KEYNOTE on ZOOM Webinar:
About the Event
Overview
The 5th Annual CT Supplier Connection Direct Supplier Summit is designed to specifically help the region’s small suppliers of Direct Materials and Services* meet with large buyers and prime contractors in Connecticut, and strengthen the local supply chain community and its ability to grow in a rapidly changing market.
The centerpiece of the Supplier Connection Direct Supplier Summit is the Business MatchMaker. Suppliers will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one (virtually) with buyers from some of the largest buying organizations in our area. MatchMaker Meetings will take place over one and half days, with each lasting approx. 15 minutes.
Last year, we hosted over 150 one-on-one supplier meetings with buyers from the region’s largest corporations and buying groups. We also provide other useful knowledge sessions to help suppliers better understand the program’s available to help them grow. Additionally, through our twice-a-year Summits & MatchMaker events, we bring together members of leading buying organizations, state government and other support organizations to increase awareness of various programs that are designed to assist small and diverse suppliers.
Join us for our Keynote Session and Kickoff on June 11th from 9am – 11:45am.
Presentations will include to:
Opening Remarks and Welcome
- Steven Semaya, State Director, CT Supplier Connection
Keynote Presentation
- Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer, State of Connecticut
Buyer Panel with Sikorsky, Electric Boat, and more
- Martha Crawford, Jea Hur
- Alissa Weather, Xerox
Connecticut Resources Available to Small Manufacturers and Other Suppliers
Virtual Networking Lounge
The Keynote and Kickoff Session will be followed by the opening of the Virtual Networking Lounge (your home base for the Summit) where you can chat with buyers, prime contractors and other Tier 2 suppliers to make new business connections and expand your sales and marketing efforts.
MatchMaker Sessions – Meet One-on-One with Buyers
Again this year, we are being joined by buyers from some of the region’s leading manufacturers’ procurement groups, including:
The MatchMaker will start at 12:30 pm on June 11th and run through 5pm on June 12th. You will have the opportunity to request meetings with buyers who then accept meetings as space permits on their schedule.
There are no fees to register and attend this event. Once you register to attend the Supplier Connection Growth Summit, you will receive an email package around the 2nd week of May with more information about the MatchMaker and how to request meetings.
Agenda
Agenda for 5 thAnnual CT Supplier Connection Direct Supplier Summit
Wednesday June 11th, 2025
Welcome and Introductions
Steven Semaya
Program Director, CT Supplier Connection
Keynote Address: The State of Manufacturing in Connecticut, in a rapidly changing environment
Paul Lavoie
Chief Manufacturing Officer, State of Connecticut
Buyer Panel Discussion: What it Takes to do Business with Primes and Other Large Buying Organizations.
Martha Crawford Sikorsky Lockheed Martin
Jea Hur, General Dynamics Electric Boat
Alissa Weathers, Supplier Connection and Sustainability Manager, Global Spend Management, Xerox
Moderated by Kate Houlihan, ManufactureCT
Panel Discussion: Connecticut Resources Available to Small Manufacturers and Other Suppliers
Valerian Gomez, CTSBDC
Ishart Nazmi, CT Apex Accelerator
Eileen Candels, CCAT
Ryan Scott, CONNSTEP
MatchMaker Process & Networking Lounge Introduction
Steven Semaya, Program Director, CT Supplier Connection
Closing Remarks
Steven Semaya, Program Director, CT Supplier Connection
Networking Lounge opens
MatchMaking Meetings
Thursday June 12th, 2025
MatchMaking Meetings
Chris Jackson – Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting, LLP
Chris is Deloitte Private’s Technology Leader and has responsibility for Consulting’s Mid-Market and Private Company technology strategy, operating approach and solution alignment for mid-market, high growth and privately held companies. He’s involved with Deloitte’s Cloud efforts across the Life Sciences and Healthcare sector in addition to Consulting’s Cloud ERP efforts within the Deloitte Private marketplace.
Chris has broad international business experience and is also skilled in IT Risk. A frequently requested speaker on global competitiveness, technology strategy, and emerging technologies. Chris was recently named to Ad Weeks 2018 Top 50 Indispensable Media, Marketing and Tech Players.
George Van Antwerp Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting LLP
George is a leader in Deloitte’s pharmacy and PBM practice. He has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years serving health plans, PBMs, retail and specialty pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and integrated delivery networks. Georges focus has been growth strategies, clinical programs, consumer engagement strategies, operating model changes, and M&A work. George led Deloitte’s efforts to help our clients address the opioid crisis, and he has been a frequent speaker on health related topics at a number of conferences including sPCMA, PBMI, and AHIP in 2018.
Prior to Deloitte, George worked at Express Scripts, inVentiv Health, and several start-ups including Silverlink Communications.
Event Sponsor
CT Supplier Connection would like to thank The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development for sponsoring the 5th, Annual CT Supplier Connection Direct Supplier Summit!
