Attend the March 10 Metro Expo trade show at the Sacramento Convention Center and you might become a vendor to Caltrans.

This year, the Sacramento Metro Chamber introduces Caltrans on-the-spot purchasing. Caltrans buyers will be on site to provide opportunities for small businesses and disabled veterans business enterprises to connect through on-the-spot purchasing and commodities bidding, with award announcement on the following day. To participate, attendees must pre-register with Caltrans. Visit metrochamber.org/expo for details.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with procurement managers of large organizations and become certified with government agencies. More than 150 tabletop exhibitors will be on hand and 1,500-plus participants are expected. In addition, the state Department of General Services will bring more than 25 state agencies to network with Metro Expo attendees. DGS is a major purchaser of small business goods and services.

“In the space of a few hours, the Metro Expo offers attendees quality leads, contracting and purchasing connections, one-on-one networking and information on new products and innovations,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “It’s what every business person needs—an efficient way to connect with hundreds other business people.”

Metro Expo also offers eight workshops on topics such as doing business with the state, what it means to be a certified small business, how to increase profits, steps to building a solid business and preventing identify theft.

Full-day tickets are $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers and include the evening networking reception. The Convention Center is located at 1400 J St.

For more information, contact Lindsey Ono at 916-319-4262 or visit metrochamber.org/expo.