inc. The event provided unparalleled opportunities to connect with a diverse range of organizations at the university, meet other small businesses, build valuable relationships, and showcase our innovative promotional products, apparel, and print solutions. We met buyers on the spot who were actively searching for vendors like us, leading to increased sales and new business growth. Expo has become a key marketing event for our company.

2024 Expo Big Spirit Action Shot

Positive Feedback from 2024 Expo

Hear what everyone enjoyed!

  • Amazing breakout sessions, can't wait to see what's in store for next year!
  • Getting to know colleagues better was fun & meeting new people to network with!
  • The amount of people that stopped by and chatted with me or that I connected with was huge!
  • The dj added lots of life!
  • Awards luncheon was delicious and awesome speaker panels!
  • The Networking Opportunities were boundless!
  • Although I did not get to attend any of the activities, the booths were great for meeting folks! 

Benefits of Attending

University of Minnesota Purchasing Category Manager

“I encourage University Employees to invest time participating in the annual University of Minnesota Supplier Diversity Expo.  By attending, you’ll receive the following benefits:

  • Insights on local suppliers who can meet the needs of your projects and departments
  • Understand industry trends for he items and services you purchase
  • Support the University’s outreach and diversity initiatives
  • Network with other University Employees”

University of Minnesota Staff Member

"The expo provided a platform for face-to-face conversations, allowing us to explore new partnerships that can enhance our sourcing strategies while supporting economic equity. I walked away inspired, better informed, and excited to incorporate these diverse businesses into our supplier network. This event truly reinforces the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence in every aspect of our operations."

Office for Supplier Diversity

612-624-0530
[email protected]

Saint Paul River Centre

Location