CONNECTING BUSINESS TO OPPORTUNITY
California Connect unites the state Supplier Diversity Symposium, hosted in recent years by the California Coalition for Diverse Initiative, and the SoCal Supplier Outreach Event, a longstanding regional initiative connecting small and diverse businesses with public-sector procurement opportunities, into an expanded statewide experience focused on advancing good government and better business.
The California Department of General Services (DGS) Procurement Division, the SoCal Procurement Alliance, the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), and the Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA) have joined forces to leverage their collective resources, expertise, and partnerships. Together, they are creating a dynamic statewide event designed to expand contracting opportunities, strengthen supplier relationships, and drive economic growth for small and diverse businesses across California.
Join approximately 1,500 attendees, including small and diverse-owned businesses, other private-sector companies, nonprofit organizations, government and public sector organizations, and business support organizations, to share ideas, explore resources, and build valuable relationships.
Through educational sessions, panel discussions, and the expo, gain practical insights into procurement, discover business support services, and connect with organizations offering contracting opportunities.
Make meaningful connections through Matchmaking. These pre-scheduled, 15-minute meetings give participating business and nonprofit exhibitors dedicated time with government and public-sector procurement professionals to discuss contracting opportunities, procurement needs, and available resources. Eligible supplier exhibitors may participate in up to three Matchmaking meetings.
Whether you’re preparing to pursue your first government contract, expanding your network, or helping businesses succeed, California Connect offers opportunities to learn, build relationships, and strengthen California’s procurement community.
Select a registration option that includes Matchmaking to participate in scheduled meetings.
WHY ATTEND?
Knowledge: Learn how to navigate government procurement and understand procurement strategies and best practices.
Connections: Engage directly with the people and organizations behind procurement.
Readiness: Build the knowledge and confidence to pursue contracting opportunities.
Collaboration: Strengthen relationships and partnerships across California's procurement community.
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Sponsors will be featured here as they are confirmed. Explore sponsorship opportunities to connect with California's procurement community and support business growth.
Sponsor organizations help California Connect expand access to procurement education, business resources, and government contracting opportunities. Their support brings businesses, procurement professionals, and community partners together to build relationships and strengthen California's procurement community. Sponsors also gain valuable visibility among these audiences.
THE PARTNERS BEHIND CALIFORNIA CONNECT
California Connect brings together the leadership and expertise of the SoCal Procurement Alliance, the California Department of General Services, the Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA), and the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO). Together, these hosts are expanding connections, resources, and opportunities across California’s procurement community.
