2026 Forums Schedule of Events & Registration Information
Message from the CEOOn behalf of the Board of Directors, members of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC), it is my pleasure to invite you to the 2026 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day — the launch of our yearlong Forums series.I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the CBOF Planning Committee for their commitment, expertise, and leadership. Their work ensures that this event continues to grow in impact, relevance, and reach.As we look ahead, our focus is clear: creating growth for suppliers and results for companies. ChicagoMSDC has spent more than five decades strengthening the ecosystem for diverse suppliers. Today, we are doubling down on that mission by expanding access to opportunity, deepening corporate partnerships, and championing the long-term success of the businesses we serve.This year’s Forums will emphasize wealth building, enterprise valuation, and business succession — critical pillars for creating sustainable, intergenerational prosperity. Our goal is to equip business owners, corporate partners, and community leaders with the tools and relationships needed to build lasting economic power.We look forward to your participation and to another year of meaningful connections, strategic insights, and shared success.Dan SealsCEOChicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.Dan Seals 2 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
@CHICAGOMSDC WWW.CHICAGOMSDC.ORGChicago Business Opportunity Forums 2026 Planning CommitteeDonna Bridgeforth Bridgeforth AssociatesSuzi Cabo UnitedAli Calloway UnitedClifton ClarkComputer DecisionsCherise Conley Exelon/ComEdAnnie CarmodyChicagoMSDCJessica GemmellInternationalJackie Dyess Inter-City SupplyZenja Glass Greatness StaffingWalter Gore Peoples Gas North Shore GasAnita Hagan ChicagoMSDCErica Hernandez DeloitteJoyce Johnson Anchor StaffingGwen Jones ChicagoMSDCJudy C. Mathews Community Interface, Inc.Tom McLeary EndowDale Morrison UICBhavin Patel AbbottGermaine Reece CDWNeda Sharp ChicagoMSDCVanessa Smith ChicagoMSDCGary Sutton DeloitteRochelle Taylor CaesarsShyanne Tounsel ChicagoMSDCLauri Zessar Bienali PromotionsRobert SimpsonAonRegena CarsonNorthern TrustBruce MontgomeryState of IllinoisVictor Powell Powell PhotographyWendell DavisNational Material
On behalf of the ChicagoMSDC Board of Directors, our corporate sponsors, and the 2026 CBOF Planning Committee, we are honored to invite you to this year’s Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day.There is no better time for leaders across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to invest in the future of small business enterprises. Your participation in Chicago Business Opportunity Forums’ events helps fuel the momentum needed to strengthen our regional economy and expand opportunities for diverse suppliers.The 2026 Forums series will begin with Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Convene, Willis Tower. Throughout the year, the Forums will continue with the Dolores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon and the CBOF Speaker Series.Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day connects private- and public-sector buying organizations with small businesses and provides the time, space, and structure needed to build meaningful relationships. The ConnectionExchange offers a dynamic environment for corporations, government agencies, resource partners, and suppliers to exchange information and identify new opportunities.ChicagoMSDC is one of 23 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), advocating for small businesses at every level. Our network includes more than 250 buying organizations and 1,000 certified suppliers, representing billions in annual economic impact.We invite corporations to engage through our Early Bird Corporate Bundle Packages or our traditional CBOF Sponsorships — each designed to maximize visibility, access, and year-round engagement. 4 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONWe Invite You To Join Us!ELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
As ChicagoMSDC approaches six decades of advocacy, the organization is entering a new era of growth, innovation, and strategic impact. In recognition of the evolving needs of small, diverse, and local businesses and the shifting dynamics of global supply chains, in 2024, ChicagoMSDC transformed its signature event — the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair — into a more expansive, year-round platform: the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums.Our continued evolution honors the organization’s legacy while embracing a modern, future-focused approach to supplier development. The iconic CBOF acronym now reflects a broader, more dynamic suite of opportunities designed to elevate small businesses.Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day serves as the launch pad convening a powerful gathering that brings privateand public-sector buying organizations together with small businesses. With more focused programming and intentional time for relationship building, the event is designed to spark connections that grow into long-term, high-value partnerships.In 2025, our goal was to focus on the ever-changing business ecosystem while navigating the political landscape. One of the highlights from 2025 was a dynamic general session panel featuring some of the best legal, financial, and entrepreneurial minds that included Ernest Brown of Brown & Moman, Steven Hunter of Quarles & Brady, and Joyce Johnson of Pacific Gate Capital. They each shared insights on negotiating better agreement terms, accessing new markets and increasing your competitive position.In 2026, Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day promises to be just as informative. The full day of activities will kick off during the Plenary Session featuring opening remarks from ChicagoMSDC leadership, sponsors, and government officials followed by a presentation from recognized industry leaders during the General Session. After the General Session we will convene for lunch to celebrate the exemplary contributions of major corporations, buyers and suppliers during the Annual Sharing Success Awards Program. Each year we honor individuals for their procurement advocacy and their commitment to keep responsible sourcing at the forefront of America’s business ecosystem. The luncheon will be immediately followed by the traditional Ribbon Cutting Ceremony before the Chicago Business Opportunity Day ConnectionExchange! The ConnectionExchange offers the perfect backdrop for corporations, government agencies, business assistance agencies, and suppliers to exchange information. The day will then culminate with the Wine Down Reception to close out the event. We invite corporations to select from three distinct “Early Bird” Sponsorship Packages, all of which offer a variety of ways to engage your organization throughout the year. 2026 CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 5Chicago BusinessOpportunity ForumsELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
9:30 AM Registration Opens9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Continental Light Fare10:15 AM – 10:30 AM Plenary Session10:30 AM – 11:45 AM General Session12:00 PM – 1:45 PM Sharing Success Awards Luncheon1:45 PM – 2:00 PM ConnectionExchange Ribbon Cutting Ceremony2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ConnectionExchange2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Business Hubs5:00PM – 6:00 PM Wine Down ReceptionCONVENE, WILLIS TOWERChicago Business Opportunity Forums DayDolores SaxtonWalker Scholarship Awards Luncheon11:30 AM Reception12:00 PM Lunch Service12:45 PM Awards Ceremony1:45 PM Closing Remarks2:00 PM Group Photo OppsCBOF Speaker SeriesQ3 – Speaker Series I & II 6 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONSchedule of Events At-A-GlanceFriday | April 17, 2026Tuesday | May 5, 20262026 | Dates TBAELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council invites corporate buying organizations, small business owners, resource organizations, government agencies and NMSDC affiliates to join us for the 2026 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums’ series of events beginning with Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day on April 17, 2026. 2026 CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 72026 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums (CBOF) RegistrationELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
The 2026 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums’ event series is a great marketing and branding opportunity for all our corporations, suppliers, and resource organizations. Corporate Sponsorship Bundles offer high visibility throughout the year, exclusive participation, exclusivity for specific events, and multiple event tickets into one consolidated package that includes exhibiting at the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day ConnectionExchange. Contact ChicagoMSDC for more information on Corporate Sponsorship Bundles.Top Level CBOF Sponsors will enjoy premium brand recognition at the event, reserved table seating at the Sharing Success Awards Program for Diamond sponsors, and premium seating for Platinum and Gold sponsors. Top Level Sponsors may also purchase additional Forum event tickets per person, and co-host special events or a CBOF Speaker Series. SPONSORSHIP PACKAGESDIAMOND$35,000PLATINUM$20,000GOLD$10,000SILVER$5,000COPPER$3,000Full CBO Day Passes 10 6 4 2 1Standard Exhibit Space up to 8x8 X X XMBEIC Sharing Success Awards Luncheon X X XScholarship Awards Luncheon X XCBOF Speaker Series X X XNews Feature: Digital Resource Guide XFULL PAGE FULL PAGE FULL PAGE HALF PAGE QUARTER PAGEAd Placement: Digital Resource Guide X X X X XLogo Inclusion: Event Signs and Digital Screens X X X X X 8 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONSponsorship OpportunitiesELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
