Procurement Matchmaking
Procurement Matchmaking will be offered as a value-added opportunity to meet with buyers in special, pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with participating buyers during the conference. This portion of the event is limited in availability and is offered to small businesses registered for the overall conference on a first come, first serve basis. Procurement Matchmaking “matches” small company “sellers” with participating “buyers” represented by government agencies and large business Prime Contractors. These buyers and sellers will convene for a series of one-on-one meetings that will occur throughout the OSDBU event in a special matchmaking meeting room.
How Does Matchmaking Work? How Do I Participate?
Register for the Conference -- In order to participate in Procurement Matchmaking, you must first register for the conference by completing the Attendee or Exhibitor Registration Form (click here to register). Registration for the Procurement Matchmaking program will be offered on a first come, first serve basis to the first 300 companies that register for the overall conference and select participation in Procurement Matchmaking. 2008’s conference had well over 900 waitlisted for this event so don’t delay in registering early.
Receipt of Confirmed Matchmaking Registration (starting January 2010 until February 2010) -- Upon completion and verification of your registration in the OSDBU Conference, you will receive an email confirming your position in the Procurement Matchmaking event within 48 hours. If the event is “sold out” you will be placed on a wait list.
Complete Separate Registration for Procurement Matchmaking (February 2010) -– During the first week of February 2010 all businesses registered for the Matchmaking event will receive an email inviting them to go to the Matchmaking registration page and complete their company profile in anticipation of being matched with buyers for a custom schedule.
This registration process will entail providing a company description, contact information and special keywords/codes that will be used to match your company with participating procurement representatives for a special, customized Matchmaking meeting schedule.
Set your Custom Face-to-Face Schedule of Matchmaking Meetings -- During the first week of April 2010 the Matchmaking Team will send you an email inviting you to return to the system to begin the matchmaking scheduling process. During this process you will be presented with a schedule for the day and the selection of procurement representatives that match with your organization based on the keywords you provided at the time of registration. With this information, you will be able to build a schedule of appointments with your matches to best organize your day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Procurement Matchmaking
How do you match buyers and sellers?
Utilizing the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code® (UNSPSC®), small businesses are able to highlight their products and services. By entering keywords into our system, you will be provided matching UNSPSC codes. The Matchmaking system then uses the codes as the basis of determining the buying organizations these small businesses appropriately match with in order to set appointments. It is up to each registered small business to enter their keywords and codes order to set their appointment schedule before attending the event.
How Long Are the Matchmaking Appointments?
Appointments are in 15-minute increments with a five-minute break in between each appointment. There are three appointments per hour and the first appointment begins at 9:00 a.m. The last appointment of the day will occur at 3:20 p.m.
How many appointments will I receive?
The total number of appointments will be based on how well your firm matches up to the product and service needs of the participating procurement representatives. Keep in mind: the more complete your seller profile, the higher the likelihood of making good matches.
What if I don't match with participating buyers?
To help ensure meaningful appointments, small businesses will be unable to schedule meetings with buyers who don't match the firm’s products or services. Many of the buyers’ schedules will fill up early in the scheduling process. For this reason, we cannot guarantee matches and appointments. Our Matchmaking Team will do everything possible to assist you with securing appointments. If you are not able to secure an appointment please remember that these same agencies and companies will be exhibiting as well so there is more than one method to connect during the event.
Can I register onsite?
Due to the preparation that will go into the individual attendance and participation in the Procurement Matchmaking program, onsite registrations will not be accepted.
Who are the buyers that are expected to attend?
Participating government agencies and large business Prime Contractors that serve these government agencies.
Will small businesses be awarded contracts during Procurement Matchmaking?
Procurement Matchmaking provides unique opportunities for small businesses to meet with buyers who are motivated to award contracts and sub-contracts to smaller firms. While the program doesn't guarantee contracts, simply because of the nature of the normal bidding process between buyers and suppliers, it does create opportunities for small businesses to hold personal, one-on-one meetings with potential clients that would have taken weeks or months - if ever - to research and schedule on their own.
For questions regarding the Matchmaking Forum, please email
registration@businessmatchmaking.com or call 1-800-994-4762.