The 2025 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange in Miami was nothing short of transformative. Held November 2–5 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, this year’s event brought together more than 3,400 attendees, including corporate executives, procurement leaders, policymakers, and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) from across the nation and around the globe. Under the theme “Navigating Our New Economy,” the conference served as a powerful platform for candid conversations, strategic insights, and actionable solutions to address the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s economic landscape.
The attendees included:
- Certified MBEs – 1,456
- Corporations – 1,070
- Exhibitors – 537
- Government/Non-Profits – 167
- NMSDC network staff – 144
- Speakers and guests – 88
From the opening session to the closing remarks, the energy was palpable. This was more than a meeting, it was a movement. Every keynote, breakout session, and networking opportunity reinforced a central truth: supplier inclusion is not a program, it is a strategy for national competitiveness.
As Isabella Piña, Founder and CEO of Inspired Solutions, noted:
“Minority-owned businesses aren’t just participants; we’re essential drivers of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.”
That belief fueled every conversation throughout the week, from access to capital and digital transformation to sustainability and global supply-chain inclusion.
One of the most significant highlights was the official introduction of Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Esq. as NMSDC’s President and CEO. His leadership, rooted in public service and a steadfast commitment to equitable growth, set the tone for a conference focused on action and alignment. In his remarks, he emphasized, “Our mission is clear, MBEs must not only participate in the economy, but they must also shape its future. Together, we will modernize, innovate, and align our network to connect opportunity with capacity at scale.”
Another key highlight of the 2025 conference was its intentional focus on C-suite engagement, creating spaces for senior leaders to connect and collaborate on critical industry challenges. Through exclusive forums such as the CEO Roundtable, CIO Roundtable, CPO Summit, and the C-Suite Energy Roundtable, executives shared strategic insights and explored innovative solutions to drive organizational growth and resilience. The CEO Roundtable welcomed 24 participants, the CIO Roundtable engaged 50, the CPO Summit brought together 60, and the C-Suite Energy Roundtable included 16, underscoring the conference’s commitment to fostering executive-level dialogue and shaping the future of business leadership.
The conference also featured an impressive lineup of visionary speakers from diverse industries, including global hospitality, infrastructure, civic leadership, and social impact. These thought leaders shared insights on innovation, sustainability, AI, clean energy, and inclusive leadership, equipping attendees with strategies to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Additionally, the Emerging Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition spotlighted the next generation of minority innovators. The winner of this year’s competition was Alexandra “Lexx” Mills of Stursi.
The Awards Ceremony, hosted by actor and entrepreneur Laz Alonso, celebrated excellence across the NMSDC network. Honors included:
National Supplier of the Year
- Class 1: Canvily, LLC
- Class 2: Strategar
- Class 3: OpConnect
- Class 4: The Chemico Group
National Corporation of the Year
- Class 1: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
- Class 2: Aramark Corporation
- Class 3: Merck & Co., Inc.
- Class 4: Stellantis
- Class 5: Amazon
Supplier Inclusion Leader of the Year
- Bruno Alejaandro Olvera Diaz
The prestigious Harriet R. Michel Award
- Dave Feldman
The President’s Award
- McKinsey & Company
The Affiliate Appreciation Award
- Beatrice Louissaint (Retired President)
- Debra Jennings-Johnson (Retired President)
- Stan Sena (Retired President)
- Margo J. Posey (Most Years of Service)
- Cheri Henderson (Most Years of Service)
Networking was another cornerstone of the event. From matchmaking sessions to informal meetups, the conference fostered connections that will fuel collaboration long after Miami. The Business Exchange Expo provided MBEs with a dynamic marketplace to showcase capabilities and forge partnerships with corporations committed to inclusion.
As we close this chapter, NMSDC extends its deepest gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, speakers, and partners who made this year’s conference a resounding success. Your dedication and collaboration are driving the movement forward and ensuring that MBEs remain essential drivers of innovation, job creation, and economic growth. We leave Miami with renewed urgency and purpose, ready to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Join us as we continue this momentum! Stay connected through upcoming regional events, webinars, and advocacy initiatives. Visit nmsdc.org to explore membership opportunities, access resources, and register for future programs. Together, we are not just navigating a new economy, we are shaping it.
