Allstate Insurance Company hosted its sixth annual Supplier Diversity Exchange on October 10, 2013 in alliance with Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The theme of the event was: Think Ahead. Move Forward.
Thirty-three diverse companies attended, each participating in multiple one-on-one meetings with Allstate staff and/or prime supplier representatives responsible for the purchasing of goods and services. (View photos from the Exchange) In addition, there were two panel discussions (videos from the panels and comments from executives will be available in November):
- How to Leverage Diversity and Certification ~ Hear from Allstate's current diverse suppliers and the president of certifying organization WBENC on the importance of diverse businesses. Moderator: Tom Wilson, Allstate Chairman, President & CEO
- How to Grow Your Business Through Strategic Partnerships ~ Hear success stories of businesses that have strategically partnered to gain corporate business. Moderator: Cheryl Harris, SVP, Sourcing & Procurement Solutions
Launched in 2008, the Allstate Supplier Diversity Exchange was created to provide an opportunity for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender community to build relationships with Allstate and Allstate's prime suppliers. It offers a forum for guidance as well as insight into the procurement world of large organizations. While attendance at this event does not guarantee business, since its inception more than 100 participants have had the opportunity to compete for Allstate's business, and over half have successfully won contracts.
While typically held in the fall, the date of the 2014 Allstate Supplier Diversity Exchange has not yet been finalized. Please visit this site for updates on the date and application information. The application process will assist in determining which companies will benefit most by attending the Exchange. However, due to limited seating, not all qualified applicants can be accommodated.
As an extension of the Exchange, Allstate also hosts quarterly webinars. These learning series are designed to help suppliers increase their knowledge of how to do business with large corporations, specifically Allstate. Please see the 2014 schedule below for webinar descriptions and registration links.
| Date |
Topic |
Session Overview |
March 19, 2014
Noon - 1pm CST |
Leveraging Your Certification |
This session provides information on what to expect once you are certified:
- What the certifying agencies provide
- What to expect from corporations
- What you need to do after receiving certification
|
June 18, 2014
Noon - 1pm CST |
Presenting to Corporations/Mastering the Matchmaker |
This session will cover the dos and don'ts for making a great first impression during an in-person meeting with a prospective client - whether it is the 15 minute matchmaker or an in-office visit. Click here to register. |
September 17, 2014
Noon - 1pm CST |
Understanding Allstate Technology & Operations (ATO) |
This session will provide information on how to navigate throughout Allstate Technology & Operations (ATO) to better align products and services with the right area or decision maker. Click here to register. |
Below are the past recordings:
| Topic |
Description |
| Getting the most out of attending a diversity trade show |
Planning for the upcoming conference/tradeshow season? Allstate's Supplier Diversity Director and a key Allstate supplier will share the dos and don'ts for making a great first impression and how to build sustainable relationships.
Streaming recording link: https://allstate.webex.com/allstate/
|
| Completing an RFP |
Allstate Commodity Managers who regularly issue and review RFPs will demystify the process and share what companies are looking for when reviewing RFPs. They will also answer the questions you have always wanted to ask about the process.
Streaming recording link:
|
| Allstate Business Areas |
If your company has a focus in the following areas you won't want to miss this one. Allstate Commodity Managers from the Marketing, Claims and Technology teams share attributes of what makes a great supplier and how to get your foot in the door.
Streaming recording link:
|