Big Opportunities-Bold Partnerships: Fall 2026 Meet the Buyers Event

THIS EVENT IS FREE TO ATTEND BUT EACH PERSON ATTENDING MUST COMPLETE A SEPARATE REGISTRATION. This will help us manage the capacity for the event.

Big Opportunities, Bold Partnerships. is a collaborative initiative between Radford University, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), designed to help small businesses better understand and access procurement opportunities in higher education. The 2026 initiative consisted of a six-part virtual workshop series, from June 2026 through October 2026. This series provides vendors with practical guidance on navigating Virginia’s eVA procurement system, connecting with buyers, uncovering contracting opportunities, marketing effectively, and responding to bids and proposals.

The 2026 initiative is culminating in an in-person Meet the Buyers event being held at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center located at 901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA, 24061.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Meet directly with buyers from Radford University, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Community College System's Shared Services Center
• Participate in engaging panel discussions
• Learn how purchasing decisions are made
• Get valuable advice on positioning your business for success
• Understand SWaM certification and how it enhances contracting opportunites
• Network with other small businesses in attendance.

Tentative Event Agenda:

• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Registration Check-in and Networking
• 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM: Welcome and Introductions
• 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Radford University/Virginia Tech Buyer Panel Discussion
• 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Presentation on SWaM certification from SBSD
• 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Short Break
• 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM: VCCS/SSC Community College Buyer Panel Discussion
• 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Networking

If you have any questions about this event, please contact either:

• Hunter Malcom, Procurement Systems Analyst, Radford University, by email at hmalcom@radford.edu
• Danny Phillips, Procurement Project Manager/SWaM Champion, Virginia Tech, by email at dphillips@vt.edu