Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: Wisconsin businesses invited to learn more about United Nations procurement opportunities at first-ever event in Milwaukee

Forum also includes one-on-one meetings with U.N. officials

MADISON, WI. – Wisconsin businesses that want to learn more about doing business with the United Nations will have an opportunity to do so this week at the first event of its kind in Milwaukee.

U.N. representatives will provide businesses with key information on accessing U.N. procurement opportunities and will conduct individual meetings with companies at the forum, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the We Energies offices at 231 W. Michigan St.

During the morning session, attendees will hear from several speakers including: Dmitri Dovgopoly, procurement director for the United Nations Procurement Division (UNPD); Bruno Maboja, team leader with UNPD; Francesco Giusso, chief goods and services procurement for the World Food Program (WFP); Sam Ocran, senior contracts manager for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and Ali Jumah, chief goods and services procurement, New York, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

After a noon working lunch, U.N. representatives will hold individual meetings with attendees to discuss their businesses capabilities and market potential.

Wisconsin companies in the following industries are especially invited to attend: air transport/aviation; food services; agriculture; water and sanitation; information and communications technologies; building and construction; security/safety services and equipment; transportation and storage; office equipment and supplies; vehicles; and medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

The U.N.’s Procurement Division is authorized to commit the U.N. to contractual obligations and interact with vendors wanting to do business with the United Nations Secretariat. Overall, the total organization spent $17.6 billion last year.

The event is co-hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, and co-sponsored by We Energies and Husch Blackwell.  Advanced registration is requested by 5 p.m. Tuesday April 3. For more information, visit,bit.ly/UNForum or contact Aina Vilumsons at ainav@wispro.org or (414) 270-3600.