About the Event
Overview
The 2024 CT Supplier Connection Direct Supplier Summit & MatchMaker is designed to specifically help the region’s small and diverse suppliers meet with large buyers and prime contractors in Connecticut, and strengthen the local supply chain community and its ability to grow in a post-pandemic market.
The centerpiece of the Supplier Connection Growth Summit is the Business MatchMaker. Suppliers will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one (virtually) with buyers from some of the largest buying organizations in our area. MatchMaker Meetings will take place over one and half days, with each lasting approx. 15 minutes.
Last year, we hosted over 160 one-on-one supplier meetings with buyers from the region’s largest corporations and buying groups. We also provide other useful knowledge sessions to help suppliers better understand the program’s available to help them grow. Additionally, through our twice-a-year Summits & MatchMaker events, we bring together members of leading buying organizations, state government and other support organizations to increase awareness of various programs that are designed to assist small and diverse suppliers.
Join us for our Keynote Session and Kickoff on June 26th from 9am – 11:45am.
Presentations will include:
Opening Remarks and Welcome
-Gary Breitbart, State Director, CT Supplier Connection
Keynote Presentation - Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain Development
-Matthew Cohen, Vice President, Research & Development, Medtronic
The State of State – How Advanced Are We?
-Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer, State of CT
What Tools Are Available to Help Suppliers and Buyers Connect?
-Jackie Garofano, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, CT Center for Advanced Technology
-Bernice Zampano, Program Manager - CONNEX, Connstep
Virtual Networking Lounge
The Keynote and Kickoff Session will be followed by the opening of the Virtual Networking Lounge (your home base for the Summit) where you can chat with buyers, prime contractors and other Tier 2 suppliers to make new business connections and expand your sales and marketing efforts.
MatchMaker Sessions – Meet One-on-One with Buyers
Again this year, we are being joined by buyers from some of the region’s leading manufacturers’ procurement groups, including:
The MatchMaker will start at 12:30 pm on June 26th and run through 5pm on June 7th. You will have the opportunity to request meetings with buyers who then accept meetings as space permits on their schedule.
There are no fees to register and attend this event. Once you register to attend the Supplier Connection Growth Summit, you will receive an email package around the 2nd week of November with more information on the MatchMaker and how to request meetings.
