Connect. Learn. Build Relationships.
Join OPBA on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton for a full day of supplier networking, Information Talks, Speed Networking, and supplier education.
Designed for suppliers doing business with the public sector, this one-day event provides valuable networking opportunities and direct access to procurement professionals from municipalities and other public agencies.
New to the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow? Download the event flyer for a quick overview, or explore the complete program, registration options, sponsorship opportunities, and participating public agencies below.
Quick Links
A tradeshow where vendors meet public procurement professionals — not the other way around.
Connect directly with public agencies and showcase your solutions.
Public Agency Exhibitor Registration Now Open
Public agencies are invited to exhibit at the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow on October 21, 2026.
Complimentary registration for public agencies to connect with suppliers, build relationships, and showcase their procurement process.
Register by September 14 to be included as a public agency exhibitor.
Supplier / Attendee Registration
Suppliers are invited to attend the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow on October 21, 2026 to connect directly with public procurement professionals.
- Meet public agencies face-to-face
- Learn how to do business with government
- Build relationships and expand your network
Registration fees apply. View pricing options below.
Event Details
When:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Where:
Pearson Convention Centre Google Map
What's on the Agenda
- Tradeshow and Information Talks
- Speed Networking with Public Agencies
- Afternoon Supplier Education Session
Speed Networking
Optional 10-minute one-on-one meetings with public agencies
- Meetings are pre-scheduled in advance.
- A list of participating agencies will be announced closer to the event.
- Online meeting bookings open one week before the event date.
- Booking is first come, first served.
- Vendors may book up to three meetings.
Important Dates
Speed Networking Booking Opens
October 15, 2026
Program Schedule
8:45 AM to 9:15 AM | Registration and Open Networking
Vendors check in, pick up their badges, and connect with other attendees before the tradeshow begins.
9:15 AM to 12:45 PM | Reverse Vendor Tradeshow
Vendors connect with public agencies at exhibitor booths, ask general questions, and learn more about procurement processes, vendor requirements, upcoming opportunities, and how to do business with participating organizations.
Information Talks: Focused sessions on public procurement topics.
- Group Purchasing Organizations and eBidding Platforms: What's the Difference and How to Navigate Both
Many suppliers are unsure how group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and eBidding platforms differ, and how each fits into public procurement.
This information talk will explain how each works, how opportunities are posted, and how suppliers can engage effectively. Attendees will learn when a GPO contract may be used, when a public agency may run its own competitive process, and how to position their business for success in both environments.
- Using Artificial Intelligence in Proposals: What suppliers should do and what agencies are figuring out
Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence how proposals are developed and how public agencies think about evaluation, risk, transparency, and accountability.
This session will explore how AI is showing up in the proposal process, what public agencies may be considering, and where expectations are still evolving. The discussion will highlight practical considerations for suppliers, including accuracy, validation, confidentiality, transparency, and supplier responsibility.
A panel discussion will share perspectives, lessons learned, and practical considerations from across the procurement ecosystem.
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM | Speed Networking
Registered attendees can book 10-minute private conversations with participating public agencies. Meetings are pre-scheduled in advance and available on a first come, first served basis.
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM | Lunch
Lunch is included for attendees who are registered for the afternoon Supplier Education Session.
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Supplier Education Session
Available to All-Day Package registrants or with a separate Afternoon Supplier Education Session registration.
Inside the Evaluation Process: How to Adapt and Strengthen Your Bid
Public-sector procurement processes can vary significantly by agency—and even from one opportunity to the next. This practical two-hour session will help suppliers better understand common evaluation approaches, recognize where requirements and scoring methods may differ, and adapt their proposals accordingly.
Through practical examples and a facilitated discussion with public-sector buyers and suppliers, participants will explore how to interpret evaluation criteria, strengthen technical responses, identify assumptions and contract risks, and decide whether an opportunity is the right fit. The session will also address common barriers suppliers face, including unclear requirements, restrictive specifications, pricing challenges, and limited opportunities to explain alternative solutions.
Participants will leave with practical strategies to ask better questions, tailor their responses to the specific solicitation, avoid common mistakes, and use debrief feedback to improve future bids.
4:00 PM | Event Concludes
Registration Pricing
Reverse Vendor Tradeshow
$99 per person
Includes access to the morning Reverse Vendor Tradeshow and Information Talks.
All Day Package
$225 per person
Includes the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow, Information Talks, lunch, and the Afternoon Supplier Education Session.
Optional Add-Ons
Speed Networking
$30 per meeting
Vendors may book up to three meetings.
Must be registered for the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow to participate in Speed Networking.
Afternoon Supplier Education Session
Vendors may register for the afternoon session with or without attending the morning Reverse Vendor Tradeshow.
Lunch Not Included: $125 per person
Lunch Included: $150 per person
Note: Pricing is subject to HST.
Please refer to OPBA’s cancellation and refund policy for more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Put your brand in front of engaged public sector procurement professionals and vendor attendees at the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow.
OPBA sponsorship packages provide visibility before, during, and after the event, helping your organization:
B2B / Dual-Audience Sponsorship Highlights
Our updated sponsorship options include dual-audience visibility, giving sponsors the opportunity to connect with both public procurement professionals and vendor attendees.
- Inclusion in the post-event thank you email sent to all vendors
- Brand exposure to suppliers and public agencies
- Opportunities to participate during sponsored breakfast or lunch sessions
Sponsorship packages are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
To learn more or secure your spot, contact Wendy Gan at wendy@opba.ca.
Public Agency Exhibitors
Meet the public agencies participating in the Reverse Vendor Tradeshow.
2026 Exhibitors (Growing List)
More agencies are being added — check back for updates.