There are several ways to customize your sponsorship and provide additional in-kind support to create the best fit for your company’s participation and exposure. Discover ways to elevate your company’s visibility or accesss throughout the year by partnering with the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums event series.Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day♦ Mobile App♦ Badges & Lanyards♦ Sharing Success Awards Luncheon♦ Digital Directional Signage♦ Volunteer Apparel♦ Wine Down Reception♦ Digital Displays♦ Conference Bags♦ ConnectionExchange Activation♦ Photography/Video♦ Musical Entertainment♦ TransportationDolores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon♦ Musical Entertainment♦ Badges♦ Signage♦ Floral Decorations♦ Photography/Video♦ Social Media Management – (e.g., Facebook Live, TikTok, etc.)MBEIC Sharing Success Awards Luncheon♦ Musical Entertainment♦ Signage♦ Floral Decorations♦ Photography/Video♦ TransportationChicago Business Opportunity Forums Speaker Series♦ Facility Host♦ Food & Beverage♦ Badges♦ Directional SignageFor sponsorship inquiries and commitments, please contact:Judy C. Mathews | 312-519-0973 | [email protected] CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 9CustomSponsorshipDESIGN YOUR OWNELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council will continue to follow the guiding principles for sustainable exhibitions to include the following:♦ Selecting a sustainable event venue that adheres tosustainable practices, policies, and infrastructure♦ Minimizing carbon emissions with a sustainable freight, shippingand transportation strategy♦ Developing policies for exhibitors and vendors♦ Developing a waste management strategy to include digitalcommunications, and limited giveaways♦ Using eco-friendly materials♦ Using digital marketing♦ Providing digital alternatives for brochures, flyers, product/service information♦ Partnering with sustainable suppliers committed to sustainabilityand social responsibilityThank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in April.Our Sustainability Initiative 10 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day Friday | April 17, 2026One pass to Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day includes:♦ Continental Light Fare♦ General Session♦ Sharing Success Awards Luncheon♦ Business Hubs Access - Financial Advisory Services Hub - Public Sector Hub♦ 8x8 Exhibit Space (included)Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange♦ Two passes: Wine Down Reception Dolores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon Tuesday | May 5, 2026 CBOF Speaker Series I & II TBA | 2026One TicketStandard Registration Fees by April 3, 2026One TicketMinority Firms NMSDC Certified $1,700 Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $1,700Agency, Government, Non-Profits $2,050Corporate Member $2,225Corporate Non-Member $2,8252026 CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 11Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Package OPTION 1ELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day Friday | April 17, 2026One pass to Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day includes:♦ Continental Light Fare♦ General Session♦ Sharing Success Awards Luncheon♦ Business Hubs Access - Financial Advisory Services Hub - Public Sector Hub♦ Business Opportunity ConnectionExchangeAccess♦ Wine Down Reception Dolores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon Tuesday | May 5, 2026 CBOF Speaker Series I & II TBA | 2026One TicketStandard Registration Fees by April 3, 2026Late/On-Site Registration Fees after April 3, 2026One TicketMinority Firms NMSDC Certified $1,025Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $1,025Agency, Government, Non-Profits $1,250Corporate Member $1,400Corporate Non-Member $1,600Minority Firms NMSDC Certified $1,275Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $1,275Agency, Government, Non-Profits $1,500Corporate Member $1,675Corporate Non-Member $1,800 12 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONChicago Business Opportunity Forums - All Events OPTION 2ELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
One pass to Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day includes:♦ Continental Light Fare♦ General Session♦ Sharing Success Awards Luncheon♦ Business Hubs Access - Financial Advisory Services Hub - Public Sector Hub♦ Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange Access♦ Wine Down ReceptionStandard Registration Fees by April 3, 2026 On-Site Registration Fees after April 3, 2026 Friday | April 17, 2026Minority Firms NMSDC Certified $825Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $825Agency, Government, Non-Profits $1,025Corporate Member $1,125Corporate Non-Member $1,325Minority Firms NMSDC Certified $1,025Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $1,025Agency, Government, Non-Profits $1,275Corporate Member $1,375Corporate Non-Member $1,5252026 CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 13Chicago BusinessOpportunity Forums Day OPTION 3ELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Standard Registration Fees by April 3, 2026Late/On-Site Registration Fees after April 3, 2026 