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HISD’s Business Assistance Supplier Diversity team participated this week in the in the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) Business Expo, which was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The annual event, which attracts more than 1,500 corporate buyers, government agencies, and educational institutions, provides an excellent opportunity for businesses of all sizes to grow their networks.  HISD took part in hopes of identifying more minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) that might be interested in future procurement opportunities in the district.

“The HMSDC Expo helps M/WBEs to connect with organizations they’d like to work with and to speak directly to representatives who are receptive and can plug them in to potential opportunities,” said Alexis Licata HISD general manager, business assistance.

HISD’s Supplier Diversity Office, which works to provide M/WBEs access to business opportunities, workshops and information, sponsored a booth at the Expo Marketplace.

In addition to the Marketplace, the expo also featured one-to-one sessions for vendors to discuss their products and services with corporate buyers, a coaching corner for attendees to receive feedback and insight on key areas of their business, and a networking and awards luncheon.

“It’s great to make one-on-one connections with people who are really interested in doing business with us,” Licata said.  “We have a continuous need for suppliers so we have to keep a large pool to draw from.”