The Illinois
Department of Central Management Services (CMS) will host the 2024 State of
Illinois Vendor Summit on Thursday, Oct. 17. The Summit, now in its
third year, will take place at the CMS Regional Complex in Springfield,
Illinois from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This event
offers an opportunity for businesses to learn about upcoming contracting
opportunities with state agencies and state universities, to connect with
industry experts, and to attend workshops and trainings presented by subject
matter experts. The Summit will be hosted in collaboration with the Illinois
Department of Veteran Affairs, and in support by the Illinois Office of the
Governor.
“We encourage
business owners who want to discover what resources they can use to grow their
business, in addition to those looking for information on how to navigate the
State procurement process, to attend the 2024 State of Illinois Vendor Summit,”
said CMS Director Raven A. DeVaughn. “This event represents the state’s deep
commitment to the vendor community while simultaneously promoting equity and
inclusion in state contracting opportunities.”
The 2024
Vendor Summit is a key outreach initiative in the state’s efforts to diversify
its vendor pool and provide equitable access to contracting opportunities for
small, minority-owned, veteran-owned, women-owned, and other disadvantaged
firms – including firms owned or operated by people with disabilities.
Attendees will learn the basics of doing business with the state of Illinois,
how to master Request for Proposal responsiveness, and how to complete a
Business Enterprise Program Utilization Plan.
For more
information and to register, visit: www.illinois.gov/vendorsummit
