2025 Supplier Diversity Expo - Build Your Grit: Fueling Small Business Resilience
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: Build Your Grit: Fueling Small Business Resilience, an exciting opportunity to discover, connect, and collaborate with buyers and businesses of all types. This annual event brings together university staff, procurement professionals, community members, UMN partners, and a wide range of 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 and strenthgen your vendor pool, the Expo offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical tools to drive growth. All are welcome to attend this event.
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.
More information about the workshop sessions coming soon!
2025 Expo Handling Resources
Expo Opportunities
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: Ensure the highest visibility for your company by signing up for a booth.
- 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.
For University Staff
- Exhibitor Opportunity: 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.
For Nonprofits & Government Agencies
- Exhibitor / Sponsorship Opportunities: Ensure the highest visibility for your organization or agency by signing up for a booth. Reduced fees apply!
- 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.
2024 Expo Testimonials & Resources
Testimonials
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.
Staff Testimonial - Kate Klosterman
Attending the Supplier Diversity Expo was incredibly valuable as a University staff member. It gave me the opportunity to meet a wide range of vendors in person—many of whom provide goods and services we regularly use or could benefit from in the future. Having face-to-face conversations allowed me to ask questions specific to our needs and better understand how each vendor might be a good fit. It was a great way to build relationships, explore options, and support the University’s commitment to inclusive sourcing. And as an added bonus, we got some fun swag along the way!
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."