Black 50% M: 66 Y: 98 K: 1 M: 16 Y: 99 K: 0 Acronyms Initial Cap - Primary 2024 Schedule of Events & Registration Information Guide Learn. Connect. Commit.
Debra Jennings-Johnson Message from the President On behalf of the Board of Directors, members of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC), and the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums (CBOF) Planning Committee, we are excited to present Chicago Business Opportunity Day, the Forums launch event, on April 16, 2024. I would like to thank and commend members of the CBOF Planning Committee for their dedication of time, talent, and resources to help make our inaugural event under the Forums banner a success. For more than 56 years, the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair helped foster and facilitate connections that led to long-standing partnerships between minority-owned businesses and buying organizations. Building on the legacy of the organization’s strong history, we are positioning ChicagoMSDC to continue to be transformative in the work that it does through the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums series of events. We look forward to your participation in 2024 and joining us on our journey into the future. 2 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE (Seated left to right) Judy C. Mathews, Victor Powell, Joyce Johnson, Rona Forte, Debra Jennings-Johnson, Cherise Conley (Standing left to right) Kenneth King, Zenja Glass, Donna Bridgeforth, Germaine Reece, Thomas McLeary, Regena Carson CBOF Planning Committee
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 3 We Invite You To Join Us! Christine A. Leahy CEO, CDW Chair, CBOF Planning Committee This year, the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC) is taking its well-known networking and business development opportunities to a new level. ChicagoMSDC will present a year-long suite of programs as the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums. While maintaining the iconic CBOF acronym associated with the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair, the Forums will provide greater opportunity to make Quality Connections throughout the year. The Chicago Business Opportunity Forums will build on the success of the historical Chicago Business Opportunity Fair to become the next highly anticipated series of opportunities to learn and connect. The Forums will launch with Chicago Business Opportunity Day on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, to be held at Convene, Fulton Market, located at 333 North Green Street, followed by the Scholarship Awards Luncheon on April 24, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and the MBEIC Sharing Success Awards and MBE Legends Reception and Program being held in May. Chicago Business Opportunity Day will connect privateand public-sector buying organizations with certified minority businesses. The event will offer participants more intensive networking opportunities that can lead to enduring business relationships. ChicagoMSDC recognizes that successful partnerships are developed with greater focus and more time, so the Forums are designed to help build that foundation. The Chicago Business Opportunity Forums will continue to help you make quality connections with corporate CEOs, procurement executives and supplier diversity professionals from the top multinational companies, as well as leading Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American business owners, and international organizations. ChicagoMSDC is one of 23 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) with the collective mission to certify, develop, connect and advocate for minority businesses. The network’s success is historic and unmatched. ChicagoMSDC works with 250 private and public-sector buying organizations and 1,000 certified minority businesses. ChicagoMSDC buying members report more than $3 billion in annual purchases from minority-owned suppliers, while the Council’s certified minority business enterprises employ more than 20,000 workers annually. On behalf of the ChicagoMSDC board of directors, staff, and CBOF Planning Committee, we invite you to join us and other corporate members, minority suppliers, elected officials and resource organizations as we celebrate and accelerate the advancement of minority-owned suppliers at the launch of the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums.
4 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE Our Sustainability Initiative Embarking on a bold, new initiative requires change at every level. Conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions significantly impact the environment due to the large amounts of energy and resources required to produce them. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events in collaboration with the Events Industry Council have partnered to promote more sustainable exhibitions and reduce the carbon footprint of the industry. In the spirit of this collaboration, the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council will begin adopting some of the guiding principles for sustainable exhibitions to include the following: ♦ Selecting a sustainable event venue that has adheres to sustainable practices, policies, and infrastructure ♦ Minimizing carbon emissions with a sustainable freight, shipping and transportation strategy ♦ Developing policies for exhibitors and vendors ♦ Developing a waste management strategy to include digital communications, 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 sustainability and social responsibility Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in 2024.
