Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Postponed: Department of Defense: DoD Mentor-Protégé Program Summit
2025-10-20 - 2025-10-22 | WI
Details coming soon!

Satellite Office: Fond Du Lac – hosted by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
2025-10-16 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Envision Greater Fond du Lac, 23 S Main St Ste 101, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in Envision in Fond du Lac, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Fond du Lac, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Office Hours: Madison – Selling to Dane County and the City of Madison – hosted by the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus
2025-10-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
WPI will be holding an in-person session on Selling to Dane County and the City of Madison at the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI.
Schedule:
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Presentation on Selling to Dane County and the City of Madison

Presenter: Brian Pittelli, Buyer, City of Madison
Presenter: Peter Patten, Purchasing Manager, Dane County
Presenter: Truphosa Mwololo, Manager, Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

This session will provide practical insights for businesses interested in working with Dane County and the City of Madison.
Participants will learn:

How to prepare to do business with these local government entities
The types of products and services they purchase
What certifications are required and how to apply for them
Where to find contracting opportunities and how to successfully bid
Please RSVP/register for the presentation hour here.

10:15 – NOON – register for individual meetings following the session here.
To view the upcoming schedule for Madison – MATC Goodman South, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

WEDC Wisconsin Economic Summit - Green Bay, WI
2025-10-15 - 2025-10-16 | KI Convention Center, 333 Main Street, Green Bay, WI, 543, United States
Global and domestic shifts are reshaping our economy—and Wisconsin is ready to lead. On October 15–16, 2025, over 400 of the state’s prominent experts, economists, business leaders, and local and state government representatives will meet in Green Bay to address challenges head-on and seize emerging opportunities. At the Wisconsin Economic Summit, you’ll gain knowledge, build powerful partnerships, and leave ready to drive investment and innovation in your community.
The Summit will showcase real-world examples and innovative partnerships that demonstrate how strategic investment can help Wisconsin’s communities:

Attract talent and businesses
Strengthen local economies
Improve quality of life
Build long-term economic resilience

Together, we’ll chart a course toward more thriving and future-ready communities.
For more information, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: DIU's Digital OnRamp Platform - What It Is and How Can It Help You Succeed in the Federal Marketplace.
2025-10-14 12:30 - 13:00 | WI
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled during the noon hour on Tuesdays. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take in the conversation.
Presented by Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute and Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
For the list of Federal Market Insights webinar, please click here.

Satellite Office: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2025-10-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation, 111 N. Main Street, Ste 204, Oshkosh, WI, 54901, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location at the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation in Oshkosh, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Oshkosh, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

WAEE 12th Annual Wisconsin Energy Efficiency Expo
2025-10-14 07:30 - 16:00 | Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53005, United States
Join us in harnessing the power of energy efficiency at the 11th Annual Wisconsin Energy Efficiency Expo (WEEE) 2024. This event, scheduled for October 14, 2025, is geared towards industry leaders in energy efficiency.
Event Highlights:
Connect with a Focused Audience:
Engage with over 300 attendees who share your commitment to energy efficiency.
Insightful Information:
Gain from the experience of 20 dynamic speakers driving the conversation on energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and the latest industry trends.
Networking Opportunities:
Expand your network as you connect with over 40 Exhibitors, potential clients, and partners seeking the next innovation in energy-saving products and services.
Sponsors and Exhibitors:

Showcase your latest innovations to a dedicated and informed audience.
Build meaningful business relationships and partnerships that can help your company’s growth.
Strengthen your brand recognition within energy efficiency community.

For more information, click here.

