As an added bonus, businesses within the NMSDC network are invited to attend Thursday’s Supplier diversity session complimentary, using code: MSDC29
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY FORUM (A): MINORITY VENDORS – WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES & HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY MARKET GOODS & SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY
The hospitality industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to grow. How can minority companies make the cut? How can minority vendors do business & successfully prepare to take advantage of the growing opportunities in the industry?
Facilitator:
- Tony Hill, Partner, Edwards & Hill Office Furniture
Panelists:
- Bianca Ortega, Senior Director, Global Supplier Diversity, Marriott Intl
- Mercedes Rodriguez, Supplier Diversity Manager, Aramark & Avendra Group
- Gabriela Settles, Senior Category Manager, Property Operations, Hilton Supply Mang.
- Nash Patel, President, NashBuilt Inc. /Past Chairman, AAHOA
- Brian Banks, President, Thompson Facilities Services
- Sandy-Michael McDonald, Director, Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development
- Hitesh (HP) Patel, Chief Operating Officer, Curve Hospitality
- Eric Burroughs, Managing Partner & General Counsel, Next Generation Recruitment & Staffing

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY FORUM (B):
Minority Suppliers will be able to meet decision makers from the hotel industry including hotel companies, management companies, African American & Asian American hotel ownership groups. They will have project managers and/or representatives on site to discuss upcoming opportunities.
(Speed Meetings: Every 10 minutes a new opportunity will move to you.)
Facilitator:
- Tony Hill, Partner, Edwards & Hill Office Furniture
Panelists:
- Bianca Ortega, Senior Director, Global Supplier Diversity, Marriott Intl
- Mercedes Rodriguez, Supplier Diversity Manager, Aramark & Avendra Group
- Gabriela Settles, Senior Category Manager, Property Operations, Hilton Supply Mang.
- Nash Patel, President, NashBuilt Inc. /Past Chairman, AAHOA
- Brian Banks, President, Thompson Facilities Services
- Hitesh (HP) Patel, Chief Operating Officer, Curve Hospitality
- Hans Edwards, Partner, Edwards & Hill Office Furniture
- Eric Burroughs, Managing Partner & General Counsel, Next Generation Recruitment & Staffing