Frequently Asked Questions
MatchMaking
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Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:30pm-5:00pm
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 1:30pm-3:45pm
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If you are a supplier, please opt-in or submit information by January 16, 2025.
If you are a buyer, please opt-in or submit information by January 15, 2025.
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No, The National 8(a) Association will be pre-matching all meetings on behalf of each company.
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Based on buyers’ requirements, the National 8(a) Association will match suppliers based on the capabilities provided in their company’s registration.
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Matchmaking schedules will be sent out one week prior to the conference.
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Only one schedule of meetings is provided per company and more than one person from the company may attend the appointment(s).
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No, just be sure to arrive at the Matchmaking area at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment time.
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Additional meetings will be offered at the conference through an “open call” process. You will need to wait in the “open call” queue and listen for an announcement to know which buyer is available.
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Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org or visit the Matchmaking information desk at the conference.
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Your company’s capabilities did not align with the interests or current needs of the attending buyers, or there were no available appointments. Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org if you would like a detailed explanation.
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Please email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org to edit your registration.
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Suppliers registering for the conference after January 16, 2026, can email matchmaking@national8aassociation.org prior to the conference. We will be assigning Matchmaking meetings on-site at the conference at the Matchmaking information desk and through “open call” during Matchmaking hours.
On-Site Scheduled Meetings: Visit us at the Matchmaking information desk on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 8:00am – 1:00pm to schedule matchmaking appointments.
“Open Call” Meetings: Occur 2 minutes after each Matchmaking meeting start time. If a supplier does not show up for their pre-scheduled meeting or the buyer has availability, we look to the "open call” area to match a supplier with a buyer who is available.
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Bring plenty of business cards, capability statements, and any marketing materials to provide to the buyers.
If you still have questions after reviewing all of the matchmaking information, contact matchmaking@national8aassociation.org, and we will provide a response within 48 hours of your inquiry.