Schedule-at-a-Glance - Day 1

Schedule-at-a-Glance

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

EXPO 2022 Registration Opens

7:30 a.m.

Vaccination is required for all in-person attendees and must be verified prior to September 23rd. If vaccination is not verified, registrants will be sent a link to participate virtually. NO EXCEPTIONS.

State of Texas: Access & Opportunity Workshop 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Demystify the State of Texas procurement process. Learn about HUB resources to support MBEs and identify the different procurement tools used by state agencies such as NIGP codes, the Central Master Bidders List (CMBL), and the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). Unearth real procurement opportunities from university procurement, construction, or health and human services. The Guest Speakers will be Lauryn Ott (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Statewide HUB Program, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator), Karen Gross (University of Texas Medical Branch), Taylor Harkey (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Central Master Bidders List Outreach Specialist), Kyle Gavit (Texas Department of Information Resources, HUB Coordinator), and Laura Zarate (Texas Department of Information Resources, HUB Coordinator).

Chief Procurement Officer Summit 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Summit begins with an economic outlook and forecast from one of Houston’s leading economists, followed by a spirited exchange of ideas, challenges, and opportunities in supplier diversity and supplier development. Procurement leaders will share best practices and discuss solutions to address challenges related to preparing MBEs to be more competitive in todays and tomorrow’s supply chain. The Guest Speaker will be Patrick Jankowksi (Greater Houston Partnership, Senior Vice President, and Chief Economist).

Government Agency Spot Bid Fair 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Spot Bid Fair, sponsored by Senators Borris Miles and Carol Alvarado will provide information and access to immediate business opportunities for smaller firms seeking an entry point to doing business with state agencies

HMSDC Rigel Awards 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Rigel Awards returns to an in-person event and Khambrel Marshall (KPRC Channel 2, Journalist, Meteorologist, and Community Leader) returns as master of ceremony. HMSDC's Rigel Awards bring exhibitors together with general attendees to recognize corporations and minority business enterprises (MBEs) for their contribution to the development of minority businesses in greater Houston. The Rigel Awards are HMSDC’s most prestigious awards that recognize corporations that are setting new standards and establishing best practices for corporate supplier diversity programs and MBEs that are providing best-in-class service to their corporate customers. Additional guest speakers will be Elizabeth Brock (CenterPoint Energy, Vice President of Energy Solutions and Business Services), Ruben Flores (The Fierro Group, CEO), and Chandra Miller (Irby Utilities, Account Manager & Branch Ops Manager).

BizTalk: A Sustainable Master Energy Plan for Houston’s Future 1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Bob Charlet (Houston Business Journal, Market President & Publisher) will allow you to experience how HMSDC and the Houston Business Journal are driving thought leadership and discussing business growth trends. BizTalk connects you with leaders and information needed to understand how to best position your business for growth in the greater Houston area. The City of Houston and CenterPoint Energy are partnering to develop a regional master energy plan to advance Houston’s transition to sustainable energy.

MBE Best In Class Reception 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The Best In Class reception is sponsored by certified MBEs of the HMSDC. The reception provides the opportunity for MBEs to recognize and thank our sponsors and exhibitors that support supplier diversity and minority business development. Join us in recognizing HMSDC Corporate and MBE Accountability Champions who reported expenditures with MBEs the previous fiscal year.