Join us for the 2025 Business Opportunity Exchange

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | Newark, NJ

Resilient suppliers, refined supply chains, growing bottom lines — you can find this and more at our 2025 Business Opportunity Exchange (BOE).

2025 Business Opportunity Exchange

Spend the day with The Council as we lay out a program jam-packed with sessions designed to expand your business relationships.

Signature Event Registration Bundles

Lock in a full year of opportunities to gain exposure, expand your network, and establish valuable relationships — all at a discounted rate!

About the Event

From inspiring discussions to deep insights from leading diversity officers and minority suppliers, we’re giving businesses across our network the chance to Explore, Build, Succeed and Celebrate.

Whether you’re representing a Fortune 500 company or you’re a certified supplier, this event is designed to build connections.

Where

Prudential Tower
655 Broad St.
Newark, NJ

When

8 AM: Check-in & Breakfast
9 AM: Opening Session

What Will You Do in 2025?

  • Meet diverse suppliers that bring innovative ideas to the table.
  • Strengthen your knowledge of supplier programs from leading corporations and better understand how you can do business together.
  • Market your products and services to hundreds of potential clients

Agenda

8:15 AM – 9:00 AMRegistration & Check-In
Light breakfast available
9:00 AM – 10:40 AM Opening Session
Terrence Clark | NY & NJ MSDC
Oliver Gall | Prudential
Jeanine Pedoto | Prudential
Michael Gardner | NYC Chief Business Diversity Office
Michelle Bodden | NJEDA
Avis Yates | MBE Guest Speaker, Technology Concepts Group
Javette Hines | Corporate Guest Speaker, Citi
10:45 AM – 11:45 AMMBE Workshop: Borrowing with Purpose and Confidence
Ruben Rodriguez | Business Consortium Fund
An Phan | Business Consortium Fund
Corporate Workshop: Communicating Your Supplier Diversity Story
Jay Edwards | GSK
Trung Tieu | Wells Fargo
12:00 PM – 1:45 PMLuncheon & Keynote Speaker
The Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka | Newark, New Jersey
1:45 PM – 2:45 PMMBE Workshop: Navigating the MBE Economic Landscape 
Cheryl McCants | Impact Consulting Enterprises
Corporate Workshop: Responsible Sourcing
Dawn Wells | Northwell Health
Punita Patel | Guardian Life Insurance
3:00 PM – 5:00 PMTrade Fair 
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Closing Reception

Don’t miss a beat! Check out our calendar for a full list of upcoming events and seminars from the Council.

Learn More →