The 2025 event features vendor tables, seminars and networking opportunitites for small businesses and those interested in scaling up.
Chicago Construction News staff writer
The City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement Services (DPS) is rolling out the welcome mat for local businesses, including those in the construction sector, at its 2025 Procurement Symposium. The event, scheduled for Sept. 4 at Malcolm X College, is designed to connect private enterprises with public sector contracting opportunities.
Under the theme “Partnering for Progress: Procurement that Powers Opportunity,” the one-day symposium aims to foster collaboration and provide businesses with the tools and connections needed to work with the city. This aligns with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s stated goal of making Chicago “open for business” by expanding equitable access to city contracts for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds.
“This event is all about creating valuable opportunities,” said Sharla Roberts, the city’s Chief Procurement Officer. “We’re bringing together a variety of professional services and work avenues, and we welcome everyone to fully engage for shared success.”
For general contractors, subcontractors, and professional service firms in the AEC industry, the symposium presents a prime opportunity to:
- Gain direct access to information on current and upcoming public sector projects.
- Build B2G (Business-to-Government) and B2B (Business-to-Business) relationships through dedicated networking sessions.
- Learn about the city’s tech-forward and equitable sourcing strategies.
The DPS is the city’s central authority for procuring goods and services and emphasizes its commitment to a fair, transparent, and accessible process for all firms, including small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
Location: Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612
Time: Doors open at 9:30 a.m.; the event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Businesses can find more information and register online at chi.gov/symposium2025.
