The City of Seattle’s Reverse Vendor Trade Show has become one of the most valuable networking and outreach events for businesses seeking opportunities to work with government agencies. Unlike a traditional trade show—where vendors staff booths in hopes of attracting customers—a Reverse Vendor Trade Show turns the concept upside down. Public agencies become the exhibitors, while businesses from across Seattle and Washington state move from booth to booth learning how to do business with each other.
The event, organized annually by the City’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) leads to more meaningful connections, removes barriers to entry, and helps demystify the public procurement process for small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses (WMBEs).
“It’s really great to see all the agencies here, and it makes it easy to approach people and talk,” said Hunter Tran, an employee with the design and construction management firm RS&H who attended his first RVTS this year.
The City of Seattle’s Commitment
Reverse Vendor Trade Shows began gaining popularity in the public sector as agencies looked for more effective ways to increase supplier diversity and expand opportunities for small businesses. Instead of expecting businesses to navigate dozens of government websites and procurement systems independently, agencies recognized the value of meeting vendors where they are.
The City’s RVTS also evolved into collaborative regional partnerships with representatives from King County, the Port, Sound Transit, the University of Washington and more participating.
FAS and the City have long been committed to creating equitable contracting opportunities for WMBEs and small businesses, and RVTS has become one of the signature events supporting that commitment. It gives businesses the opportunity to speak directly with procurement professionals, project managers, and contracting staff from numerous public agencies—all in one location.
“There’s a lot of great energy and great vendors here,” said Robert Luu, a real estate and community housing developer with Jabooda Official, who attended RVTS for the first time this year. “I’ve learned so much already about opportunities for minorities and there’s just an amazing ecosystem here of really amazing people that want to give back and support folks that are up and coming.”
During the event, business representatives like Luu had a chance to learn about everything from upcoming contracting opportunities, registration requirements, procurement processes, and best practices for becoming a successful government contractor, among other things.
For many businesses, these face-to-face conversations provide clarity and confidence that simply cannot be achieved through websites or emails alone.
The 2026 Reverse Vendor Trade Show
This year’s Reverse Vendor Trade Show was FAS’ largest and most successful event to date, with lines wrapped around Seattle Center where the event was held.
Over 618 attendees, and approximately 30 participating public agencies participated.
Most importantly, the post-event survey demonstrated overwhelmingly positive feedback from both attendees and participating agencies. Businesses consistently reported that they left the event with a better understanding of how to pursue government contracts, identify upcoming opportunities, and establish valuable relationships with agency staff.
Participating agencies also praised the quality of conversations, the level of engagement, and the opportunity to connect with businesses that may not have previously considered public contracting.
View a video with highlights from the event.