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 5 Schedule of Events Tuesday | April 16, 2024 CONVENE, FULTON MARKET Chicago Business Opportunity Day Chicago Business Opportunity Day will offer thoughtprovoking presentations by leading experts and access to key decision makers scheduled to exhibit in the Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange. All participants will be provided access to the CBOF Digital Resource guide listing exhibitors and nonexhibitor attendees. 7:30 AM Registration Opens 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM Meet & Mingle Buffet Breakfast 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM General Session 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Exhibitor Set-up Access 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM Networking Lunch 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Wine Down Reception
6 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE Schedule of Events continued Wednesday | April 24, 2024 Hosted by Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Delores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon The Delores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Fund was instituted in 1979. For 45 years, it has supplied academic scholarships to high-performing, well-rounded high school students who have the potential to be future entrepreneurs, and business and government leaders. 11:30 AM Reception 12:00 PM Lunch Service 12:45 PM Awards Ceremony 1:45 PM Closing Remarks 2:00 PM Group Photo Opps Wednesday | May 8, 2024 Hosted by Sharing Success Awards and MBE Legends Program & Reception The Sharing Success Awards and MBE Legends Program and Reception is ChicagoMSDC’s MBEIC Committee’s opportunity to honor and recognize the year’s outstanding buyers, successful suppliers and community advocates. In 2024, we will recognize Chicago MBE Legends who paved the way for generations of minority-owned businesses. 5:30 PM Sharing Success Awards and MBE Legends Program 6:30 PM Post-Awards Program Reception
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 7 Thursday | June 27, 2024 Hosted by CPO Summit The CPO Summit is a collective dialogue between Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) to discuss issues vital to identifying and addressing the challenges within supply chain processes, and to share best practices to increase inclusion and accelerate the development of a diverse business ecosystem in Chicago. The CPO Summit is limited to Chief Procurement Officers and Procurement leaders and is by invitation only. November 2024 Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition To create a sustainable pipeline of minority businesses that can perform competitively, the ChicagoMSDC Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition is designed to engage young minority business entrepreneurs to help them become better prepared at presenting their core competencies and expanding their knowledge to incrementally build capacity that will enable their businesses to grow and thrive. We will engage established MBEs and corporate advisors across key industry sectors, to serve as advisors, mentors, and a panel of judges. 2024 Industry Group Speaker Series The ChicagoMSDC Industry Group Speaker Series will feature recognized leaders from our targeted industry group sectors to share insights, experiences, and trending opportunities within their field. This will be a great opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and tips from industry experts on trends, procurement needs, and how to become contract ready for opportunities in the commercial real estate and property management, financial services/insurance, healthcare, IT, and transportation & logistics industries. Scheduled Dates Wednesday, May 23 Thursday, June 20 Wednesday, July 31 Thursday, September 19 Wednesday, November 20 Hosted by
8 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE Chicago Business Opportunity Day Highlights The General Session will kick-off the day’s activities featuring opening remarks from leadership and the CBOF Title Sponsor followed by presentations from recognized industry experts on hot topics impacting supplier diversity, and minority business growth and development. Ribbon Cutting and Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange VIPs will participate in a brief ceremonial ribbon cutting photo opportunity before exhibitors and attendees enter the Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange, which is the featured engagement and foundation of our mission to connect stakeholders in the supplier diversity community in Chicago. This segment offers the perfect backdrop for corporations, government agencies, business assistance organizations and minority business enterprises to exchange info about products, services, opportunities and solutions. Interactions between minority suppliers and corporate/government buyers are the catalyst to building relationships and preparing for opportunities. Wine Down Reception After the ConnectionExchange wraps up, the Wine Down Reception is the final opportunity to grab a social drink and a bite to eat. Before we go our separate ways, connect with new contacts, old friends, business prospects and fellow colleagues.
2024 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums (CBOF) Registration The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council invites corporate buying organizations, minority business owners, resource organizations, government agencies and NMSDC affiliates to join us for the launch of the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums’ year-long series of events beginning with the launch of Chicago Business Opportunity Day on April 16, 2024.
