By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | March 6, 2026
DeKalb County is inviting entrepreneurs, contractors, and service providers to connect directly with government decision-makers at the county’s 9th Annual Reverse Trade Show & Procurement Summit on March 19.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur.
Hosted by the DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracting Department, the summit is designed to help local businesses better understand how to compete for government contracts while building relationships with county departments that purchase goods and services.
Unlike traditional trade shows, the event uses a reverse format.
Instead of vendors setting up booths, county departments and public agencies host the booths. Business owners walk the floor and speak directly with procurement staff, program managers, and other decision-makers responsible for county purchasing.
The goal is simple: make it easier for local businesses to learn how to do business with DeKalb County.
For small and emerging companies, the opportunity can be significant. County governments purchase millions of dollars in goods and services each year, from construction and maintenance to technology, consulting, and office supplies.
This year’s summit will feature several new elements aimed at helping businesses navigate the procurement process more effectively.
Business owners will be able to schedule one-on-one meetings with procurement professionals for personalized guidance on vendor registration, bidding opportunities, and navigating the county’s purchasing system.
Certified Local Small Business Enterprises (LSBEs) will also be able to schedule direct meetings with county departments seeking specific services. Participants are encouraged to bring capability statements, including NIGP codes, descriptions of services offered, and professional references.
To increase accessibility, several educational sessions will be offered twice during the day, allowing attendees to choose either morning or afternoon sessions.
The summit will also include a “Stump the Expert” panel, where participants can ask procurement professionals questions about government contracting, vendor registration, and DeKalb’s LSBE ordinance. Organizers say the interactive session is designed to make the procurement process more transparent and easier to understand.
For many local entrepreneurs, events like the Reverse Trade Show provide a rare opportunity to speak directly with public officials responsible for purchasing decisions.
By strengthening those connections, DeKalb County hopes to expand opportunities for local companies while ensuring taxpayers receive competitive pricing and high-quality services.
The event is open to contractors, suppliers, and service providers interested in working with DeKalb County.
For additional information, contact Michelle Butler, Chief Procurement Officer, at mnbutler@dekalbcountyga.gov or 678-472-8507.
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