Defining New Norms
NMSDC Conference & Exchange continues commitment to close equity gap.
Building on last yearʼs mission to close the equity gap, the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Annual Conference & Exchange convened in the vibrant city of Atlanta from Oct. 20-23. The conference, which included over 450 exhibiting companies, brought together corporate members, minority business enterprises (MBEs), and visionary leaders to define the new norms that will enable NMSDC-certified MBEs to take advantage of opportunities in todayʼs and tomorrowʼs emerging industries.
This yearʼs theme, Defining New Norms, aligned with NMSDCʼs goal of achieving $1 trillion in annual revenue for NMSDC-certified MBEs by 2030. According to NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire, the organization is making progress in this direction. Just two years in, they have already reached an annual revenue of $363 billion and created two million jobs.
Pre-conference activities included the NMSDC Golf Classic and an invitation-only Capital Managers Program Networking Event at Atlantaʼs Gathering Spot, where two companies committed $150 million to invest in NMSDC-certified MBEs. Sunday included an NMDSC Programs Alumni Connections Breakfast, along with a community service event available throughout the conference. Attendees worked together to prepare 1,500 pre-packed bags filled with school supplies for Youth of Georgia.
The annual conference launched with energy and excitement at the History in the Making welcome reception held at Ponce City Market. After a dynamic welcome from McGuire and Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Eric Morrissette, attendees participated in 45-minute Impact Labs on Monday. Designed to meet attendees where they are, the sessions covered a range of topics, including financing for minority business expansion, a panel discussion on how MBEs can leverage key government and commercial resources, and a session focused on the impact of OSHAʼs warehousing and logistics emphasis program on MBEs.
Following a networking lunch, the mainstage sessions commenced with opening remarks from Kala Gibson, NMSDC chair. The presidents of Morris Brown College and Clark Atlanta University also engaged in a discussion regarding how academic institutions are responding to the evolving demands and opportunities that will shape the leaders of tomorrow. A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened the exchange, and the day concluded with a Peach Tree Social Networking Reception at the Georgia Aquarium.
Tuesday morning began with impactful conversations during the mainstage sessions, followed by Power Talks. In the afternoon, the mainstage sessions featured U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and acclaimed actor and entrepreneur Malik Yoba.
The final day of the conference began with MOU signings between NMSDC and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States, and Institute for Supply Management (ISM). Later in the day, a fireside chat moderated by political reporter Bill Barrow featured author, entrepreneur, and political leader Stacey Abrams discussing the importance of creating new norms that challenge the status quo and foster lasting change in our society and economy. The evening concluded with the awards ceremony and farewell reception featuring actor and author Kim Coles and special guest performer Eric Benét.
The energy of this NMSDC Conference and Exchange indicated a positive sign that they are on the right track toward realizing their vision of a future filled with inclusivity, prosperity, and equity.
