Fort Walton Beach area businesses invited to learn public procurement and build agency connections at trade show
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Businesses hoping to work with the City of Fort Walton Beach and other public agencies along the Gulf Coast will soon have a chance to make those connections in one place.
The Central Gulf Coast Chapter of NIGP is preparing to host its Reverse Trade Show, an event designed to bring suppliers and contractors face-to-face with purchasing representatives from government entities across the region.
Instead of the usual trade show format, this gathering turns the setup around, giving vendors the opportunity to meet directly with the agencies that buy goods and services and to learn more about how public purchasing works.
This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Tom P. Haney Technical College in Panama City. For companies trying to expand into government work, the show offers a practical starting point, gathering multiple local purchasing agencies under one roof for conversations that could open future doors.
The program begins a day earlier, on May 13, with a vendor class titled “How to Do Business with Government Entities.” The session runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST and includes lunch. Registration for the class is $50. Leading the instruction will be Cindy Norton of Santa Rosa County School District, James Walters of the City of Niceville, and Chip Wells, an APEX government contracting consultant. Together, they bring decades of procurement and contracting experience to the table.
That evening, attendees can continue networking at a Meet-N-Greet Reception set for 5:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Panama City. The reception is included with paid Reverse Trade Show registration or sponsorship.
The main event follows on May 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST, with lunch included. Organizers are also adding a travel basket raffle, with tickets available online or at the show. The package includes items such as gift certificates from Panhandle Helicopter, travel organizers, eye masks, and neck pillows, with a total value of more than $300.
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For out-of-town attendees, room blocks have been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn Panama City and the Courtyard by Marriott Panama City. Registration is required, and payment must be made in full in advance. Those interested in attending or learning more can register online and contact Courtney Lee at 850-435-1837 for additional event details.