AUSA 2025 Annual Meeting & Exposition
2025-10-13 - 2025-10-15 | Washington, D.C., Washington, DC, United States
THE ARMY’S MOST POWERFUL EVENT COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED – ALL IN ONE PLACE.
The Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting is the largest land power exposition and professional development forum in North America. Taking place over three days, the Annual Meeting is designed to deliver the Army’s message by highlighting the capabilities of organizations and presenting a wide range of industry products and services. AUSA accomplishes this task throughout the entire event by providing informative and relevant presentations on the State-of-the-Army, panel discussions and seminars on pertinent military and national security subjects, and a variety of valuable networking events available to all that attend.
The AUSA Annual Meeting, is designed to deliver the Army’s message by highlighting the capabilities of Army organizations and presenting a wide range of industry products and services. In addition to the expansive show floor filled with 700+ exhibitors, attendees have access to:

Informative and relevant presentations on the state of the Army
Panel discussions and seminars on pertinent military and national security subjects
A variety of valuable networking events including ticketed dinners and receptions
A hands-on opportunity to specify and see the latest technology in action

AUSA’s Annual Meeting includes the total Army – Regular Army, Guard, Reserve, civilians, and family members. It is one of the three key communication platforms employed by the Army to educate and inform government, academic, civic, and veteran advocates and leadership on Army priorities and issues impacting today’s Army.
For more information, click here.

Indigenous Biz Con 2025
2025-10-13 - 2025-10-14 | Potawatomi Hotel & Event Center, 1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
“Rising Tides: Building Economies, Empowering Generations” –
This is an unprecedented moment for Indigenous nations, businesses, and operators to lead—not just participate—in all forms of economic development. As sovereign nations, we hold unique opportunities to drive public-private partnerships, tribally owned enterprises, and collaborative ventures between Native-owned businesses and state or corporate partners.
Indigenous Biz Con provides an opportunity for attendees to learn, network, and collaborate to build meaningful partnerships that result in business, all while breaking down barriers to economic development, building community, and elevating the voices of Native entrepreneurs. The event features real business operators at the forefront, engaging discussions, a Native vendors marketplace, and much more.
For more information, click here.

Finding DLA Opportunities - Learn to Navigate DIBBS Working Group
2025-10-10 09:00 - 11:00 | WI
The DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is a web-based application that provides the capability to search for, view, and submit secure quotes on Requests for Quotations (RFQs) for DLA items of supply. DIBBS also allows users to search and view Request For Proposals (RFPs), Invitations For Bid (IFBs), Awards, and other procurement information related to DLA. In this informative session, you will learn how to register for a DIBBS account and how to navigate the website to find opportunities on which to bid to expand your business.
Presenter: Alonzo Burris II, Small Business Professional, DLA Land and Maritime Office of Small Business Programs
Host: Ohio APEX Accelerator at Ohio University, Sharon Hopkins, Director
Facilitators: Karen Wivell, Associate Director of Central Ohio Region, Vikki Hawthorne, Procurement Specialist
Pre-registration is required. There is a two-part registration for this event. Please follow the link below and fill in the required information to receive the webinar link.
For more information, click here.

SAME Rock Island Post & ASCE Quad Cities Chapter- Annual Engineering Symposium
2025-10-09 16:00 - 2025-10-10 17:00 | St Ambrose University’s Rogalski Center, 518 W. Locust St, Davenport, IA, 52803, United States
It is time once again for our annual PDH training event! Please join us Thursday 10/9 and Friday 10/10 for another year of high-quality, informative presentations!
For more information, click here.

MMAC 2025 All Member Meeting
2025-10-09 16:00 - 20:00 | The Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53203
What happens when 2,000+ Milwaukee businesses create ripples together?
Find out at this year’s most anticipated business gathering. The MMAC’s Board of Directors and Chair Austin Ramirez, president and CEO of Husco, invite you to the 2025 All Member Meeting. This fast-paced presentation will focus on what the business community can accomplish together. Incoming chair, Steve Booth, Chairman & CEO, Robert W. Baird, will join other leading voices to address the opportunities and challenges ahead.
This isn’t your typical business meeting. Expect fast-paced insights, strategic connections and actionable takeaways from the region’s most influential leaders.
To learn more, click here.

Acquisition Hour: Selling to the Government – is there an opportunity for your small business?
2025-10-08 12:00 - 13:00 | WI
The U.S. government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, buying everything from office supplies and construction to advanced technology and professional services. But is government contracting the right market for your small business?
In this session, participants will learn:

How the government buys and what it looks for in small business suppliers
Key contracting programs and opportunities available to small businesses
The requirements and responsibilities of becoming a government contractor
Practical steps to assess whether pursuing government contracts aligns with your business goals

This training will help business owners evaluate the potential of selling to federal, state, and local government agencies and decide if this marketplace is a good fit for their company.
Speakers:

Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.

