RIC to host 5th annual 'P.O.W.E.R.' procurement forum Nov. 21

Richmond International Airport will host its fifth-annual P.O.W.E.R. Forum —Runway to Revenue event Nov. 21 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The event is designed as an opportunity for small businesses, prime contractors, suppliers, and industry leaders to participate in a networking session focused on engaging businesses in contracting opportunities at the airport, which is planning an additional 96 projects estimated to cost $191.2 million through the end of Fiscal Year 2026.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This forum is a strategic springboard for new partnerships,” said Perry J. Miller, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission, who owns the airport. “It demonstrates our commitment to delivering clear forecasts on upcoming procurements, providing training and education, and fostering relationships with organizations that share our mission to drive economic impact across the Richmond region.

“When businesses have early access to information about procedural requirements and understand their role in the process, they are better equipped to compete and succeed.”

The P.O.W.E.R. Forum is a part of the airport’s Business Engagement Program, which is focused on fostering small business and firm participation in the airport’s procurement opportunities through outreach and process transparency.

Between fiscal years 2023 and 2026, Richmond International Airport has approved 120 projects valued at $221.4 million. In addition, 20 planned projects, (including the consolidated security screening checkpoint) representing another $330 million in investment are pending commission approval during the next five years.

In total, these efforts amount to more than $500 million in anticipated business opportunities spanning infrastructure, signage, technology, and other critical areas airport-wide.

In 2024, Maxine Pittman, owner and founder of hair care company Tress Obsessed, attended the P.O.W.E.R. Forum as well as P.O.W.E.R. University, a series of comprehensive workshops held in the summer and curated for small businesses seeking to become airport contractors. Her experience gave her the foundational knowledge she needed and helped her to better position herself to bid for a contract.

“It gave us the readiness and confidence that we needed to get our first airport contract moving into 2026,” Pittman said of her experience with P.O.W.E.R University. Her unique business model – selling hair products in smart vending machines – allowed her to bring her product offerings into the airport space.

This year’s forum will include expert panels and keynote speakers, an exhibitor showcase featuring more than 40 booths, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities through which participants can build relationships with procurement and compliance professionals as well as fellow business owners.

Individuals and businesses interested in attending the forum can register online and manage their event experience through the Whova app. Walk-ins on the day of the event will also be allowed entry.