10 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE OPTION 1 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums—All Events Chicago Business Opportunity Day Tuesday | April 16, 2024 One pass to Chicago Business Opportunity Day includes: ♦ Meet & Mingle Breakfast ♦ General Session ♦ Networking Luncheon ♦ Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange Access ♦ Wine Down Reception Dolores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon Wednesday | April 24, 2024 One Ticket Sharing Success Awards and MBE Legends Program & Reception Wednesday | May 8, 2024 One Ticket Industry Group Speaker Series See page 7 One pass for attendance at a session of your choice Select from the following five (5) industry groups: ♦ Commercial Real Estate/ Property Management ♦ Financial Services/Insurance Services ♦ Healthcare ♦ IT ♦ Transportation & Logistics **Corporate 1:1’s will be part of the Industry Group Speaker Series. Participation is by invitation only. Standard Registration Fees by March 29, 2024 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $1,000 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms Non-NMSDC Certified: $1,225 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Member: $1,375 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Non-Member: $1,575 Late/On-Site Registration Fees after March 29, 2024 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $1,250 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms Non-NMSDC Certified: $1,475 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Member: $1,625 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Non-Member: $1,775
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 11 OPTION 2 Chicago Business Opportunity Day Tuesday | April 16, 2024 One pass to Chicago Business Opportunity Day includes: ♦ Meet & Mingle Breakfast ♦ General Session ♦ Networking Luncheon ♦ Business Opportunity ConnectionExchange ♦ Wine Down Reception Standard Registration Fees by March 29, 2024 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $800 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms Non-NMSDC Certified: $1,000 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Member: $1,100 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Non-Member: $1,300 Late/On-Site Registration Fees after March 29, 2024 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $1,000 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms Non-NMSDC Certified: $1,250 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Member: $1,350 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Non-Member: $1,500
12 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE OPTION 3 ConnectionExchange and Wine Down Reception Only Tuesday | April 16, 2024 Standard Registration Fees by March 29, 2024 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $450 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms Non-NMSDC Certified: $550 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Members and Non-Members: $650 Late/On-Site Registration Fees after March 29, 2024 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $550 Non-Exhibitor Minority Firms Non-NMSDC Certified: $750 Non-Exhibitor Corporate Members and Non-Members: $850
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 13 OPTION 4 Exhibitors Only Exhibitor and Wine Down Reception Only Tuesday | April 16, 2024 Standard Registration Fees by March 29, 2024 Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $625 Government, Non-Profits: $775 Corporate Member: $825 Corporate Non-Member: $1,225 Late/On-Site Registration Fees after March 29, 2024 Minority Firms NMSDC Certified: $825 Government, Non-Profits: $975 Corporate Member: $1,025 Corporate Non-Member: $1,525 *Please note, sponsors will be given priority for exhibit space.
14 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE Sponsorship Overview The 2024 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums is a great marketing and branding opportunity for all our corporations, suppliers, and resource organizations. Top Level Sponsorships 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 Day ConnectionExchange. Top Level Sponsors will enjoy premium brand recognition at the largest events. Top Level Sponsors may also purchase additional Forum event tickets per person, and co-host special events or an Industry Group Speaker Series. CBOF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES DIAMOND $35,000 PLATINUM $20,000 GOLD $10,000 SILVER $5,000 COPPER $3,000 Full CBO Day Passes 10 6 4 2 1 Standard Exhibit Space up to 8x8 X X X Scholarship Awards Luncheon X X MBEIC Sharing Success Awards and MBE Legends Program & Reception X X Industry Group Speaker Series X News Feature: Digital Resource Guide X FULL PAGE FULL PAGE FULL PAGE HALF PAGE QUARTER PAGE Ad Placement: Digital Resource Guide X X X X X Logo Inclusion: Event Signs and Digital Screens X X X X X
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 15 Important Exhibitor Information Exhibits will be housed in two locations of the conference center: The Green Forum and the Green Forum Gallery located on the 6th floor. 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 space What Exhibitors Need to Bring ♦ One (1) branded tablecloth featuring your logo to fit 6’ table Traditional 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.com If you prefer a standard plain tablecloth, ChicagoMSDC will provide it upon request. What Exhibitors Can Leave Behind In keeping with our sustainability mission, pop-ups to include signage and booth displays will not be used in the ConnectionExchange or exhibit gallery. Branded signage and other graphics will be provided by ChicagoMSDC and are included in your exhibitor package. Exhibit Hall Schedule 10:00 AM Exhibitor access begins 11:30 PM Exhibitor set up ends 5:30 PM Exhibitor move out begins 7:30 PM Exhibitor move out ends 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 do not include conference registration, meals, 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 firstcome, first-served basis with priority given to sponsors. ♦ Only one (1) business may display per exhibit space. ♦ Email for assistance: [email protected] Note: The Green Forum (main hall of the exhibit space) is carpeted. The Green Gallery area is not carpeted.
