2025 City of Chicago Procurement Symposium

Spotlighting Professional Services and Technology Contracting

Partnering for Progress: Procurement that Powers OpportunityConnecting Businesses and Buyers to Power Inclusive, Innovative Procurement📍 Malcolm X College | Thursday, September 4 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Overview:The 2025 City of Chicago Procurement Symposium is a high-impact, one-day, in-person event designed to transform the way public agencies and private enterprises collaborate. With a focused lens on professional services and technology, this year’s symposium highlights the critical role of inclusion, access, and innovation in strengthening the procurement ecosystem.

Bringing together state and local procurement officials, small businesses, diverse suppliers, and technology leaders, the symposium provides a powerful platform to foster connections, share strategies, and advance equitable economic growth through smarter, more modern public sector procurement.

Under the theme “Partnering for Progress: Procurement that Powers Opportunity,” this year’s event champions an action-oriented approach to modern government sourcing—where partnerships lead to progress, and opportunities are inclusive by design.

Why Attend?

• Gain open access to current and future public sector contracting opportunities
• Build meaningful connections through curated B2B/B2G matchmaking
• Learn how to navigate procurement pathways and certifications
• Explore tech-forward strategies for smarter, more equitable sourcing
• Be part of a collaborative movement driving innovation and economic inclusion

Event Highlights:

• Opening Address
• Fireside Chat
• Hands-on Workshop
• Panels & Breakouts
• Facilitated Networking

Audience:

• State and local procurement officials
• Certified vendors & MWBEs
• Small businesses seeking public sector growth
• Technology and professional service providers

Goals & Objectives:

• Expand access to public procurement for small and diverse businesses
• Facilitate intentional connections between buyers and suppliers
• Promote innovative, inclusive sourcing strategies
• Share best practices for tech-enabled procurement
• Drive visibility into near-term and future contracting opportunities

Together, we’re building a smarter, more inclusive procurement ecosystem—where innovation meets impact, and partnerships power progress.

Info: Please note the Breakout Room number, 1101, 1102, or 1103.

Host or Publisher City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)