On Oct. 20 – 23, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) held its Annual Conference & Exchange in Atlanta. The event was again held in conjunction with the Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week and brought together over 5,900 minority business leaders, supplier diversity professionals, policymakers, and other thought leaders. Attendees included:
- Certified MBEs – 2,186.
- National and local members – 1,530.
- Other buying entities (government, nonprofit, nonmembers, etc.) – 728.
- Other diverse businesses – 216.
- NMSDC network staff – 117.
- Speakers and guests – 105.
- Exhibitors – 1,059.
On the heels of last year’s event and its focus on closing the equity gap, the 2024 conference looked to continue the momentum by defining the new norms needed to help NMSDC-certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) capitalize on the prospects presented by today and tomorrow’s emerging industries and get closer to achieving NMSDC’s goal of $1 trillion in combined revenue for NMSDC-certified MBEs.
This year’s event was jampacked with chances to build the relationships and skills needed to create the business norms of the future. MBEs and corporate members engaged in several pre-conference activities including Bally’s NMSDC Golf Classic, a Capital Managers Program networking event, and the always popular Opportunity Accelerator, a conference by MBEs for MBEs, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. In addition, NMSDC’s program alumni engaged in a morning of connecting and conversation aimed at expanding NMSDC’s robust MBE development programming. Finally, on Sunday evening the annual conference kicked off in earnest with a vibrant and engaging “History in the Making” welcome reception at the Ponce City Market.
On Monday, attendees were treated to a robust welcome on the mainstage from NMSDC CEO and president, Ying McGuire and deputy under secretary of commerce for minority business development, Eric Morrissette. McGuire set the tone during her remarks, expressing that this conference was “more than just a series of events. – it is a catalyst for transformation.” Attendees also heard from other visionary corporate and public leaders during the morning mainstage including Atlanta City mayor, Andre Dickens, Mas Tec founder and CEO, Jose Mas, and ActOne Group founder and CEO, Janice Bryant Howroyd who shared important insights to prepare MBEs to thrive in unprecedented times. Following the mainstage, NMSDC kicked off its Impact Labs, innovative breakouts that provided attendees valuable engagements to develop their skills and learn emerging trends.
After a networking-filled lunch, Monday’s afternoon mainstage session kicked off with remarks from NMSDC chair, Kala Gibson. In addition, notable HBCU leaders Dr. Kevin James and Dr. George French discussed how today’s leading academic institutions are preparing tomorrow’s workforce for the future. Finally, the Exchange, the country’s leading tradeshow for minority businesses and supplier diversity professionals, began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and procession to the main exhibit floor. During the Exchange, which included over 450 exhibiting companies, NMSDC hosted several Power Talks to help MBEs and supplier diversity professionals learn about the latest trends essential to defining new business norms. Finally, the first full day of the conference culminated with a Peach Tree Social Networking Reception at the Georgia Aquarium, where attendees connected against a backdrop of aquatic wonder.
After an incredibly engaging Monday, it was fair to ask, would Tuesday live up to the high standard set on the opening day of the conference? Fortunately, the answer to that question was a resounding yes! Things started right with a morning mainstage session that included important insights from government leaders including U.S. department of commerce deputy secretary, Don Graves, and Stephan Benjamin from the White House Office of Public Engagement. And, in perhaps one of the top highlights of this year’s conference, a collection of business advocacy leaders including U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. CEO and president Ron Busby, National Urban League CEO and president, Marc Morial, and U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO and president, Ramiro Cavazos. among others, came together in a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to business diversity.
Following an inspirational morning of speakers, the second and final day of the Exchange opened with many opportunities for MBEs and corporate members to build valuable, long-lasting business relationships with one another, complete with another slate of Power Talks. After a brief break for lunch, conference attendees came together for another engaging afternoon of mainstage sessions that included U.S. secretary of commerce, Gina Raimondo and acclaimed actor and entrepreneur, Malik Yoba.
The afternoon continued with more time to connect during the Exchange as well as C-Suite-focused sessions including a CPO Summit and CIO roundtable inspired by NMSDC’s strong belief that business diversity requires engagement from every level of an organization and a Meet the Founder Mixer focused on highlighting the accomplishments of NMSDC’s Corporate Plus members. Finally, Tuesday night concluded with several networking events including the MBDA’s National MED Week Reception.
While the Exchange may have concluded on Tuesday, the final day of the conference had much to offer attendees. The mainstage once again started early with insights from government and corporate leaders including the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) senior vice president, Equity and Justice, Constance Thompson, and Amazon chief procurement officer, Kennedy Oates to name a few. Following the mainstage, another day of Impact Labs provided additional chances for attendees to further develop their skills and knowledge.
The final mainstage session of the conference did not disappoint. Starting strong with MOU signings between NMSDC and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States, and Institute for Supply Management (ISM) it only got better from there with an engaging conversation with former NFL player-turned-entrepreneur, Adam Walker, before culminating with a fireside chat featuring social entrepreneur and politician, Stacey Abrams who laid out a vision for defining new norms and challenging the status quo.
The regular programming of this year’s conference concluded with two engaging events: the annual Emerging Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) pitch competition, for the first time powered by Master P’s Master Class, and the State of NMSDC an organizational update from NMSDC’s leadership.
After a productive week of defining new norms and building long-lasting connections, NMSDC celebrated its leading corporate members, MBEs, and other network leaders with an Awards Ceremony & Farewell Reception featuring actor and author, Kim Coles and special guest performer Eric Benét. Learn more about this year’s winners in the official awards announcement.
With record-breaking attendance, a dynamic slate of programming including some of today’s top economic and public policy leaders, and ample chances to connect, it is safe to say this year’s NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange succeeded in defining the new norms needed to accelerate MBE growth to $1 trillion and beyond.
Learn more about the 2024 Annual Conference & Exchange at nmsdcconference.org.
