2024 Symposium
SYMPHONY OF INNOVATION: IGNITING MINDS AND INSPIRING FUTURES
Unlock the potential of your business at the City of Chicago 2024 Procurement Symposium! Dive into the world of government contracts and harness the transformative power of networking. Gain invaluable insights from industry experts, forge new alliances with peers, and arm yourself with practical strategies to navigate the intricacies of procurement. Be inspired, empowered, and prepared to take your business to new heights. Register now to seize this opportunity for growth and collaboration!
In today's fiercely competitive business landscape, securing government contracts presents a lucrative opportunity for companies of all sizes. However, the path to success in government contracting can be daunting and complex. That's why establishing robust connections and partnerships with government agencies and industry peers is crucial. These relationships provide access to valuable insights, best practices, and regulatory knowledge, while also facilitating strategic collaborations that enhance contract-winning capabilities. Whether you're a fledgling startup or a seasoned corporate player in the government contracting arena, nurturing these connections can yield significant short- and long-term dividends.
Join us at the City of Chicago’s in-person 2024 Procurement Symposium, featuring stimulating discussions and a unique platform for business owners to showcase their enterprises at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Whether actively pursuing government contract opportunities or simply exploring the potential, this outreach event promises to be a game-changer for your business. Connect with various government exhibitors and partners, exchange ideas, and forge mutually beneficial relationships. We're excited to welcome your participation in this enriching experience.
September 5, 2024
Malcolm X College | 1900 West Jackson Blvd
9AM to 4PM | Doors at 8:30AM
F E A T U R E D S P E A K E R S
Keynote Speaker
Ann McNeill
President| MCO Construction & MCO Consulting 
O U R F R E E P R O G R A M M I N G I N C L U D E S :
- High-level overview of infrastructure projects
- Conversational panels with insights on trending industry topics
- Meet face-to-face with government representatives
- Industry experts discussing real solutions to major industry problems
- Meet & mingle with peers as we look toward next-generation construction
P R O G R A M M I N G I T I N E R A R Y
A U D I T O R I U M
9:05 AM - 9:20 AM | OPENING PERFORMANCE
A Symphony of Inclusive Impact, Edith Yokley, Violinist, Chicago Sinfonietta
9:20 AM - 9:30 AM | WELCOME ADDRESS
Tiheta Hinton, Acting Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Procurement Services
9:30 AM | OPENING REMARKS
9:45 AM | KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Moving Your Business to the Next Level, Ann McNeill, President of MCO Construction and Services Inc.
10:30 AM - 3 :30 PM | EXHIBITION HALL OPENS (Hall will be closed until 10:30 AM).
S P O T L I G H T : ACCESS TO CAPITAL
10:35 AM - 11:35 AM | Connecting Communities through Funding Capital – U.S. Bank | Micae Brown, Assistant Vice President, Business Access Advisor
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Charting a Roadmap with the Small Business Administration | Geri Sanchez Aglipay, SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator, Region V
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE
The leaders on this panel have been tested repeatedly - only to come out on top as forces to be reckoned with in their industries. Today, they will share stories from their professional journeys, best practices, and advice that have helped them succeed.
Moderated By:
Jacqueline Umbles, Events & Information Coordinator | Department of Procurement Services
Chicago Mahogany Foundation | Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, Co-Founder
GMA Construction | Cornelius Griggs, President & CEO
Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) | Jacqueline “Jackie” Gomez, Executive Director
The William Everett Group | Ellen Rozelle Turner, Founder & CEO
Onyx Strategic Partners | Claude Robinson, CEO
Airbransinc.com | John Wober, Principal
C O N F E R E N C E R O O M S
r o o m 1 1 0 1
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM STRATEGY
Alicia Garcia-Abner, President, Trinal, Inc., and Joseph Cohen, Partner at Fox Rothschild LLC
r o o m 1 1 0 2
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY
Jana Williams, Assistant Procurement Officer, Department of Procurement Services
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM | HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED
Cordell McGary, Senior Certification and Compliance Officer, Department of Procurement Services
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM | UNDERSTANDING JOC - GORDIAN
Michael Judd, Regional Director, Operations, Cristiane (Cris) Jobes, Account Manager, Mid Lakes Region, Gordian
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | WHAT IS COMPLIANCE?
Charles Coleman, Compliance Manager, Department of Procurement Services
r o o m 1 1 0 3
1:00 PM & 2:00 PM | TOOLBOX RESOURCES: NAVIGATING CAPITAL ACCESS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
SomerCor | Kimberly Brisky, Managing Director of Communications and Engagement
JP Morgan Chase | Pamela Randle, V.P. Sr. Business Consultant, Minority Entrepreneur Initiative
Allies for Community Business | Chris Johnson, Senior Small Business Lender
BMO Bank N.A. | Ronald Milsap, Director, U.S. Zero Barriers to Business | Business Banking
Wintrust | Tracy Kelly, Vice President Relationship Manager, Community Banking
We hope to see you there!
Please reach out to DPS.Feedback@CityofChicago.Org for any accommodation needs.