American Indian business conference targets $1 billion in contracts

PHOENIX – More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the premier American Indian business and economic development event in the country – the 24th Annual Reservation Economic Summit (RES 2010) and American Indian Business Trade Fair. “The Power of Indian Country – Today, Tomorrow, Together,” is the theme of this business-networking event, which will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton Feb. 21-24.
RES is presented annually by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development a 501(c) 3 organization, which has its headquarters near Phoenix, Arizona and has been delivering business development services to American Indian tribal and small business owners for more than 40 years.
Over the years, RES has evolved into the “business leveraging place” bringing together American Indian entrepreneurs, tribal leaders, government representatives, corporate executives, tribal business and economic development “decision makers.” In addition, RES is host to one of the most results oriented Business Matchmaking sessions in the country, bringing together buyers and sellers prospecting for Indian suppliers and contractors.
The RES conference has been tailored for entrepreneurs and there will be two days of business information and training delivered through nearly 20 sessions, specifically designed for tribal enterprises and companies executing business-to-business relationships with American Indian tribes. RES will feature the American Indian Business Trade Fair, which has become synonymous with networking opportunities between American Indian suppliers and buyers from the corporate and government markets. The trade fair sells out annually with over 350 exhibit booths!
Margo Gray-Proctor, NCAIED Board Chairwoman stated, “RES promises to be the most informative and exciting RES yet and our theme sums up our climate perfectly. The excitement of harnessing network opportunities to stimulate growth in American Indian-owned businesses is why many continue attending the RES conferences.”
“There is so much buzz and energy out there about where we stand, the opportunities that lie ahead for us, and the amazing partnerships,” Proctor said. “All of these relationships will allow us to increase our capacity, deliver value and open up many new business opportunities for everyone.”
Whether it’s the Procurement Pavilion or the American Indian Business Trade Fair, buyers and sellers will have ample opportunities to meet and conduct business. In addition, leading keynote and featured speakers will address attendees during large plenary sessions. As always, you can also expect the latest news and updates from federal procurement personnel on new methods of doing business with the government.
“Teeing off” the entire RES event will be the 22nd Annual National Center Golf Classic held Feb. 21. The golf tourney has expanded this year and will be played on two courses at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort in Las Vegas. A portion of the tournament proceeds go toward the NCAIED American Indian Fellowship in Business Student scholarship program, one of the oldest scholarships in the country for American Indian college students.
Tribal and corporate sponsorships are available for both RES 2010 and the National Center Golf Classic. RES 2010 block rooms are available for single or double occupancy at a rate of $109 through Feb. 5. Mention “RES 2010” when making reservations.
For more information, visit www.ncaied.org, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 800-462-2433 ext. 243