Good afternoon,
Please allow me to take a few moments to say Thank You for signing up and joining us at our 18th Annual Reverse Trade Show, hosted by the Central Gulf Coast Chapter of NIGP. Your presence at this event is incredibly important to us. The success of the Reverse Trade Show is built on engagement—bringing together public agencies and businesses to foster real conversations, stronger relationships, and future opportunities. So in that spirit, thank you.
We really appreciate the time and effort you put in to join us. We hope you will find the event valuable and that it leads to future collaboration. If you want to get more involved, you can still sign up for our workshop the day before the main event, called How to do Business with Government Entities. It’s a hit every year, not just because I help out and share some insights! We also have sponsorship opportunities to help your company stand out while you’re visiting us. Feel free to ask us about speaking at Chapter Meetings, other events, or contributing to our Newsletter. We would be happy to connect with you. Thank you again for joining us on our procurement journey to the 2026 RTS. We look forward to seeing you again!
Hot Tips: To help you get even more out of our event, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Have your materials ready:
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Business cards and concise capability statements
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A clear summary of your services (what you do best)
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Examples of past government or similar work
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Questions tailored to each agency
Open the conversation:
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“What types of services or contracts do you anticipate in the next year?”
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“What is the best way to stay informed about your solicitations?”
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“Are there cooperative contracts or vendors you commonly use?”
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“What makes a vendor stand out during your evaluation process?”
Take action:
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Listen as much as you speak. Try to understand agency needs first.
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Follow up after the event with a short, professional email
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Register in vendor portals and keep your information current
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Stay engaged. Relationships grow over time, not just at one event.
PS. When you arrive, please stop by the registration table. Your “Passport to the Procurement Journey” will be waiting for you. It will help you navigate the event and make the most of every connection. It’s also your ticket to a special drawing!
Have a blessed day,
James
CGCC NIGP Chapter President