Reverse Vendor Fair is a chance to connect with businesses

Purchasing and Contracting Services, in coordination with Campus Operations and Government and Community Relations, will host the third UO Reverse Vendor Fair in the Club at Autzen Stadium on Feb. 25.

Registration for the fair is free and is now open both for vendors who wish to attend and university departments and other public agencies that wish to have a table at the fair. Doors open at 8 a.m. for vendor check-in.

The event runs through 1 p.m. and morning and afternoon refreshments are provided. Parking at Autzen Stadium is free, and participants should use South Gate Entry 5.

During the fair, UO departments will host the tables and vendors will visit to learn how to do business with various departments. Business representatives and university officials can meet at one time and in one location, with vendors marketing their products and services.

Two breakout sessions for vendors also will be held. An overview on purchasing goods and services starts at 9:30 a.m., and an overview on capital construction starts at 11 a.m.

The event typically draws more than 600 participants representing more than 400 different businesses, as well as dozens of representatives from university departments and local agencies. Tables can also be hosted by other state universities, state agencies, the cities of Eugene and Springfield or other local public institutions.

The focus of the event is to encourage doing business with minority, women and emerging small businesses in the area, and representatives from those businesses are encouraged to attend. Success also hinges on UO department participation; registration to host a table is open and departments are invited to sign up.

For more information, visit the Purchasing and Contracting Services website or call 541-356-2419.