Satellite Office: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2025-10-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-30 09:00 - 16:00 | Progress Lakeshore, 202 N 8th St Ste 101, Manitowoc, WI, 54220, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Progress Lakeshore offices in Manitowoc, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Manitowoc, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: How the Federal Government Defines Research. 5 Critical Things to Know.
2025-10-07 12:30 - 13:00 | WI

West Central Wisconsin Manufacturing & Workforce Summit
2025-10-07 08:00 - 15:30 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Memorial Student Center, 302 10th Avenue E, Menomonie, WI, 54751, United States
UW Stout office of Corporate Relations & Economic Engagement, in partnership with the Manufacturing Alliance of Western Wisconsin and Momentum West, present a series of conversations on Manufacturing and workforce. Join us for the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing Productivity’s annual report, discussions on innovative polymer 3D printing, cyber security, AI, and introduction to Lean Manufacturing presented by the Manufacturing Outreach Center.
About Wisconsin Manufacturing Report:
The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity again commissioned the Wisconsin Manufacturing Report (WMR) for 2025. The WMR is a comprehensive manufacturing report based on over 400 interviews and five focus groups conducted across the state. The report is made possible in part by WMR sponsors First Business Bank, Top Floor, and Chortek.
2025 Manufacturer Focus Groups
Wisconsin manufacturers participated in one of five focus groups across the state in September. These small group discussions offered manufacturers the opportunity to share their experiences and provide important context to the 2025 WMR poll results.
2025 WMR Readout Events
We are excited to kick off Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin with the release of the fifth annual Wisconsin Manufacturing Report, and we will continue the celebration through the rest of the month! We hope you can join us to hear the study findings and celebrate Wisconsin manufacturing.
September 29, 2025 – Brookfield
Brookfield Conference Center – 325 South Moorland Rd, Brookfield
September 30, 2025 – Green Bay
TitletownTech – 1025 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay
October 7, 2025 – Menomonie
UW-Stout – Memorial Student Center, Menomonie
To learn more and register, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison – hosted by the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus
2025-10-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus, 2125 Commercial Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue campus in Madison, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Madison MATC Commerical Avenue, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Industrialized Construction: Technology Based Economic Development
2025-10-02 08:00 - 11:30 | Foley and Lardner, LLP, 777 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, 53202
The Innovation Café is an annual “strategic action” planning gathering for attendees to interact and chat with national thought leaders and experts around varied innovation issues important in the innovation economy. This year’s event will focus on the emerging sector of Industrialized Construction and how it is being used to revive American manufacturing by combining construction and advanced manufacturing to facilitate greater economic development outcomes.
Our keynote speaker is Andres Carvallo! Andres Carvallo is the founder and CEO of CMG Consulting, a strategic planning and digital transformation firm focus on Smart Grids, Smart Utilities, Smart Cities, and Smart Infrastructure.
The event will also introduce attendees to MDI’s project, the Building Construction Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Excellence (BCAMIE). BCAMIE is a Governor of Wisconsin funded new start-up institute initiative that will drive science and technology adoption in the construction and advanced manufacturing industry with a priority focus on housing development, infrastructure modernization, economic growth, workforce advancement and the inclusion of small-to-medium enterprises.
Click here to view the press release.
For more information, click here.

Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity: Wisconsin Manufacturing Report (WMR) for 2025
2025-09-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Titletown Tech, 1025 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI, 54304, United States
The Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity again commissioned the Wisconsin Manufacturing Report (WMR) for 2025. The WMR is a comprehensive manufacturing report based on over 400 interviews and five focus groups conducted across the state. The report is made possible in part by WMR sponsors First Business Bank, Top Floor, and Chortek.

2025 Manufacturer Focus Groups
Wisconsin manufacturers participated in one of five focus groups across the state in September. These small group discussions offered manufacturers the opportunity to share their experiences and provide important context to the 2025 WMR poll results.

