Chicago RTA Joins Transit and Transportation Partners to Host 20th Annual Transportation Symposium and Business Exchange

The Regional Transportation Authority joined the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway to host the Transportation Symposium and Business Exchange. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of TSBE. To mark the special occasion, the one-time event has been split into a three part series titled Battle of the Bids. The “Main Event,” which is the third and final event, will be held on February 23, 2018 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The “Main Event” is free and open to the public.

“The Battle of the Bids not only brings out the drive and competition needed for business, but also teaches all participants how to effectively and successfully compete for government business,” said Leanne Redden, executive director of the RTA.

At the first event, the “Weigh-In,” participants formed teams that competed for the coveted Battle of the Bids Champions title. In the second event, “Training Camp,” teams participated in classes that prepared them to properly respond to mock RFPs. At this final “Main Event,” participants will have the opportunity to showcase their RFP responses and compete for the title as the first Battle of the Bids business Champion.

The event is specifically aimed at transit-related businesses including construction companies, professional service firms, manufacturers, architects/engineers and suppliers. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Minority Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) are strongly encouraged to attend to obtain valuable information regarding the best way to seek transit agency contracts. 

Advance registration for the event is strongly encouraged.