SCMSDC board members and others took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for MBOD’s exhibit fair.
Knowledgeable experts discussing the latest business trends and secrets to obtaining a contract. Minority business enterprises (MBEs) sharing their tips for success. An exhibit fair drawing who’s who in corporate America with endless networking opportunities. One-on-one appointments giving MBEs the chance to pitch their business to major corporations.
These are just some of the highlights from SCMSDC’s Minority Business Opportunity Day (MBOD) held March 8 and 9 at the Universal Sheraton Hotel in Universal City. The event featured engaging workshops and speakers, an evening networking reception, an exhibit fair featuring 80-plus exhibitors and matchmaking appointments with corporate members and MBEs.
Day 1 ended with an evening reception offering more networking opportunities, stunning views of Los Angeles, and food, beverages and music.
“This year’s MBOD was one of the most exciting yet, attracting more than 1,000 MBEs, supplier diversity professionals, corporate buyers and others,” according to SCMSDC President Virginia Gomez. “The high energy from the exceptional speakers and workshops on MBOD’s first day carried over into the evening reception and Day 2’s exhibit fair and matchmaking appointments. Entrepreneurs who attend MBOD know this is the place to be if you want to grow your business.”
The exhibit fair attracted corporate representatives and others from a wide range of industries for the sole purpose of engaging with diverse suppliers for potential business opportunities.
“For corporate supplier diversity programs and diverse suppliers to succeed, a sturdy four-legged stool of development is required,” says Rick Hobbs, SCMSDC chair and director, Supply Management and Supplier Diversity at Southern California Gas Co. “Those legs — developing relationships, business acumen, business strategy and opportunities — were in the spotlight at MBOD.”
Engaging and informative workshops – Day 1
MBOD’s workshops had something for everyone, including a primer on building business relationships and understanding your customer, how technology can make or break a company and how a corporate culture can drive sales and creativity. MBEs and corporate members also candidly discussed what it takes to have a successful partnership. Here’s a rundown on the workshops:
Ken Ashford of Metropolitan Water District moderates ‘Relationships Matter’ with Jan Davis, SuperbTech (center), and Dr. Rhonda Thornton, USC.
Relationships Matter — Moderated by Ken Ashford, Business Outreach, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Corporations and their MBE partners paired up to discuss how their business relationship evolved. Panelists included Maria Thompson, Agile Sourcing; Rick Hobbs; Mike Christenberry, One Source Supply Solutions; Joe Alderete, former director of Supplier Diversity, Southern California Edison; Jan Davis, SuperbTech; and Dr. Ronda Thornton, USC. Their advice: MBEs should understand the potential customer’s business and focus on solutions and how to increase efficiencies; keep emails short and to the point and reference where you met; attend industry and other events to meet potential customers; and deliver quality results so supplier diversity staff can continue to advocate of your behalf.
Kenyatta Lewis, MGM Resorts International, answers audience questions during ‘Know Your Customer.’
Know Your Customer — Kenyatta Lewis, Executive Director of Supplier Diversity, MGM Resorts International. Lewis offered insight into what it takes to work with MGM Resorts International, one of the world’s leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. She stressed the importance of not treating all customers the same and recommended that MBEs consider a potential client’s size, buying process, decision makers and psychological factors that drive decisions, such as risk and price.
Microsoft’s Fernando Hernandez discusses disruptive technology and its impact on the business world.
Technology Will Disrupt Your Company — Fernando J. Hernandez, Director, Supplier Diversity & Sustainability, Microsoft Corporation. Hernandez led a discussion on how technology has changed various industries and the importance of continuing to innovate so MBEs don’t get left behind. He reviewed how companies have leveraged technology to create new ways of doing business – Uber and Zappos, for example. Businesses that want to grow and become more successful need to stay ahead of the technology curve to differentiate themselves from competitors, according to Hernandez.
Heather Cox, Zappos, describes how the company’s focus on customer service has made it the leading online shoe retailer.
We Are Different: A Unique Model of Procuring — Heather Cox, Supplier Diversity Circle, Zappos. Cox talked about the company’s passion for exceptional customer service and its desire to sell products that customers want. She said MBEs need to keep in mind that Zappos customers are very brand-focused as they search for products by brands. Cox also shared the company’s culture and core values that have made Zappos the success it is today.
Athena Chiera, Athena Engineering (center), moderates a lively discussion with MBE panelists (left to right): Kevin Narcomey, Osceloa Consulting; Trinidad Martinez, TLM Petroleum; Ray Sanchez, Think Ink and Tracy Stanhoff, AD-PRO.
