UCalgary Suppliers Trade Show has something for everyone on campus

For the first time since 2008, UCalgary’s supply chain management unit is hosting a diverse suppliers trade show to help connect great UCalgary faculty, staff, researchers and postdoctoral scholars with the right people, products and services they need to achieve their work and research goals.

“The last suppliers trade show was 11 years ago, and the campus has changed and grown significantly as a research university and higher-learning institution in that time,” says Derek Kogstad, manager of distribution services with supply chain management and a principal planner of the trade show.

“We want everyone on campus, from researchers to administrative staff to tradesmen to find the vendors they need to continue their great work on campus,” Kogstad says.

Something from everyone

With over 40 vendors confirmed for the event and more joining the roster every week, Kogstad says the event will have something for everyone — with all corners of campus are represented.

At the trade show, you’ll find suppliers representing:

• major airlines and hotels
• scientific equipment
• laboratory and research services
• furniture and office supplies
• hardware and software technology experts
• food and catering services
• cellphones and mobile plans
• tools and safety equipment

“We have a full spectrum of suppliers attending, so no one on campus could possibly show up and feel out of place,” Kogstad says. “We’ve worked hard to include everyone in the campus community in the suppliers we’ve chosen.”

See the full list of suppliers.

How to make the most of it

Though supply chain management regularly updates the preferred suppliers list on campus, Kogstad says this trade show is an important step in building helpful relationships with reps and account managers you may already know and use.

“It’s not often that we get the opportunity to have all of these suppliers and their reps all in one place, face to face,” Kogstad says. “Bring your curiosity, questions, and of course your business cards.” 

But event-goers should expect more than just leaflets, business cards and answered questions. In addition to the swag bags offered to all attendees, there will be plenty of lavish door prizes, including:

• flights
• airline lounge passes
• hotel stays
• electronics and gadgets, like Amazon Echos

“We are doing our best to make sure this a rewarding experience for the campus community,” Kogstad says. “But it’s not just us, our suppliers are going all out — often asking for more tables and bringing more reps to make sure they’re providing as much support as possible.”

The event takes place on Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in MacEwan Hall A/B, and is open to all faculty, staff, researchers and postdoctoral scholars on all UCalgary campuses, with no RSVPs required.

For employees from the Cumming School of Medicine, Supply Chain Management has arranged a shuttle service to and from main campus on the day of the trade show — running every 30 minutes beginning at 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Catch it just outside the Heath Sciences Centre entrance.

Learn more about the event.