CONNECT: Meet the Buyers & Ask the Experts 2026 Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protege Program Networking Event

The event begins with a dynamic panel featuring procurement professionals, supplier diversity leaders, and business experts from leading organizations who will share practical insights on:

• How to become a vendor
• What buyers look for in potential suppliers
• Common mistakes businesses make
• Certifications and supplier diversity opportunities
• Building relationships that lead to contracts

Featured Panelists (additional panelists to be announced):

• Michels Corporation
• Schreiber Foods
• Packers
• Additional corporate and government procurement leaders

Moderator – Aina Vilumsons, CFCM, President-Executive Director – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

Ask the Experts – Interactive Business Huddles

Following the panel, attendees will participate in three rounds of facilitated discussions led by experienced business professionals and subject matter experts. Choose the topics most relevant to your business and engage in small-group conversations designed to answer your questions and provide practical, actionable advice.

Confirmed Experts include:

• Tax & Accounting – Quinesha McNeal, MHS Professional Services
• Marketing & Branding – Jan Botz, Botz Communications Consulting
• Business Law & Legal – Rebecca Kellner, McCarthy Law
• Insurance & Risk Management – Vince Cha, American Family Insurance
• Business Growth & Strategy –Ken Dombrowski,
• Banking & Access to Capital – BMO
• Government Cotracting – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
• Additional experts to be announced

Business Resources & Vendor Showcase

• Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG)
• Small Business Adminstration (SBA)
• Small Business Development Center(SBDC)
• Department of Administration (DOA)
• Employment Resources Inc. (ERI)
• SCORE
• Greater Green Bay Chamber
• UWGB – Financial Planing adn Plan Review
• Financial institutions
• Economic development organizations
• Government agencies
• Business service providers

Who Should Attend?

• Small business owners
• Entrepreneurs and startups
• Existing and prospective suppliers

What to Bring

• Capability Statement
• Business Cards
• Questions for buyers and experts
• A willingness to make new connections

Event Schedule

2:30 PM – Registration Opens

3:00 PM – Welcome & Procurement Panel

3:30 PM – Expert Station Round 1

3:50 PM – Expert Station Round 2

4:10 PM – Expert Station Round 3

4:30 PM – Open Networking & Buyer Connections

5:30 PM – Event Concludes

Confirmed buyers, experts, lenders, government agencies, and resource partners will be announced as they are confirmed.

Space is limited. Register today and take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet buyers, ask experts, and build relationships that can help move your business forward.