Let’s face it: cold calls are rough. Unanswered emails, a never-ending array of phone systems getting you nowhere… or worse, straight out rejection can make for a rough day at the office. Here is your chance to meet some of the purchasing managers from the area’s biggest municipalities, organizations and non-profits in one place, face-to-face: the West Michigan Public Purchasing Alliance’s (WMPPA) Meet the Buyer 2017 conference.

“Meet the Buyer 2017” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at DeVos Place Convention Center, 303 Monroe Avenue NW in Grand Rapids. Michelle Richards, founding board member and Executive Director of the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, will provide the keynote address, followed by an open floor to meet buyers from nearly 30 agencies and organizations.

The mission of the WMPPA is to ensure inclusiveness and equal opportunity for all businesses to sell their products and services. “This year is especially exciting as we have more buyers than in previous years, giving vendors bigger and better opportunities to get to know local organizations,” said Calvin Brinks, Kent County Purchasing Manager and Chair of the WMPPA. “This event helps businesses – big and small – a great opportunity to sell their products and services.”

This year’s expected buyers include staff from the State of Michigan, Kent County, City of Grand Rapids, City of Kentwood, Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Western Michigan University, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Schools, The Rapid, Van Andel Institute and more! Valuable resource providers such as the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW), Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center are expected to be on hand as well.

Registration is just $25; you can sign up for the event here.