Events -

Orientation Dates

The Houston Minority Business Council (HMBC) offers pre-EXPO 2008 orientation training sessions to assist corporate representatives, MBEs, and general attendees in fulfilling their EXPO 2008 expectations as well as share tips on “How to Work EXPO” to receive optimum results.

Corporate, Prime Suppliers, MBEs and General Attendees
August 15 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Houston Minority Business Council – Conference Room
Three Riverway, Suite 555
Houston , Texas 77056
Tel: (713) 271-7805

EXPO 2008 Business Opportunity Marketplace
September 10th – Wednesday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Forums – George R. Brown Convention Center – Attendees will be able to preplan their day and maximize the opportunities they will receive at EXPO by focusing on the villages.  Each village will have a forum on the 10th in order to discuss marketplace trends and to provide insight into future opportunities. The corporate community is asked to invite their prime suppliers and second tier firms in order to maximize their attendance at the show to meet qualified MBEs.

Private Reception - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Corporate and MBE Sponsors Only

The Wortham Center
501 Texas, Houston , TX 77002

Reception 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the MBEs of the Houston Minority Business Council at The Wortham Center, this premier event provides a venue for members, MBEs and guests to network in an upbeat ambiance before EXPO .

September 11th – Thursday
George R. Brown Convention Center – Exhibit Hall C

Sponsor Recognition Breakfast – 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, good contacts and lots of fun as we recognize our EXPO 2008 sponsors. Be there for the festive opening ceremonies as our General Chairpersons set the tone for our efforts at EXPO 2008, and as City Council declares September 11th Minority Business Development Day in Houston, Texas.

Ribbon Cutting - 8:30 a.m.
Join in the procession as we cut the ribbon and officially open a full day of business networking.

EXPO 2008 Awards Luncheon - 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy casual networking, fine food, and an inspirational speaker, as we recognize success in supplier diversity.

One-to-One Sessions - 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
By Corporate Invitation Only
Fifteen minute personal meetings with a five minute break are set between exhibitors seeking specific products or services and MBEs capable of meeting those needs.

Products EXPO - 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The morning hours of EXPO 2008 will provide MBE sellers of products the opportunity to meet with appropriate buyers at the booths of exhibiting major corporations and government agencies.

Services EXPO - 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The afternoon hours of EXPO 2008 will enable MBE professional service firms the opportunity to meet with appropriate buyers and contract managers at the booths of exhibiting major corporations and government agencies.