- August 2026 -

FEATURED EVENTS

September 16, 2026

Lambeau Field


Join us at Lambeau Field for CONNECT, an interactive business networking experience hosted by the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program.


Whether you are looking to become a corporate supplier, expand your professional network, access business resources, or gain expert guidance, this event is designed to help you build meaningful connections and discover new opportunities for growth.


Unlike traditional networking events, CONNECT combines direct access to procurement professionals, corporate buyers, business experts, lenders, government agencies, and resource partners in a highly interactive format.


Procurement Panel Discussion


The event begins with a dynamic panel featuring procurement professionals, supplier diversity leaders, and business experts who will share practical insights on:


  • How to become a vendor
  • What buyers look for in potential suppliers
  • Common mistakes businesses make
  • Certifications and supplier diversity opportunities
  • Building relationships that lead to contracts


Ask the Experts – Interactive Business Huddles


Following the panel, attendees will participate in three rounds of facilitated discussions led by industry experts. Choose the topics most relevant to your business and engage in small-group conversations designed to answer your questions and provide actionable advice.


Open Networking


The event concludes with open networking, providing additional opportunities to connect with buyers, experts, resource partners, and fellow business owners.

September 16, 2026

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Virtual


Unique program for operating companies with capabilities to supply the fast-growing fusion energy industry


The first grid-scale fusion power plants are expected to be operational in the early 2030s and the global fusion energy market is predicted to grow to $1 trillion by 2050. As the industry transitions from academic lab research to commercial factory scaling — now is the time to strategize an entry point and avoid being locked out of the industry by early movers.


This program is only open to operating companies that are supplying or interested in supplying the fusion industry. The interactive agenda includes:


Fusion at Work: SHINE Technologies


One of the oldest and most established companies in the global fusion industry, SHINE is backed by more than $500M of investments and earlier this year received a conditional commitment of up to $263M from the Department of Energy to complete construction of its Chrysalis facility, which uses fusion-driven systems to produce a critical medical isotope. We’ll discuss SHINE’s procurement process, current and future supply chain needs, sourcing priorities, pain points, and more. Ross RadelChief Technology Officer and John Schaefer, Buyer Planner – Procurement. Moderator: Kathleen Gallagher, Pulitzer Prize winner; 5 Lakes Institute Executive Director.


Supplier Stories


Hear from several operating companies about their experiences supplying the fusion industry and get valuable information about product and regulatory requirements, necessary certifications and more. Lead Moderator: Kyle Crum, President, Infinity EDM.


You’ll also enjoy small group networking and the following sessions (details coming soon!):


  • Industry Info: Short discussion of new developments in the industry
  • Partner Lab: Moderated Chat with a fusion researcher about potential partnerships with their lab

Presented by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Wisconsin Chapter, this webinar series covers a range of topics from market entry, sales growth, small business certifications, compliance, and more. Attendees receive 1 CPE credit for attending.


  • August 19 - The Spend to the End: Are You Prepared for the End of the Federal Fiscal Year?


New session dates and topics will be posted end of August

If you are currently, or are planning to be, a contractor or subcontractor supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) you are required to comply with the newly finalized CMMC requirements. 


New session dates and topics will be posted end of August

Our FMI series will return September 2026

ALL EVENTS

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Upcoming WPI Office Hours
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Camp Douglas


Fond du Lac


Green Bay


La Cross

August 19


Madison


Manitowoc


Oshkosh


Superior


Additional Statewide dates to be announced soon at wispro.org

Other News & Events

2026 Federal Small Business Conference for the A/E/C Industry


November 4-6, 2026

Charlotte, NC


This is your opportunity to connect with a community of leading experts, decision-makers, solution providers, business partners, and federal contracting officers.

Save the Date

December 8, 2026

December 9-10, 2026

WPI 10437 Innovation Dr. Suite 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226 414-270-3600
Newsletter Editor: Doug Clemons, dougc@wispro.org 
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