ABOUT
The CUNY Exchange is New York's small business procurement and contract opportunities forum — created to connect businesses with the buyers, projects, and relationships that drive public and institutional purchasing.
OCTOBER 1, 2026 · 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, NEW YORK
ABOUT THE CUNY EXCHANGE
The CUNY Exchange is a results-focused platform where businesses gain practical procurement insight, meet decision-makers, understand emerging opportunities, and position themselves to compete for future work.
Whether entering the market for the first time or expanding an established firm, The CUNY Exchange is where preparation meets opportunity.
Beyond Networking.
Built for Business.
OCTOBER 1, 2026
One Day. One Place. Maximum Impact.
From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, the CUNY Exchange brings together hundreds of firms and dozens of institutional buyers for a day built around results.
- Keynote presentations on CUNY's procurement priorities
- Exhibit hall with agency and campus booths
- Structured Business Meetup matchmaking sessions
- Pitch practice workshops with real feedback
- Networking opportunities throughout the day
- Panel discussions with institutional decision-makers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have more questions? Contact our team and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Small businesses, MWBEs, DBEs, SDVOBs, contractors, consultants, suppliers, professional service firms, industry vendors, and prime contractors interested in public and institutional procurement opportunities should attend.
CUNY is hosting the Forum to create a practical pathway for businesses to better understand procurement needs, upcoming opportunities, buyer expectations, and how to compete more effectively for institutional work.
The CUNY Exchange is designed around action, not just networking. Attendees can learn from procurement leaders, meet buyers, connect with partners, practice their pitch, and leave with clearer next steps.
The program will highlight a range of opportunities connected to CUNY needs, including capital projects, facilities, construction, design, technology, professional services, goods, and related vendor services.
Yes. The day includes structured networking, exhibit hall access, buyer conversations, Business Meetup-style connections, and sessions designed to help firms engage directly with decision-makers and partners.
The Matchmaking option is a structured opportunity for businesses to connect with buyers, prime contractors, or partners based on their capabilities and business goals. Space may be limited and confirmed through registration or event communications.
No. Certified MWBEs, DBEs, and SDVOBs are strongly encouraged to attend, but the event is also valuable for emerging firms, established vendors, and companies preparing to pursue public-sector or institutional work.
The CUNY Exchange is built to help new firms understand how procurement works, what buyers look for, how to prepare materials, and how to start building relationships before pursuing opportunities.
Established firms can use the event to identify upcoming opportunities, meet new institutional buyers, strengthen relationships, connect with potential partners, and position their business for future work.
Small Business General Admission is $25. Industry Vendor / Prime Contractor admission is $95. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available separately.
For cancellation, transfer, or refund questions, please contact the event team at events@sackscom.com so they can review your registration and provide the correct next steps.