2024 University of Minnesota Supplier Diversity Expo: Building Relationships, Building Community
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024
Time: 9AM-3PM
Location: St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
This event has ended. Save the date for 2025! The U of M Supplier Diversity Expo will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the St. Paul RiverCentre.
Notice: Beware of Scam Emails - Please ignore any emails falsely claiming to offer our Expo attendee list for sale. These messages are scams and are not associated with the University. We ask that you ignore these emails and report them as spam in your email client.
Expo Recap: Building Relationships, Building Community
Last year's focus on cultivating relationships and fostering community helped bring together an astounding group of targeted businesses, community stakeholders, and eager individuals in the community. We saw a record 145 exhibitors and over 680 registrants this year!
Over the course of the day, attendees explored cutting-edge technologies, engaged in thought-provoking sessions, and networked with like-minded individuals. The expo floor buzzed with excitement (and the smell of delicious food) as the long list of exhibitors unveiled their products and services, sparking conversations and relationships that will extend well beyond the event.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum and continue fostering a healthy diverse community at the University of Minnesota and across Minnesota in both public and private sectors.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year - we can't wait to see you at next year’s Supplier Diversity Expo. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025!
For Suppliers
The U of M Supplier Diversity Expo offers valuable networking opportunities fo all types of businesses: prime contractors, subcontractors, Targeted Business, and non-Targeted Businesses. The Expo is designed to foster connections between suppliers as well as University departments. Businesses will also have the opportunity to discover resources and opportunities offered by local nonprofits and government agencies.
- Exhibitor / Sponsorship Opportunities (REGISTRATION CLOSED): Ensure the highest visibility for your company by signing up for a booth. View registration options and register.
- Don't miss an exclusive section designated for events-related Targeted Businesses! Get your business in front of key University event staff and major local businesses. These tables are available at a special reduced rate and reserved for small and Targeted Businesses.
- General Attendee: Not ready to exhibit? Register for free as a General Attendee to explore the Expo floor, network B2B and with U of M departments that have a booth. Plus, explore small business resources provided by nonprofit and local/state government agencies.
- Registration closes on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at 5:00PM CST.
For University Staff
- Exhibitor Opportunity (REGISTRATION CLOSED): Show your dedication to supplier diversity by registering your department as an exhibitor. This opportunity allows diverse suppliers to visit your booth, understand your department’s specific supplier needs, and introduce their businesses. Registration as an exhibitor is free for U departments and includes tickets to the AIR Awards Luncheon (while supplies last).
- General Attendee: Not ready to exhibit? Register for free as a U of M Staff General Attendee to explore the Expo floor and discover a wide variety of diverse suppliers.
- Don't miss: An exclusive section designated for event-related businesses! University staff can conveniently connect with diverse caterers, photographers, videographers, venues, decorators, and more.
- Registration closes on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at 5:00PM CST.
For Nonprofits & Government Agencies
- Exhibitor / Sponsorship Opportunities (REGISTRATION CLOSED): Ensure the highest visibility for your organization or agency by signing up for a booth. Reduced fees apply! View options and register.
- Don't miss: An exclusive section designated for event-related businesses!
- General Attendee: Not ready to exhibit? Register for free as a General Attendee to explore the Expo floor and presentations.
- Registration closes on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at 5:00PM CST.
Supplier Diversity Expo Testimonials
Dave Bice, President, Bald Eagle Erectors, Inc.
Top 5 Reasons to attend
Top 5 reasons I always attend the U of M Supplier Diversity Expo.
- This is one of the best networking events of the year where I can meet face to face with buyers from the U of M as well as get to find out what new projects are coming up to bid in the coming year.
- I am a sub-contractor, I get to meet/reconnect with the General Contractors I work with and General Contractors who I haven’t worked for. Meeting face to face and reconnecting with the General Contractors put you on their mind when they are bidding work. Need to remember, people work with people they know.
- I get to connect with my peers to find out what they have been up to and how their year is going. It is always good to catch up with colleagues and learn from their experiences.
- I meet up with and talk to my competitors to hear their struggles and successes. Networking with your competition is good and being able to partner with them is beneficial also.
- It is always great to meet new people, hear their success stories and get out of the office for a day. Networking is the most important part of business, in my opinion.”