Real Talk — Moderated by Athena Chiera, Vice President of Business Development, Athena Engineering. MBEs candidly shared their perspectives on corporate supplier diversity programs and provided supplier diversity professionals insight into how these initiatives have impacted and will continue to impact diverse suppliers. MBE panelists included: Tracy Stanhoff, AD-PRO; Kevin Narcomey, Osceloa Consulting; Trinidad Martinez, TLM Petroleum and Ray Sanchez, Think Ink. When asked what changes could be made to benefit MBEs, responses included 30-day payment terms, contract unbundling, corporate incentives tied to supplier diversity results, local representation and better communications and feedback. Their advice to other MBEs: be innovative, think outside the box and give back to others.
Exhibit fair and matchmaking activities – Day 2
The Hard Hat Pavilion targeted construction and construction-related suppliers.
Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting, the doors opened to MBOD’s day-long exhibit fair — the largest of its kind on the west coast – attracting corporate representatives from a wide range of industries for the sole purpose of engaging with diverse suppliers for potential business opportunities.
Also taking place concurrently was the Hard Hat Pavilion, co-sponsored by Turner Construction and Balfour Beatty, which targeted construction and construction-related suppliers. Corporations, general contractors and organizations with ongoing construction projects had representatives on hand to meet with potential contractors to discuss their capabilities and experience. Hard Hat Pavilion exhibitors included Kaiser Permanente, Port of Long Beach, City of Long Beach, Department of General Services, USC, City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and Swinerton.
Luncheon keynote speaker, Dr. Fred McKinney, managing director for MBE Programs, Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth.
During the lunch break, keynote speaker Dr. Fred McKinney, managing director for MBE Programs, Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth, discussed the events leading up to the start of supplier diversity programs in the 1970s and the lifecycle of supplier diversity — “introduction, growth, maturity and decline.” He stressed the importance of 1) developing the next generation of MBEs, and particularly, mid- and smaller-sized firms, 2) using supplier diversity as a sales and marketing tool and 3) investing in MBE development.
Later, one-on-one matchmaking interviews provided suppliers an exclusive 10-minute introduction to corporate members looking for specific products/services and the certified MBEs capable of meeting those needs. More than 20 corporate representatives were introduced to suppliers in such areas as information technology, printing, marketing, law, janitorial services and transportation.
Special thanks to our exhibitors, sponsors and participants. View the complete list of participants here.
Voices from MBOD
‘As a first time attendee to MBOD, I was inspired to see so many organizations participate and support the minority business community. The educational seminar provided some fresh perspectives and actionable insights. As a Managing Director, I am responsible for the growth of our business. Having the opportunity to network throughout the two days, and more specifically, in the matchmaking event and exhibit fair, was the most beneficial part of the conference. I left MBOD with a sense of optimism and a strong desire to give back.’ – Sheila Darcey, BeyondCurious
‘It was a great experience exhibiting at the Minority Business Opportunity Day event. It gave our company the opportunity to meet with many certified MBEs — all in one location. It also gave us the chance to explain exactly what we’re looking for in a supplier.’ — Darren Mizuno, Prime Wheel Corporation
‘MBOD is always a good way for procurement to reconnect with MBEs that we have current relationships with and create new ones!’ – Michelle Smith-Ballard, Turner Construction Company
‘Unlike other matchmaking events, MBOD is as much about education as it is networking. MBEs with the foresight to attend both days were provided ample opportunity to network with other MBEs and corporate partners, learn from thought leaders in the supplier diversity space and obtain sound advice on how to promote and grow their business. Corporations in attendance were presented opportunities to meet solid MBEs ready to go to work and always looking to improve their business. A complete win-win.’ – Rick Hobbs, SCMSDC chair; director of Supply Management and Supplier Diversity, SoCalGas.
‘The table we hosted in the MBOD expo helped us network with other MBEs who were in search of the printing, promotional and graphic design services we provide. The opportunity I had to participate as a panelist in the Real Talk Seminar and acceptance of the Tuck Business School Scholarship also brought attention to Think Ink which helped further introduce us to MBEs and Corporations who may not have known us otherwise. We, in turn, were able to connect with our fellow MBEs for HR and business support services we needed as well. MBOD is always helpful in forming new contacts and growing our business, but more importantly, in growing our business with fellow MBEs!’ — Ray Sanchez, Think Ink.
‘MBOD is always full of inspiring entrepreneurs and dedicated corporate members. This year, I especially enjoyed Heather Cox from Zappos and her description of the Zappos culture – it gave me some food for thought on the culture at my own business.’ – Athena Chiera, Athena Engineering
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