Reverse Trade Show Connects More Than 100 Businesses to Tampa Bay Buyers
Pinellas County’s 2025 Reverse Trade Show draws over 100 business attendees and 26 agencies at key annual event
On March 14, 2025, the Pinellas County Reverse Trade Show connected more than 100 business attendees with buyers from 26 government agencies and prime contractors. Boasting a post-event survey score of 9.75 out of 10, this year’s event exceeded expectations and garnered acclaim from its participants.
The Reverse Trade Show is a key Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) event at which business representatives explore government contracting opportunities in an informal setting. Attendees visit organization tables to sell their products and services directly to purchasing agents. Participating organizations such as local government agencies, Tampa Bay area transit authorities, and even the United States Special Operations Command use the opportunity to broadcast their purchasing needs to a wide audience.
This year, a series of Virtual Match Makers followed the Reverse Trade Show to schedule targeted meetings between participants and agencies they most wanted to do business with. This strategic extension of the event added value through personalized conversations and deeper engagement, leading participants to meaningful procurement opportunities.
“The trade show opened the door, but the Match Maker gave me a seat at the table,” attested Sean Carter, owner of local roofing company WSV Group. Carter initially connected with an organization buyer at the Reverse Trade Show and then followed up in a Virtual Match Maker to discuss an upcoming contract opportunity. That targeted engagement allowed Carter to showcase his company’s capabilities in a more personalized setting—something he said wouldn’t have happened without the two-touchpoint format. “This event helped me go from overlooked to on the radar,” he stated.
Speaking about the Reverse Trade Show, PCED Director Dr. Cynthia Johnson summarized, “Each year, this high-impact event directly contributes to increased small business participation in Pinellas County procurement. Anecdotally, we hear the same from other participating organizations. The Reverse Trade Show continues to shine as an important tool for connecting local businesses to growth opportunities.”
The Florida APEX Accelerator at Pinellas County Economic Development helps businesses break into and succeed in the federal, state, and local government contracting marketplace. Our Government Contracting consulting, training, and information services are available at no cost to businesses, large or small, that possess the interest and potential to perform work – as a prime contractor or a subcontractor – for federal, state or local government agencies.
About Pinellas County Economic Development
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) works with existing businesses to encourage expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers to our community. Through investment tools, business classes, professional consulting services, trade missions to open new markets, and strategic partnerships, PCED fosters a pro-business environment and promotes the ideal business climate of Pinellas County, Florida. Learn more at www.pced.org.
