Rochester downtown at night

Introduction

The 2024 Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit, held on January 25th at the Hyatt Regency in Rochester, NY, was a significant event for GoVets. Our participation as a Veteran-Owned Online Store was driven by the opportunity to expand our network and establish relationships with government buyers and fellow Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). This blog post aims to share our experiences, key takeaways, and future plans stemming from our participation in this important summit.

The Summit Experience

The day-long event offered a wealth of activities, starting early in the morning and concluding in the evening. The agenda included informative panels and numerous networking opportunities. We began our day with opening remarks and a University of Rochester Medical Center's Supplier Diversity update. Networking breaks allowed us to connect with potential partners and industry influencers.

Panel discussions covered Supplier Diversity Opportunities, Success Stories of Diverse Owned Businesses, Access to Capital, and Government Contracting. These sessions provided invaluable insights and practical strategies for businesses like GoVets to excel in a competitive environment.

The 'Meet the Buyers Exhibitor Hall' was a focal point, enabling interactions with representatives from various agencies and corporations. This format allowed us to approach and engage in meaningful conversations at our own pace.

Key Contributors

Special thanks to Mr. Matthew J. Burrell, the Supplier Diversity Manager from the Department of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. His exceptional organization skills and dedication to fostering a thriving culture for diverse businesses were evident throughout the event.

Building Connections

A highlight was meeting several representatives from the agencies and corporations listed in the attendee logistics document. These interactions were the start of potential long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. We exchanged details and are excited about future collaborations.

Networking with Agencies at the 2024 Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit

At the 2024 Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit, GoVets had the unique opportunity to connect with a multitude of agencies, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and potential collaboration opportunities. Here's a highlight of some of the organizations we had the pleasure of interacting with:

  1. Monroe County Purchasing & Supplier Diversity Program: Their insights into local procurement processes were invaluable. Our discussions opened doors for potential local government contracts.
  2. University of Rochester: We explored possibilities for supplying to educational institutions, a sector rich with opportunities.
  3. Canandaigua National Bank & M&T Bank: Engaging with these financial institutions helped us understand the financial products and services that can aid our business growth.
  4. City of Rochester & City of Syracuse: Meeting with representatives from these cities allowed us to discuss urban development projects and how GoVets can contribute.
  5. Empire State Development & NYS Office of General Services: Their state-wide reach and diverse needs present numerous possibilities for collaboration.
  6. US Small Business Administration & Small Business Development Center: These meetings were focused on understanding the support available for veteran-owned businesses like ours.
  7. Wegmans & Excellus: As major corporations, they provided insights into large-scale supply chain management and potential avenues for collaboration.
  8. Syracuse University & University of Buffalo: These academic giants showed interest in our diverse product categories, opening avenues for future partnerships.

Some of these organizations are already doing business with GoVets, and the summit allowed us to strengthen these relationships through face-to-face interactions. We discussed how to enhance our partnerships and explored new ways to work together effectively. This event was not just about making new connections but also about deepening existing ones, an aspect that we found exceptionally rewarding. We look forward to nurturing these relationships and exploring the numerous opportunities they present for mutual growth in the near future.

Networking with Organizations

During the event, we had the pleasure of networking with a variety of organizations. These interactions not only allowed us to establish new connections but also provided an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with existing partners. Some of these organizations are already doing business with GoVets, and this summit enabled us to discuss ways to enhance our relationships further. The chance to meet with these organizations in person was invaluable in understanding how we can work together effectively in the near future.

Feedback and Suggestions

While the summit was a success, we suggest improvements for future events:

  • Facilitated Networking: Strategies to connect similar companies.
  • Inclusive Seating Plans: A government representative at each table.
  • Speed Networking Sessions: Structured introductions for attendees.
  • Sponsorship Opportunities: Allowing MWBEs or SDVOSBs to sponsor tables.

Looking Forward

We are eager to engage in similar activities from New York to Florida and beyond, continuously seeking growth and collaboration opportunities.

Conclusion

The Summit was a learning experience and a reaffirmation of our commitment to diversity and inclusion in business. The insights and connections set the stage for a year of growth and collaboration. We extend our gratitude to all the organizers, speakers, and attendees who made this event a treasure trove of opportunities for GoVets.

As we look forward to participating in future events, we remain dedicated to serving our customers and contributing to veteran non-profit causes. The journey of GoVets is intertwined with the success of the diverse business community, and we are excited about the road ahead.