1,600 Local Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Attended Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit to Prepare for Procurement Opportunities

 [ Article originally appeared in https://mayor.lacity.gov ]

Summit Delivers Access to Panels, Support and Resources Ahead of Procurement Opportunities for Major Global Events Coming to Los Angeles

Los Angeles – Last week, 1,600 local businesses and entrepreneurs attended Mayor Bass’ second annual Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit, which provided local businesses with support and resources to tap into opportunities for upcoming major global events coming to Los Angeles. Hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the free event was made possible by presenting sponsor BMO with partnership from leading sports and entertainment organizations like LA28 and AEG. B-roll of the event here. 

“My focus continues to be on ensuring that Angelenos will benefit from these global events for generations to come, and the Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit is just one part of our efforts,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Our second annual summit drew even more attendees than last year, a sign that business owners are interested and ready to access these programs and services. Angelenos can visit ProcureLA.com to learn more.”  

"LA28 presents a remarkable opportunity to uplift and strengthen the Los Angeles community, and we're fully dedicated to ensuring that local and small businesses are deeply involved in the Games;” said CEO of LA28 Reynold Hoover. “Through close collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and the City of Los Angeles, we’re making this commitment a reality, reflecting our vision to leave a positive lasting legacy for the city and all Angelenos."

During the summit, Mayor Bass participated in an in-depth conversation with CEO of LA28 Reynold Hoover, moderated by BMO U.S. Vice Chair, Eric Smith. Between the expert panels, attendees were able to access networking opportunities, resources and procurement guidance in order to better compete for contracts. 

“We’re honored to work with the Mayor’s Office and participate in the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit,” said Kathryn Schloessman, President & CEO, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. “With high-profile events like NBA All-Star, U.S. Women’s Open, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, Los Angeles is entering a historic decade of global visibility and economic opportunity. By championing local, diverse small businesses, we’re not only strengthening the supply chain in the LA region, we’re also investing in the people and communities that fuel LA’s vibrant economy and help shape its legacy on the world stage.”

“AEG is pleased to work in close collaboration with Mayor Bass and the City of Los Angeles on this important economic initiative,” said Martha Saucedo, Chief External Affairs Officer at AEG. “As leaders of the world’s most iconic venues and events, we are committed to ensuring that local businesses are not only included but empowered to thrive as Los Angeles prepares to host the world.”

In addition to the second annual Sport and Entertainment Procurement Summit, Mayor Bass has also taken multiple actions recently to support the LA business community and get Angelenos ready for major global events, including:

• Launched the City’s Contract Financing Program, thanks to a $1M donation from Banc of California, helping local small business owners and entrepreneurs access competitive City contracts through securing competitive financial capital. 
• Finalized the expansion and modernization of the LA Convention Center, signaling that LA is ready to compete and win on the world stage, attracting even more global tourism. 
• Announced the new Business Navigator, a centralized website for local small businesses to access permits, resources and procurement opportunities. 
• Created “ProcureLA”, operated in partnership with Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), providing businesses ready for procurement opportunities with one-on-one consultation, training and assistance with certification, proposal development and registration to procurement portals.