Question 1

When is matchmaking?

Accepted Answer

Matchmaking will be on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 1:15pm-4:45pm.

Question 2

Is there a deadline to submit matchmaking information?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please opt-in or submit information by May 24, 2024.

Question 3

Can I pick my own matchmaking meetings?

Accepted Answer

No, the National 8(a) Association will be pre-matching all meetings on behalf of each company.

Question 4

How are the matches determined?

Accepted Answer

Based on Buyers' requirements, the National 8(a) Association will match Suppliers based on the capabilities provided in their company's registration.

Question 5

When will I know who I'm meeting with?

Accepted Answer

Matchmaking schedules will be sent out the week prior to the conference.

Question 6

I have more than one person from my company attending, can they get an appointment as well?

Accepted Answer

Only one schedule of meetings is provided per company and more than one person from the company may attend the appointment(s).

Question 7

How long are the meetings?

Accepted Answer

Each meeting is 15 minutes in length.

Question 8

I received my schedule of meetings, do I need to check in at the conference?

Accepted Answer

No, just be sure to arrive at the matchmaking area at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment time.

Question 9

I received my schedule of meetings, but I want more meetings.

Accepted Answer

Additional meetings will be offered at the Conference through an "open-call" process. You will need to wait in the "open-call" queue and listen for an announcement to know which Buyer is available.

Question 10

I received my schedule of meetings, but I need to make changes.

Accepted Answer

Please email matchmaking@national8aassocation.org (mailto:matchmaking@national8aassocation.org)or visit the Matchmaking Info Desk at the conference.

Question 11

Why didn't my company receive any meetings?

Accepted Answer

Your company's capabilities did not align with the interests or current needs of the attending buyers or there were no available appointments. Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org (mailto:matchmaking@national8aassociation.org)if you would like a detailed explanation.

Question 12

I registered for the conference but didn't indicate I was interested in being a Supplier/Buyer. How can I do that now?

Accepted Answer

Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org (mailto:matchmaking@national8aassociation.org)to edit your registration.

Question 13

I registered for the conference late but I want meetings.

Accepted Answer

Suppliers registering for the conference after May 24, 2024 can email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org (mailto:matchmaking@national8aassociation.org)prior to the conference. We will be assigning matchmaking meetings on-site at the conference at the Matchmaking Info Desk and through "open-call" during Matchmaking hours.
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 • On-Site Scheduled Meetings: To be considered for these meetings, please submit matchmaking related information by May 24, 2024, and visit us at the Matchmaking Info Desk on Monday, June 10, 2024 from 12:00pm-4:00pm and Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 8:00am-11:00am to schedule your appointments.
 • "Open-Call" Meetings: Occur 2 minutes after each matchmaking meeting start times. If a supplier does not show up for their pre-scheduled meeting or the buyer has availability, we look to the "open-call" area to match a supplier with a buyer who is available.

Question 14

What should I bring to my meeting?

Accepted Answer

Bring plenty of business cards, capability statements, and any marketing materials to provide to the Buyers.