2025 WMR Readout Events
We are excited to kick off Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin with the release of the fifth annual Wisconsin Manufacturing Report, and we will continue the celebration through the rest of the month! We hope you can join us to hear the study findings and celebrate Wisconsin manufacturing.
September 29, 2025 – Brookfield
Brookfield Conference Center – 325 South Moorland Rd, Brookfield
September 30, 2025 – Green Bay
TitletownTech – 1025 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay
October 7, 2025 – Menomonie
UW-Stout – Memorial Student Center, Menomonie
To read more and register, click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Tired of Hearing Everyone Talk About Using AI but Don't Know How to Get Started. We Will Discuss Some Pointers That Will Help.
2025-09-30 12:30 - 13:00 | WI

Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity: Wisconsin Manufacturing Report (WMR) for 2025
2025-09-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53005, United States

Satellite Office: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2025-09-29 09:00 - 16:00 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Startup Hub, 2701 Larsen Road, Green Bay, WI, 54303, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub in Green Bay, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Green Bay at NWTC’s Startup Hub, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Satellite Office: Superior – hosted by the Small Business Development Center at UW – Superior
2025-09-26 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Small Business Development Center at UW – Superior, 1401 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Small Business Development Center at UW – Superior in Superior, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Superior, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Wisconsin Latino 10th Economic Unsummit
2025-09-25 16:00 - 2025-09-26 13:30 | Crowne Plaza Milwaukee South, 6401 S 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53221, United States
Join us on September 25th and 26th for an exciting event! This will be our first ever 2 day Unsummit with special reception and our first-ever Economic Inclusion Awards Ceremony, honoring leaders advancing equity in both the public and private sectors. Doors will open on the 25th at 4:00 PM and again on the 26th at 8:00 AM. You can register for both days or choose a single day to attend. No refunds for cancellations after registration. Substitutions allowed.
Click here for more information.

Cyber Thursday: CMMC 2.0 What is 48 CFR and why it matters?
2025-09-25 11:00 - 12:00 | WI
This session will explore the 48 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in depth, focusing on its role in establishing the legal and contractual foundation for cybersecurity requirements in federal acquisitions. The 48 CFR’s Timeline and particular clauses will be discussed at length so we can understand the future of the CMMC Program.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
For the full schedule of the Cyber Thursday webinars, please click here.

Office Hours: Madison - Local Certifications Workshop
2025-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
WPI will be holding an in-person session on Local Certifications Workshop at the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI.
Schedule:
9-10 AM –Presentation on Local Certifications
Tru Mwololo will give an hour-long presentation on Local Certifications.

Types of State of certifications-MBE/WBE/DVB
Why get certified?
How to get certified.
Benefits & challenges.

Please RSVP/register for the presentation hour at this LINK.

10:15AM-12 PM – One-on-One Meetings

Please select an individual meeting time with Tru at this LINK.

Presenter:

Truphosa Mwololo, Manager Small Business Programs, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator

To view the upcoming schedule for Madison – MATC Goodman South, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Local Government Contracting for Small Businesses (virtual)
2025-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | WI
Explore best practices in procurement and how to discover local government contracting opportunities. Click on the flyer below to download and to complete registration.
This virtual workshop will provide small businesses with information on procurement practices and how to identify contracting opportunities with local government entities. The event will include networking and buyer meeting opportunities
Presented by:

City of Madison
Dane County
Milwaukee County
Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program
Domina Consulting
Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

For questions, contact:
Michael Steger, Small Business Advisor, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
(414) 270-3600
michaels@wispro.org
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Acquisition Hour: The 8(a) Business Development Program
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 | WI
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program is a powerful resource designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses gain access to the federal contracting marketplace. This nine-year program offers specialized business training, counseling, and set-aside contracting opportunities to help firms build capacity and compete more effectively for federal contracts.
In this session, participants will learn:

Eligibility requirements and the application process for the 8(a) Program
Program benefits, including sole-source and set-aside contracting opportunities
Business development support services available through the program
Strategies to maximize participation and position for long-term success

This training will provide business owners with a clear understanding of how the 8(a) Program works and how it can be leveraged to expand opportunities in the federal marketplace.
Speakers:

Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist – U.S Small Business Administration (SBA)
Ben Blanc, Government Contract Specialist – Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
View a schedule of all upcoming Acquisition Hour webinars.
