Help2009 No Pomp, No Circumstance Expo Recap (Vol. 4, Issue 3)
Our “No Pomp, No Circumstance, Strictly Business” Expo in San Jose on August 6 was a success, with more than 420 corporations, minority business enterprises, and affiliates in attendance. Sponsored by Apple Inc., the Expo helped the Council connect its MBEs with corporations and Top Tier MBEs with viable contracting opportunities as well as those corporations looking to meet and greet suppliers and evaluate them for future opportunities.
The Council has received positive feedback from both MBEs and Corporate Members about the new venue, as well as the efficient, no-nonsense theme that promoted a more focused approach to matchmaking and the informal booth sessions. Instead of allocating time to speakers, workshops, and a lengthy lunch session, the Council instead devoted 100% of its four-hour Expo to networking and matchmaking, both of which were designed to give attendees the chance to discuss opportunities, mingle, and assess good business partnership “fits.”
Sheila Bright, Director, Marketing Communications & Stakeholder Management, AT&T Supplier Diversity Programs, commented, “It was one of the most efficient and effective Expos I’ve attended. The ‘No Pomp, No Circumstance’ slogan really fit. The matchmakers were intense and focused due to the short timeframes…it’s amazing the amount of business dialogue you can fit in 10 minutes. I appreciated not having a long luncheon or breakfast event. It was all about business, contacts and more business.”
Kevin Lynch from Prolific Concepts, a NCMSDC Certified MBE and a member of the MBE Input Committee, reported that he “found two very good leads at the Expo.” Another NCMSDC Certified MBE, Marilyn Craig of PatternBuilders, also approached the Council with feedback about her Expo experience, stating, “The Expo last week was very helpful. I made 2 very good connections.”
As part of the new strictly business approach, the Council also asked corporate buyers to give anonymous evaluations of MBEs and identify areas of strength and weakness based on matchmaking sessions. Buyers responded both honestly and fairly and provided feedback that will help MBEs polish their pitch and better articulate their goods and services to potential business partners. President Vowels has been reaching out to the appropriate MBEs to share this useful feedback.
Additionally, for all those interested in purchasing photos from the Expo, please follow the instructions listed below. NCMSDC would like to thank all attendees for sharing this special business event with us and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
How to Purchase Expo Photos
Please note that all photos are in low resolution only on this preview website. Should you wish to purchase any, Kingmond Young Photography will clean them up and send you high resolution prints. Photos are presented in low resolution to protect the photographer’s work from piracy.
1. Click here: http://www.printroom.com/ViewGallery.asp?userid=kingmond&gallery_id=1698158
2. To view a larger version of a photo, click on the photo. To view the photo in black and white or sepia, click on the icons below the photo.
3. Once you have selected photo size and quantity, please select “Add to Cart.” Return to the gallery and repeat this process until you have selected all desired photos. When you are ready to checkout, click on “Shopping Cart” then “Check Out.”
If you have any questions about ordering or would like to order electronic photofiles instead of prints, please email kingmond@kingmond.com.