UCalgary's 2025 Supplier Trade Show champions collaboration and innovation

The University of Calgary will host the Supplier Trade Show: Strengthening Partnerships and Empowering Growth on Nov. 5, offering faculty and staff a chance to connect with suppliers, explore innovative solutions and strengthen campus partnerships.   

Organized by UCalgary’s Supply Chain Management team, the event aims to encourage collaboration between the university and its supplier community in hopes of sparking fresh ideas and connections, while driving innovation.  

The last show was held in 2019. The 2025 event will feature demonstrations highlighting products and services that support the university’s operations and strategic goals, such as those listed in UCalgary's Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan.   

Benefits of using preferred suppliers   

There are various benefits to using UCalgary’s approved supplier list, says Vivian Mizera, director of Supply Chain Management.   

“Approved supplier lists ensure purchases are made from pre-vetted, reliable vendors, which streamlines the procurement process,” she says.  

“(Lists also help) the organization leverage its purchasing power for better pricing and reduces the administrative burden and potential costs associated with managing unapproved suppliers.”   

The benefits of having a network of approved vendors can stretch well beyond campus.  

For example, Maritime Travel, the travel-management service provider to faculty and staff for individual, group, and conference and guest travel, has stepped in to assist travellers in distress, including helping those impacted by the Air Canada strike last August.   

“Maritime Travel reached out to Risk Management and Supply Chain Management and got these people on other UCalgary-contracted airlines," says Mizera.  

Travellers who book outside of the university’s preferred suppliers may face limited support, says Mizera, adding that other travel-management service providers may be difficult to reach during a crisis, with some travellers unable to connect with a representative for days.  

Supply Chain Management has negotiated contracts with several major airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Delta Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Lufthansa. Travellers can access contract pricing and direct airline contact through Maritime Travel.  

A chance to engage  

Here’s what to expect at this year’s Supplier Trade Show:  

• Opportunities to meet supplier representatives for networking, direct questions, expert advice and establishing contacts for future collaboration.
• A chance to connect with the Supply Chain Management team for information and support on procurement services, corporate credit cards, travel and distribution services.
• A chance to network with colleagues from across the university.
• There will also be door prizes.  

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MacEwan Hall. While registration is not mandatory, organizers encourage attendees to indicate their interest in advance, and attendees are welcome to drop in at any time throughout the day.  Learn more about the event.