The Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

invites you to attend the

Second Annual Greater Washington Procurement Fair

The Second Annual Greater Washington Procurement Fair & Matchmaking Event will held this year at the Kellogg Conference Hotel, one of the Top Ten-rated conference hotels in the world. Our partner ShoWorks, Inc. will be providing the logistics for the event.  There are still a few seats available,  which are being offered to our loyal Chamber members and friends at a heavily discounted price. Over 50-plus agencies and prime contractors will be in attendance.  It is the Chamber's answer to helping the economic recovery and also create much needed jobs for our region. Don't miss it!

When:  Friday, October 7, 2011 from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.  It includes the Trade Show, MatchMaking Meetings, Continental Breakfast, Lunch and Workshops.

Where:  Kellogg Conference Hotel, Gallaudet University,  (Phone: 410-649-7000).

Schedule of Events: For a full calendar of events please click HERE.

Special 55%-Discounted Registration for MAHCC Members and Friends:  The price includes breakfast and luncheon. Attendee Registration/Badge and Directory pick-up will take place on October 7, 2011, starting at 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

There will be a very few walk-ins available, but it is best to pre-register.

Payment is required in full (except Government agencies requiring a purchase order) to register and be eligible for the early registration fees. ShoWorks will assign exhibit space.

There are two (2) easy ways to register under this special price:

• Secure Online Registration - Register here.
• Call the MAHCC at 301-404-1946.

Matchmaking Meetings: Register to meet procurement officers from 50-plus government agencies and companies. Pre-Registered Attendees and Small Business exhibitors will be able to schedule their own meetings with prime contractors and government agencies. This can be done approximately two weeks before the event. The earliest registrants will be able to schedule first.

Seminar Presenters:

1. SBA CONTRACTING VEHICLES.  Learn how to do business with the Government using HUBZones, the 8(a) program, and the Small Business Women Owner's Program. Speakers :  Arline Brex, Economic Development Specialist, and John Leonard, Business Opportunity Specialist, US Small Business Administration.    
2. US ARMY CORPS SDVOSB OPPORTUNITIES!  The Army Corps of Engineers is the premier Command in the Army in terms of contract awards to companies owned by Service Disabled Veterans. From FY04 thru FY11 they have awarded over $3 Billion in this important Small Business category to include millions of dollars in contracts to SDVSBs in the Virginia, Maryland, and DC areas. Future SDVSB opportunities are on the horizon to include some $185M in contracts to renovate schools on military bases across the Eastern Seaboard. In addition, there may be SDVSB contract opportunities at Arlington National Cemetery. Speaker: Jack Beecher, Chief Small Business Programs, US Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District
3. YOUR BEST GOVERNMENT PROSPECTS...RIGHT NOW! Feeling frustrated? Got registered, certified, maybe even a GSA Schedule...but not winning government contracts? Or... have you avoided exploring federal business because it just seems like too much work? Either way, this special session gives you the real insider tips on what winning companies do, and lets you bootstrap your federal contract efforts. Judy Bradt is one of America’s top strategists for government contract success. Over 23 years, she's guided more than 6,000 clients who credit her advice for winning over $300 million in government business. This expert author and award-winning consultant is also one of the country's most entertaining and informative speakers for dynamic entrepreneurs who want to reach the world's biggest buyer: the U.S. government. Join her and discover how to find your best federal prospects and focus on the opportunities with the highest potential. Our value-packed session includes: a) What Your Sweet Spot Reveals and Why; b) 3 Ways To Increase Your Win Rate; c) 3 Places To Look Beyond FedBizOpps; d) Checklist: 7 Steps To Success in Government Contracts. Get the answers you need to succeed, from Judy Bradt, our region's SBA 2011 Women in Business Champion and the author of “Government Contracts Made Easier” Judy's book and strategy workbook will be available onsite for a special package price of $40. Speaker:  Judy Bradt, Principal & CEO, Summit Insight LLC.
4. NEW RULES AND REGS FOR SMALL BUSINESS. PUT YOUR IDEAS INTO ACTION.  You are no doubt aware of all of the new RULES and REGULATIONS that affect Small Business opportunities in the federal arena. SBA revised rules for the 8(a) Program, the 8(m) Program, the new Mentor Protégé Programs of the GSA and the DVA. However, being INFORMED is only PART of a winning strategy. What do all of these opportunities mean for your company? The key is to determine how to transform the information into a viable ACTION PLAN to GAIN BUSINESS. Dormant information is no information at all! Come and learn about how to breathe LIFE into the changing landscape to benefit your firm. Learn how to translate the information into a sound business strategy! Leave this session with new ideas and prospective to put into action immediately!  Speaker: Beverly Kuykendall, President, FCCi Federal and Commercial Contracts, Inc.
5. DOING BUSINESS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.  Speaker: Daniel Sturdivant, Asst to Director, Outreach Programs, US Dept of Homeland Security.
6. How to Prepare a Winning Competitive Proposal, EVERYTIME.  Winning proposals are not an accident. They are the result of carefully engineered and crafted responses that are clearly and systematically written to sell the benefits of a proposed solution. This presentation will identify and detail the sell messages that should permeate a proposal, how they are stipulated and where they should be integrated. While many horse races are won by a nose, a winning proposal must have many noses to win. This session will also discuss and describe the most essential pre proposal actions; a winning preparation process, ProposalPerfectTM; and the pitfalls to avoid on your next submission. Attendee will leave this session with practical information, useable the next day or next time they consider responding to a competitive, government or commercial, request for proposal. Speaker: Joseph Nocerino, CEO and Founder, Century Planning Associates.

Exhibitor Booths:   Sold Out

Why is this event so important to your business?

A primary challenge for business is to be aware of current regulations and guidelines. This conference provides opportunities to meet buyers and contracting officers from major military bases, the surrounding states and large companies to discuss business opportunities. Educational sessions will provide current information on emerging new standards and provide you with the tools to bid and contract successfully, gain valuable information and share success stories. This is your opportunity as a supplier to identify potential new contracting sources and network with buyers and other attendees.

Does this type of event really work?  Actually, that is up to you!  Did you use the time efficiently?  Did you do your research before you arrived at the event?  Do YOU follow up?  This is your opportunity as a supplier to identify potential new contracting sources and network with buyers and other attendees.

• Make dozens of face-to-face contacts in one day
• Receive contact information for buyers and contracting officers
• Meet companies that could potentially become "partners" in preparing proposals and contracts.

Unbelievable value for your time. Can you accomplish the same while sitting at your desk for 8 hours???!!!

What is the format for the day?

Keep in mind -- THIS IS A TOOL IN THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS. DO NOT EXPECT TO WIN A CONTRACT ON-SITE.  Ask pertinent questions and find out what that agency or contractor is looking for and what you need to do to qualify.

The MatchMaking area will be located in the center of the Exhibit Hall with exhibits around the perimeter.

• MATCHMAKING MEETINGS: Pre-Registered Attendees and Small Business exhibitors will be able to schedule their own meetings with prime contractors and government agencies shortly after registering. Additional meetings can be done approximately two weeks before the event.
• TRADE SHOW: Because of space restrictions, a limited number of booth spaces are available for this event.
• WORKSHOPS: A series of workshops will be on-going throughout the day detailing success strategies for doing business with the government.

Who's coming?