16 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE Custom Sponsorship DESIGN YOUR OWN 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. Find out how to increase your company’s visibility for the Chicago Business Opportunity Forums’ series of events during the year. Chicago Business Opportunity Day ♦ Mobile App ♦ Badges & Lanyards ♦ Networking Lunch ♦ Digital Directional Signage ♦ Volunteer Apparel ♦ Wine Down Reception ♦ Digital Displays ♦ Conference Bags ♦ ConnectionExchange Activation ♦ Photography/Video ♦ Musical Entertainment ♦ Transportation For sponsorship inquiries and commitments, please contact: Judy C. Mathews | 312-519-0973 [email protected] The 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). Delores 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 and MBE Legends Program & Reception ♦ Musical Entertainment ♦ Badges ♦ Signage ♦ Floral Decorations ♦ Photography/Video ♦ Transportation Industry Group Speaker Series ♦ Facility Host ♦ Food & Beverage ♦ Badges ♦ Directional Signage
Sponsors TITLE SPONSOR LEGENDARY SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS
18 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE General Guidance Helpful info for submissions, exhibition, and registration. Logo Submissions and Use Sponsors accept responsibility for logo submission/ verification prior to March 15, 2024. 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 version of your logo online. Ad Submissions Advertising deadline is Friday, March 22, 2024. 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 Submissions Logos, 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 Space NMSDC-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 refrain from using pop-up displays, and 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 All-Events Registration The Forums All-Events 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 Day, tickets for the Delores Saxton-Walker Scholarship Awards Luncheon and the Sharing Success Awards and MBE Legends Program and Reception. Sponsors must submit full name and contact info for each person receiving Full Package access by March 29, 2024. Transferring Registration Registration badges are not transferable once issued. Photo Release Participants 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.
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 19 Resource Guide Advertising The official Forums reference guide. Ad Type Size Cost Full Page 8.5" x 11" $2,000 Half Page – horizontal 8.5" x 5.5" $1,000 Half Page – vertical 4.25" x 11" $1,000 $1,000 Quarter Page 4.25" x 5.5" $500 Full Half Page (horizontal) Quarter Page Half Page (vertical) Print Ad Specifications Submit 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 Delivery Please e-mail ad artwork only file(s) and/or link to [email protected]. Submission Deadline is March 22, 2024. Ads submitted after the deadline are not guaranteed for placement. If approved as an exception, rush fees may apply. @CHICAGOMSDC RESOURCE GUIDE CHICAGOMSDC.ORG 56TH ANNUAL CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FAIR RESOURCE GUIDE QUALITY CONNECTIONS BUILDING BUSINESS TOGETHER 2023 2023 Edition
20 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE Travel and Accommodations Chicago Business Opportunity Day will be held at Convene, Fulton Market District. Convene, Fulton Market, is located at 333 North Green Street, Chicago, in Chicago’s West Loop, the hotbed of activity for new-age entrepreneurs. Convene is a conference facility only Convene recommends the following hotel partners: The Hoxton 200 North Green Street Chicago 60607 82 ft. from Convene The Emily Hotel 311 North Morgan Chicago 60607 0.6 miles from Convene Travel and Accommodations United Airlines is the official CBOF Air Travel Partner * Special discount rates are not available for Chicago Business Opportunity Day. For best available rates, please book through third-party hotel apps such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hopper, Hotels.com, Trivago, and Priceline, or contact the hotel of your choice directly and refer to ChicagoMSDC Room Block for the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair.
CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FORUMS | 21 Key Dates to Remember Thank you for registering and/or sponsoring the 2024 Chicago Business Opportunity Forums. Please mark your calendar and meet all deadlines to maximize your participation. All deadlines are Central Time. March 1, 2024 Early Sponsorship and Exhibitor Commitment Deadline March 1, 2024 Award Nominations Deadline March 15, 2024 Logo Submission / Verification Deadline for Sponsors March 22, 2024 Resource Guide Ad Placement Deadline March 29, 2024 Exhibitor Registration Deadline March 29, 2024 Standard Registration Fees Expire at 5:00 pm. Rates Increase.
22 | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION GUIDE Black 50% C: 10 M: 66 Y: 98 K: 1 C: 1 M: 16 Y: 99 K: 0 Acronyms Initial Cap - Primary @CHICAGOMSDC WWW.CBOFORUMS.COM