How do I register and purchase my Booth for Supplier Connect at Forum2026?

You will register and pay for the Forum online using the Virginia Institute of Procurement Learning Management System (VIP LMS) after creating your free account.

Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.

Credit Cards: VISA and MasterCard payments are accepted online.

Checks: Checks are not an accepted payment form.  All payments must be completed via the VIP LMS using a credit card.

The VIP LMS will send an email confirmation when the card payment is processed. Print and save this email as your receipt. You will need the invoice number to secure needed lodging.

What is the refund and cancellation policy?

A Supplier may request a refund for a booth purchase until the deadline shown below.  Please note the booth cancellation fees:

• Micro Booth Cancellation: $100 administrative fee

• Single Booth Cancellation: $150 administrative fee

• Double Booth Cancellation: $200 administrative fee

• Equipment Showcase Booth Cancellation: $250 administrative fee

All registration changes and booth refund requests must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026, by contacting the Forum Team at Forum@dgs.virginia.gov. After this date, in-person registration is locked, and no registration changes, transfers, or booth cancellations will be permitted.  The full fee will remain the responsibility of the paying entity.

In the unlikely event that this program is canceled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, VIP, on behalf of the Department of General Services, will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including cancellation or change charges assessed by airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.

What are the booth dimensions, and what is provided with the space?

All single Premium, Standard, and Micro booths are 10'x10' and are partitioned with drapes. The booth is equipped with one 6 'x 2' table with skirt/tablecloth and 2 chairs.

Double booths are 20’x20’, partitioned with drapes, and equipped with two 6’x2’ skirted/clothed tables and four chairs.

Equipment Showcase Booths come in two sizes – 20'x20’ or 30’x40’.  Each size is equipped with one 6 'x 2' table with skirt/tablecloth, 2 chairs, and electricity.

*Please Note: Electricity is only included with a Premium or Equipment Showcase Booth purchase.  Exhibitors with Micro or Standard Booths may purchase electricity directly from the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

How do I purchase electricity for my Standard or Micro booth?

Requests for electricity must be made directly to the Virginia Beach Convention Center by using the link https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/convention-center/services-vendors/ or calling (757) 385-2189.

The standard cost of adding electricity is $120.00.  The Convention Center provides a discounted rate of $95.00 if the electricity request is completed by 5:00 PM 10/30/2026.

Can I bring my own set-up or display materials?

Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own display materials.  This could include: signs, tablecloths, monitors, lighting, extra tables, and equipment that fits in your space. Keep in mind that you will not be able to remove the table and chairs that we provide from your space. If in doubt or you have a special need, please contact the Supplier Relationship Manager - irma.hart@dgs.virginia.gov or (804) 910- 2241 for more details.

What are the times for the set-up and breakdown?

Setup starts early on the day of the event, Tuesday, November 17th, at 7:00 am, with the Exhibition beginning at 10:20 am. The breakdown should begin promptly at the close of the event at 12:30 pm; however, you will have until 5:00 pm to fully load out. Please keep in mind that you will also have lunch, and any scheduled matchmaking appointments to attend during this time. Additionally, supplier-led session presentations from those who were accepted during the presentation submission process will take place on Tuesday.

Will I have WI-FI access?

Yes, all Forum and Supplier Connect attendees will be able to enjoy WI-FI for free.

What is the expected number of attendees and participating vendors?

We are expecting over 800 procurement professionals and over 100 Supplier partners to attend Supplier Connect.

When will I get the list with all the Forum attendees' contact information?

Forum attendee lists are provided one week before the event.

*Please Note: Forum attendee lists are provided free of charge to participating suppliers by the Forum Team. We will never provide our list to a third party to market / sell.

How many people can I bring with me to attend the booth?

Single Booth: Two tickets are included in the booth price. Single Booth exhibitors have the ability to purchase up to two more tickets, for a total of four representatives in a single booth.

Double Booth: Four tickets are included in the booth price. Double Booth exhibitors have the ability to purchase up to four more additional tickets, for a total of eight representatives in a double booth.

*Please note: Extra chairs are not included in the purchase of extra tickets for your booth. Booths will be equipped with the standard number of tables /chairs.

What is the cost of an extra ticket?How much does the extra ticket  cost?

Additional tickets for the Supplier Connect event are $50.00 each. This includes participation in the Supplier Connect event, any matchmaking appointments or confirmed supplier-led sessions, and lunch on Tuesday.

Premium booths includes logo promotion at the Forum. What does this mean?

Your logo will be displayed at all general sessions during the live event.

How do I participate in the Matchmaking event or present a session?

After completing your booth purchase, you will receive further information on how to participate in these opportunities.

Matchmaking appointments: You will receive a link to complete an interest form with your business information and NIGP codes for the commodities you provide.  Buyers will complete a similar form with their information and NIGP codes for commodities they are seeking to purchase.  Individuals will then be matched and scheduled appointments to discuss the specific need during the Matchmaking Session conducted 11/17/2026, 1:30-3:15.

Supplier-Led Sessions: You will receive a “Supplier Call for Proposals” link to submit your presentation proposal and select your top 3 session times. Submissions are then reviewed for educational, non-commercial content and overall program compatibility.

Do I have to pay an extra fee to participate in the Matchmaking or Informational sessions?

No, participating in the Matchmaking or Informational Sessions is optional and included in the price of the booth. The matchmaking session is conducted on Tuesday, November 17, 1:30-3:15, for those suppliers who have been matched with a buyer for an appointment.  Suppliers can submit a proposal to present at one of the 20-minute supplier-led sessions conducted on Tuesday before and after the Supplier Connect event.

Can I ship materials to the Virginia Beach Convention Center?

Yes, Supplier Connect materials can be shipped (no fee for storage) before the Forum. Please see the following instructions:

• No deliveries are accepted prior to 11/11/2026 - three business days prior to the start of the overall Forum event.

• All packages must be addressed to the attention of: “2026 Public Procurement Forum – Supplier Connect” and include the name of the Supplier.

Address: Virginia Beah Convention Center 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

How can I promote my participation in the Supplier Connect event?

We encourage you to use the marketing materials found in the Forum2026 Social Media Toolkit that will be shared after registration.

What is the Supplier Connect Code of Conduct?

Supplier Connect will be held Tuesday morning 10:20AM-12:30PM. Please be aware of the below buyer code of conduct:

• Wagons, trolleys, shopping carts, large shopping bags, etc. will not be permitted in the Supplier Connect event.

• In order to ensure there are enough for all, buyers may only take one (1) giveaway item per booth as these are permitted for registered in-person Forum participants.

• This code is designed to make Forum2026 welcoming for our supplier partners as well as Forum attendees. Violators may be asked to leave the Supplier Connect or Forum2026 at DGS discretion with no refunds given.