Eleven universities across the Commonwealth of Virginia again unite to create awareness, foster inclusion, and spur development of small and diverse businesses.

Online PR News � 09-May-2018 � The Virginia Association of State College and University Purchasing Professionals (VASCUPP) is hosting the 14th Annual SWaMfest October 3rd and 4th at the all-new Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center in Harrisonburg, VA.

We are excited to host SWaMfest for the first time in the Shenandoah Valley, at an all-new venue. Weve learned over the years that SWaMfest travels well, and we expect the same this year in Harrisonburg, the home of James Madison University, said Mark Cartwright, assistant director of procurement for supplier opportunity at Virginia Tech, and chair of the VASCUPP Supplier Diversity Advocacy Committee.

This year, the SWaMfest theme is BEYOND, where the workshops, sessions, speakers, and content
seeks to push comfortable boundaries and go beyond the status quo, beyond mediocrity, beyond
business-as-usual, and beyond the horizon by exploring what tomorrow may hold. The event kicks
off October 3 with vendor fair that showcases businesses and procurement organizations from
across the Commonwealth and encourages the growth and development of meaningful business
connections. On October 4, the event will feature keynote presentations, breakout seminars, and
powerful networking opportunities.

Chris Beahm, chair of the 2018 SWaMfest planning committee and senior buyer at James Madison
University says, There are 5 powerful drivers impacting every organization at every level, which is workforce development, technology, marketing and sales, supplier diversity, and logistics. We plan to address these areas and, hopefully, attendees will walk away with innovative strategies.

Tickets may be purchased online at swamfest.com

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The Virginia Association of State College and University Purchasing Professionals provides
opportunities for Virginias public colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education to address and share information regarding the procurement process. VASCUPPs structure promotes increased opportunities for cooperative procurement among institutions of higher education and professional development among its members. VASCUPP is committed to helping Virginias small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses remain strong, vibrant and successful while connecting them to our Purchasing Power.