MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Department of Administration (DOA) and the Department of Compliance and Engagement (DCE) are proud to announce City Connect: City of Milwaukee Vendor Fair, presented with the support of Executive Sponsor, BMO Bank. This year’s fair is held in collaboration with Milwaukee County, representing a unified effort to streamline opportunities for the local business community.
This premier networking and educational event will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Milwaukee City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.
City Connect serves as a vital bridge between the local business community and City government. The fair offers a unique environment for vendors, contractors, and entrepreneurs to engage directly with various City departments, explore procurement opportunities, and learn the mechanics of doing business with the public sector.
“Our goal is to ensure that doing business with the City of Milwaukee is accessible, transparent, and inclusive,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “City Connect is more than just a vendor fair; it is an investment in our local economy. By providing small businesses and contractors with the tools, certifications, and connections they need to succeed, we are building a more prosperous and equitable Milwaukee for everyone.”
“We are committed to fostering a city government that is as dynamic and resilient as the businesses we serve,” said DOA Director Danielle Rodriguez. “Our mission is to dismantle barriers to entry and facilitate the connections that allow local talent to thrive in our city’s most significant projects.”
This year’s event features a robust lineup of educational workshops tailored to address the evolving needs of the modern business landscape. High-priority sessions include:
- Winning Public Contracts: A deep dive into the Bonfire eProcurement platform and strategies for submitting successful bids to both the City and Milwaukee County.
- Certification Roadmaps: Guidance on Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Targeted Business Enterprise (TBE) certifications to unlock exclusive contracting opportunities.
- Infrastructure & Housing: Updates on major Department of Public Works (DPW) projects, Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) lead service line replacements, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s Housing Year of Housing initiative.
- Workforce & Sustainability: Experts from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the Milwaukee Public Schools Youth Apprenticeship Program, WRTP | BIG STEP, and the Sustainable Business Council to help businesses tackle labor shortages and implement green business practices.
SAVE THE DATE:
What: City Connect: City of Milwaukee Vendor Fair
When: May 28, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Check-in at 7:30 a.m.)
Where: Milwaukee City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.
View workshop descriptions and register to attend at milwaukee.gov/VendorFair.
For more information on how to become a City of Milwaukee vendor, visit the Purchasing Division website at milwaukee.gov/purchasing.