Friday | April 17, 2026Minority Firms NMSDC Certified $475Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $475Agency, Government, Non-Profits $575Corporate Member $675Corporate Non-Member $675Minority Firms NMSDC Certified $575Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $575Agency, Government, Non-Profits $775Corporate Member $875Corporate Non-Member $8751/2 day access to Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day includes:♦ Entry at 1:30 PM♦ Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange access only♦ Wine Down Reception 14 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONConnectionExchangeand Reception Only OPTION 4ELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Standard Registration Fees by April 3, 2026Late/On-Site Registration Fees after April 3, 2026*Please note, sponsors will be given priority for exhibit space Friday | April 17, 2026Minority Firms NMSDC Certified $675Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $675Agency, Government, Non-Profits $800Corporate Member $825Corporate Non-Member $1,225Minority Firms NMSDC Certified $875Minority Firms NMSDC Non-Certified $875Agency, Government, Non-Profits $1,000Corporate Member $1,025Corporate Non-Member $1,5751/2 day access to Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day includes:♦ Entry at 1:00 PM♦ 8x8 exhibit space in the Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange♦ Wine Down Reception2026 CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 15Exhibitors OnlyExhibitor and Wine Down Reception OPTION 5ELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Exhibit Hall ScheduleExhibits will be housed in the North and South Halls on the 3rd Floor of Convene at Willis Tower. Space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to Chicago Business Opportunity Forums’ sponsors.What’s included with the Exhibit Space♦ Exhibit space up to 8 x 8 feet♦ Exhibit space signage♦ One (1) 6’ table♦ Two (2) chairs♦ Two (2) Exhibitor Staff ConnectionExchange passes per spaceWhat Exhibitors Need to Bring♦ One (1) branded tablecloth featuring your logo to fit 6’ tableTraditional draped linen or stretch spandex tablecloths will fit exhibitor tables. If you do not have a branded tablecloth and would like to order, please contact the following suppliers for ordering information:♦ Bienali Promotions www.bienali.com♦ Bridgeforth Wolf & Associates www.bwapromos.com♦ Creative Promotional Solutions www.thecpsstore.com♦ Excel Screen Printing & Embroidery, Inc. www.excelscreenprinting.comIf you prefer a standard plain tablecloth, ChicagoMSDC will provide it upon request.What Exhibitors Can Leave BehindIn keeping with our sustainability mission, only small floor pop-ups can be used in the ConnectionExchange or exhibit gallery. Branded table signage and other graphics will be provided by ChicagoMSDC and are included in your exhibitor package.Quick Facts for Exhibitors♦ NMSDC-certified minority business enterprises, NMSDC Regional councils, resource organizations, national and local corporate members, and government agencies are eligible to exhibit.♦ Exhibit-only fees include the Wine Down Reception. It does not include full conference registration or other scheduled events under the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums banner, which can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at a date to be announced.♦ Exhibit space will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to sponsors.♦ Only one (1) business may display per exhibit space.♦ Email for assistance: [email protected]: The North and South Exhibit Halls are fully carpeted.10:00 AM Sponsor Exhibitor access begins11:30 AM Sponsor Exhibitor set up ends 1:00 PM General Exhibitor access begins 1:30 PM General Exhibitor set up ends4:30 PM All Exhibitors move out begins5:30 PM All Exhibitors move out ends 16 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONImportant Exhibitor InformationELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Helpful info for submissions, exhibition, and registration. Logo Submissions and UseSponsors accept responsibility for logo submission/ verification prior to March 13, 2026. Poor quality and incorrect size or format of the logo submitted may limit or prevent the proper use of the logo. Please verify that your logo is unchanged or submit a new .eps versionof your logo online.Ad SubmissionsAdvertising deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026. Full page ads should be sized for 8.5”x11” publications. Advertisers that do not meet the ad deadlines will forfeit their opportunity for ad placement without refund. