The University of Oregon vendor showcase and travel fair is back. Employees are encouraged to visit the Erb Memorial Union on Tuesday, Feb. 14, to meet vendors from across the country and explore diverse options to meet their purchasing needs.
Events and activities will take place in the EMU ballroom and Redwood Auditorium. No registration is required to attend.
“This will be our first showcase since 2020, and we are excited to connect vendors with UO employees in-person once again,” said Shari Powell, associate director of outreach and operations and the event planner. “It presents a unique opportunity to browse options, discuss needs directly with product experts and discover new solutions. It is sure to be an informative and entertaining experience.”
The come-and-go event starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Sponsorships will provide food and beverages during breakfast and lunch. Vendors will be hosting raffles and prize giveaways that include Amazon gift cards, gift certificates for both prizes and meals, as well as UO gear and clothing and more. Employees can stop by at their convenience.
“Grab your business cards and come show our vendors some love on Valentine’s Day,” Powell said. “You could leave a winner and will definitely gain valuable information to inform future purchasing decisions.”
The joint event, hosted by Purchasing and Contracting Services and the Business Affairs Travel Office, will include a variety of Duck Depot vendors as well as those who provide office furniture and supplies, catering and event decor, construction services and supplies, scientific supplies, electronics, computer and audio-visual equipment, and lodging and travel services.
Travel coordinators and travelers will be able to meet with airline travel service providers, UO-contracted travel agencies, ground transportation providers, hotels from around the state and local tourism agencies.
“By combining the travel event with the annual vendor showcase during the winter term, those unit representatives with both travel and purchasing responsibilities can compare products and services in both categories at one time,” said Brooke Montgomery, travel manager.
Together, the purchasing office and business affairs leverage their resources to provide unit partners a more efficient use of their time by offering one high-quality event, Montgomery said.
All employees are invited to attend. Attendees at all levels of the purchasing process will find something of interest, Powell said.
Visit the vendor showcase webpage for more information about the event.