It's a tradeshow where vendors come to meet public procurement professionals,
instead of the other way around!
Do you want to better understand how to do business with the public sector?
The 6th Annual Reverse Vendor Tradeshow offers vendors a unique opportunity to connect with procurement professionals from Ontario-based public agencies, including municipalities, school boards, and other publicly funded organizations.
The OPBA Reverse Tradeshow is an excellent way to maximize your marketing efforts. Each participating agency will host a booth, providing the perfect chance to showcase your products or services. It’s a rare opportunity to network face-to-face with a wide range of public procurement representatives in one place!
Check out the growing list of participating public agencies below.
Event Details
What's on the Agenda
Interested in sponsoring? Important Notes:
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Program Schedule
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM | Registration & Open Networking
- Vendors check in and badge pick-up
9:15 AM – 12:45 PM | Reverse Vendor Tradeshow
- Vendors connect with public agencies at exhibitor booths.
- Information Talks: Focused sessions on public procurement topics.
9:45 – 11:15 AM | Session 1: How To do Business with the Government
11:30 – 12:00 AM | Session 2: Navigating e-Procurement as a Supplier
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Speed Networking (registered attendees only)
- Pre-scheduled, 10-minute one-on-one meetings with public agencies.
- A list of participating agencies will be announced closer to the event.
- Online meeting bookings open 1 week before the event date.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch
(For Reverse Vendor Tradeshow attendees who are registered for RFP Essentials for Suppliers Session)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Understanding the RFP Process: A Supplier's Guide
Led by public procurement practitioners with real-world insights (and a good sense of humor), this session pulls back the curtain on the Request for Proposal (RFP) process from the other side of the table. Whether you're new to public sector RFPs or looking to fine-tune your approach, the #RFPDreamTeam will share practical tips and a fresh perspective.
4:00 PM | Event Concludes
Reverse Vendor Tradeshow Pricing
Reverse Vendor Tradeshow Event: $100 per person
Optional Add-Ons:
Speed Networking Event: $30 per meeting (up to 3 meetings)
(Must register for the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow event to participate in Speed Networking.)
Understanding the RFP Process: A Supplier's Guide Educational Session
Presented at the 6th Annual OPBA Reverse Vendor Tradeshow
Let’s face it—RFPs aren’t always written with vendors in mind. They can be confusing, overly complicated, or lacking key context. That’s where this session comes in.
Led by public procurement practitioners with real-world insights (and a good sense of humor), this session pulls back the curtain on the Request for Proposal (RFP) process from the other side of the table. Whether you're new to public sector RFPs or looking to fine-tune your approach, the #RFPDreamTeam will share practical tips and a fresh perspective.
You’ll learn:
- What goes into crafting an RFP (and why it sometimes turns out the way it does)
- How to read between the lines and spot what's really being asked
- Smart strategies for asking clarifying questions—and why it benefits everyone
- Why debriefs aren’t just for the losing team (and how to request one)
- How to address confusing or restrictive specifications in a constructive manner
- Tips and tricks to improve your proposal responses, stand out from the competition, and avoid common pitfalls
This session is all about empowerment through education. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and maybe your sense of humor. We’re here to make the RFP process more transparent, collaborative, and, dare we say, better for everyone.
Note: Vendors can register for this session without registering for the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow event.
Lunch Not Included (RFP session only): $125 per person
Lunch Included: $150 per person
Reverse Vendor Tradeshow Event All Day Package: $225 per person
(Includes Tradeshow & Information Talks + Lunch + RFP Essentials for Supplier Educational Session)
Please refer to our refund + payment policy for information regarding cancellations and/or refunds.
See our growing list of Exhibitors
Special Thanks To Our Partners
