The Advance Colorado Procurement Expo (ACPE) is an annual event for businesses to showcase their goods and services to local and state government agencies, attend workshops, and network. You will be able to meet government procurement professionals to discuss how to best sell your goods and services, exhibit throughout the day to potential buyers, and network with over 100 businesses. We encourage all businesses – including those owned by women, minorities, and veterans – to participate.
Overview
Type: Trade show
For: Entrepreneurs and businesses
Event date: Each fall
OEDIT division: Minority Business Office
We encourage all businesses – including those owned by women, minorities, and veterans – to participate. We offer low-cost tickets for our virtual event to allow for all interested parties to attend. You may buy a ticket for general admission, small business exhibitor, or large business exhibitor.
General Admission
All are welcome to attend this virtual event. Attendees will have access to sessions, the virtual exhibit floor, and the live roundtables.
Small Business Exhibitor
Small businesses have 100 employees or fewer. Any small business owner is invited to exhibit regardless of business size (up to 100 employees) or ownership, especially businesses owned by women, minority, veterans, and LGTBQ+. Book this ticket and your confirmation email will provide next steps on virtually exhibiting. This ticket includes the same access as General Admission.
Large Business Exhibitor
Large businesses have more than 100 employees. Any large business owner is invited to exhibit regardless of business size (greater than 100 employees) or ownership, especially businesses owned by women, minority, veterans, and LGTBQ+. Book this ticket and your confirmation email will provide next steps on virtually exhibiting.
| 9am |
Opening Remarks |
| 9:10am | Panel: Small Dollar Purchases |
| 9:40am | Presentation: Procurement and Contracting Over $50k |
| 10:10am | Panel: Certifications |
| 10:40am | Governor's Minority Business Awards |
| 10:55am | Live Roundtable Conversations |
| 11:55 | Closing Remarks - Barb Musick, DPA |
| 12pm | Event Concludes |
Small Dollar Purchases
Doing business when no bids are required - For many businesses this is the "sweet spot" as businesses don't have to compete for a contract. Attend this session and find out how small dollar purchasing happens.
Speakers and moderators
| Brooke Dunn, CPCP | Valerie Scott | Dave Korman | Barb Musick |
| Commercial Card Program Administrator | Purchasing & Contracts Manager | Small Business Liaison Officer | Communications Manager, Supplier Diversity Liaison |
| Colorado Department of Transportation | City of Longmont | Procurement Service Center, University of Colorado | State Purchasing & Contracts Office |
Large Dollar Purchases & Contract Considerations
Come to this session to learn about bid thresholds for different entities and what terms you may have to agree to in contracting with state and local government.
Speakers and moderators
| Chelsea Gilbertson | Alicia Armentrout | Tim Wellman | David Musgrave |
| Central Contracts Manager | Assistant Supplier Inculsion Programs Manager | Purchasing Director | Vendor Outreach Administrator |
| Central Contracts Unit, Colorado Department of Personnel & Admnistration |
Procurement Services, Colorado State University | St. Vrain Valley School District | Colorado Department of Transportation |
Business Certifications
Having a business certification can give your business a leg up in the bidding process. Attend this session to learn about the various certifications, how to become certified, and how to leverage a certification to win business.
Speakers and moderators
| Cathy Kramer | Elly Bacon | Brttany Eroen |
| Program Manager | Assistant Director, Certification & Capacity Building, Division of Small Business Opportunity |
DEDO Assistant Director |
| Connect2DOT | Denver Economic Development & Opportunity | City and County of Denver |
City and County of Denver |
Event Partners
This event is hosted in partnership with the Colorado Minority Business Office - Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the State Purchasing & Contracts Office - Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration, and the Center for Procurement & Contract Services at the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Event Manager
