The Conference, sponsored, by DiversityPlus Magazine, New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Kean University, and the Small Business Administration, is geared towards attracting qualified women and minority business owners looking for an opportunity to do business with corporate America and the government.

This year's theme "Diversity-Turning Barriers into Bridges," focuses on helping firms enhance their business skills and access contracting opportunities in the tri-state area estimated at $30 billion. There will be 2 workshops, Improve Profits and Performance with Business Coaching, and The Secret to Bidding and Winning RFPs. During the Exhibitor Showcase from 9 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., conference registrants will have an opportunity to meet and interface with General Contractors and key Procurement Specialists and Certification Managers from major corporations and governmental agencies. They will also have an opportunity to market their services and hear directly from conference sponsors and exhibitors about contracting opportunities.

Previous Conference sponsors included North Fork Bank, JP Morgan Chase, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Small Business Administration, BAE Systems Corporation, New Jersey Transit, UMDNJ, Skanska, NJ Commerce and Economic Growth Commision, Continental Airlines, major contractors and developers, and other private corporations that do business with these organizations.