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that is non-compliant with professional and legal standards or may be considered offensive. Ad copy mistakes or errors are the responsibility of the advertiser. Changing or replacing ads will be permitted only before the ad deadline date.Artwork SubmissionsLogos, ads, photos, and any creative assets submitted are granted a limited license to publish in association with the conference and the ChicagoMSDC and are subject to quality review and deadlines. Sponsors will hold the ChicagoMSDC and all associated publishers harmless for artwork limitations and late submissions.All logos, ads, and artwork are to be submitted to: [email protected] by the designated deadline.Exhibit SpaceNMSDC-certified minority-owned suppliers, resource organizations, national and local corporate members, and government agencies are eligible to exhibit. Exhibit space is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis in association with sponsorship and payment. Only one business may be represented per booth.In keeping with our sustainability mission, all accommodations are being provided by ChicagoMSDC to include furnishings and signage. We are requesting exhibitors use pull-up signage and refrain from anything requiring power.Exhibit space is limited to two people. Exhibitors are eligible to receive two (2) Exhibitor badges per standard exhibit space to access the Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange.Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Package RegistrationThe Forums Registration Package provides access to all events, excluding any engagements that are by invitation only. Sponsorship packages include a specified number of Full Day Registrations for Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day and tickets for the Dolores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon. Sponsors must submit full name and contact info for each person receiving Full Package access by March 27, 2026.Transferring RegistrationRegistration badges are not transferable once issued.Photo ReleaseParticipants and sponsors agree to the unrestricted use and publishing of images featuring employees and/or owners associated for the purposes of event marketing, advertising and public relations.2026 CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 17General GuidanceELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Print Ad SpecificationsSubmit high resolution, print quality artwork.File formats accepted: .PDF, .EPS or .JPEG (300 DPI) Please do not deliver program source files.♦ All Ads are printed in full color.♦ All Full-Page Ads are vertical only.♦ Full Page Ads live area is 8” x 10.5” (add .25” bleed).♦ Half-page Ads horizontal live area is 8” x 5”(no bleed).♦ Half-page vertical live area is 4” x 10.5” (no bleed).♦ Quarter-page Ads are 4” x 5.25” (no bleed).♦ Actual finished size of publication is 8.5” x 11”.Artwork DeliveryPlease e-mail ad artwork only file(s) and/or link [email protected] Deadline is March 20, 2026.Ads submitted after the deadline are not guaranteed for placement. If approved as an exception, rush fees may apply. Ad Type Size CostFull Page 8.5” x 11” $2,000Half Page – horizontal 8.5” x 5.5” $1,000Half Page – vertical 4.25” x 11” $1,000Quarter Page 4.25\" x 5.5\" $500Half Page (vertical)Half Page (horizontal) Quarter PageFull Page2025 EditionCompeting in a New World2025 Forums Schedule of Events & Registration Information 18 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONResource Guide AdvertisingThe official Forums reference guide.ELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Thank you for registering and/or sponsoring the 2026 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums. Please mark your calendar and meet all deadlines to maximize your participation. All deadlines are 5:00 pm Central Daylight Time (CDT) on the dates noted below.February 13, 2026 Sharing Success Award Nominations Deadline March 13, 2026 Early Sponsorship and Exhibitor Commitment DeadlineMarch 13, 2026 Logo Submission / Verification Deadline for SponsorsMarch 20, 2026 Resource Guide Ad Placement DeadlineMarch 27, 2026 Exhibitor Registration DeadlineApril 3, 2026 Standard Registration Fees Expire. Rates Increase.2026 CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 19Key Dates to RememberELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
Convene, Willis Tower, is located at 233 South Wacker Drive 3rd Floor, Chicago, in Chicago’s West Loop.Convene Willis Tower hotel partners:Special discount rates are not available for Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day. For best available rates, please book through third-party hotel apps such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hopper, Hotels.com, Trivago, and Priceline.TravelUnited Airlines is the official CBOF Air Travel PartnerJW MARRIOTT CHICAGO151 West Adams StreetChicago, IL 60603THE LASALLE CHICAGO, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION208 South LaSalle StreetChicago, IL 60604CANOPY BY HILTON CHICAGO CENTRAL LOOP226 West Jackson BoulevardChicago, IL 60606HYATT PLACE CHICAGOCENTRAL LOOP28 N. Franklin Street Chicago, IL 60606 20 | 2026 FORUMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATIONChicago Business Opportunity Forums Day will be held at Convene Travel andAccommodationsELEVATE. EMPOWER. EXCEL.
WWW.CHICAGOMSDC.ORG@CHICAGOMSDCSPONSORSThe Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and one of the 23 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).LEGENDARY SPONSORSPLATINUM SPONSORSGOLD SPONSORS