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1. What is the SMWVBO Conference?

It’s a forum for Small, Minority, Women and Veterans Business Owners (SMWVBO) to develop relationships, acquire knowledge and access opportunities that exist with public and private sector entities for the procurement of construction, professional services, goods and other services. It is also an opportunity to further enhance the knowledge of procurement staff of the availability and ability of firms with the desire to do business. SMWBE Conference

2. How long has it been held? Why in December?

This is the 17th year. December is the year end for SMWVBO and a time for planning the work flow and need for contracts for the following year. It is also the year end for corporations that have developed their budgets for the following year and are ready to start the business process. And, it is the first quarter for public entities that have budgets and are spending them.

3. Who should attend this conference?

The Conference is designed in an attempt to meet the needs of those in several areas:

• Federal, state and local public entities and private sector organizations
• A person who owns a business that is available and has the capacity to do business with the public and private sector
• A person who owns a business that is available, but needs help with building the capacity to do business with the public and private sector
• A person who owns a business that is performing work in the private sector, but has not sought public sector opportunities (and vice versus)
• A person who owns a business and needs help by getting technical or financial assistance
• A person who has the desire to start a business and would like to be prepared, know what opportunities and assistance exist
• A person who may be working a job today, but would like to start a business one day in the future
• A person who would like to network with other business owners, and public and private sector staff and leaders to enhance their development and overall quality of life

4. What is the Veterans Business & Resource Center?

The Bexar County SMWVBO Conference provides great information. We encourage you to invite everyone in the Veteran community to attend.

One of the great benefits of being a Veteran is the connection with one another. Do you know what’s available to you as a Small, Minority, Woman or Veteran business owner? Are you taking advantage of everything that is offered to you? Do you want to learn how to create or keep a successful business? We want to help you!!!

The Veterans Business & Resource Center is designed to help new and existing veteran-owned businesses to position their firms to gain access to the Federal and other marketplaces. Procurement decision makers are available to discuss capabilities to address agency or corporations business requirements. The agencies and organizations provide an overview on the Service Disabled Veteran Procurement Program; U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army initiatives for increasing contracting opportunities for Veteran-owned firms.

We invite Veterans to visit with the organizations in the Veterans Business & Resource Center. This area is also designed to educate Veterans on what is available exclusively for Veterans and their families. We have information about the SBA Loans, Marketing and Presentation Skills, Teaming for Success in Federal Contracting and the Service Disabled Veteran– Owned Small Business Program.

The SMWVBO Conference provides access for Veterans and their families, to community organizations that can assist them in the areas of housing, mental health, finance, benefits, employment and more.

Veterans will have the opportunity to find resources, support, and partnerships dedicated to mental health policy, education initiatives and advocacy priorities that impact active duty military personnel, Veterans and the family members of these individuals.

5. Why does the County hold this conference?

The SMWVBO Conference is an opportunity for the county's Purchasing, Public Works, Facilities, Information Technology, and Parks Departments to make direct contact with local vendors. SMWBEs can get their questions answered and meet the buyers who make decisions daily to solicit and recommend awards that will directly impact their business.

It also provides a place for other Bexar County Offices to provide information regarding their opportunities, services or programs for SMWBEs. They include the County Clerk, Tax Office, District Attorney - Hot Checks Section, and Dispute Resolution Office.

The all-day conference is held at the Freeman Expo Hall, 3201 E Houston, San Antonio, TX and features workshops, vendor education, and access to the Microsoft Technology Center. Public attendance is free.

Over the past fifteen years public and private sector organizations have provided tremendous opportunities for vendors and buyers to connect. Last year’s conference was a huge success with over 3,000 attendees and 148 exhibitors.

The Conference is open to the general public. All vendors are strongly encouraged to spend their time wisely and bring plenty of business cards.

6. How much does it cost to attend the SMWVBO Conference?

Parking and attendance for the SMWVBO Conference is free

7. Do I have to be in business to attend and what should I bring?

No, you don’t have to be in business to attend, but if you are make sure to bring plenty of business cards, brochures and wear comfortable shoes.

8. Is this only for Construction businesses?

No. Services, Commodities, Professional Services, Computer tech firms are welcomed. If you sell a product or service, you should attend.

9. How can I prepare for the conference?

1. HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EVENT




1. Set clear and specific goals for the conference. What do you want to get out of it? How many contacts do you want to make? Determine why you are attending
   
2. Research the exhibitors that are attending
   
3. Bring plenty of business cards
   
4. Dress appropriately-wear branded gear and comfortable shoes
   
5. Use your time wisely-preview the exhibitor list and floor plan to know where you want to go
   
6. Create a lead/follow up form to record the exhibitors contact information
   


2. HOW TO WORK THE EVENT
   
   
   
   1. Be prepared to talk about what you bring to the table to consider your company
      
   2. Attend workshops to learn and network
      
   3. Pass out your business cards
      
   4. Collect the exhibitors business cards
      
   5. Avoid crowded booths until a more convenient time as you want as much of their attention as possible
      
   6. Find out any minimum qualifications, certifications that maybe needed to do business with them
      
   7. Discover who are your competitors while visiting the exhibitors
      
   
   
3. FOLLOW UP
   
   
   
   1. Send an email with highlights of your conversation within 1 week after the event
      
   2. Ask for a meeting or conference call
      
   3. Have a clear plan of action for your contacts-pass the information onto the sales team; send more info as requested, etc.
      
   4. Make notes of the day’s actions as a reminder of the conversations that were generated
      
   5. Persevere in getting the appointment or detailed information to conduct business
      
   6. Register as a vendor and check their website for bid postings