The Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses requests your participation in support of the HUB community and one of our signature events, the 23rd HUB Annual Contractor’s Connections & Partnership Expo. This event will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., immediately following the conclusion of the State Construction Conference.

There are three opportunities for you to support this event: become a sponsor, nominate award winners, and/or donate items for the raffle.

1. Sponsor. Sponsorship offers a meaningful opportunity for your organization to engage with leading HUB construction firms, along with industry partners from across the state of North Carolina.

Sponsorships are available at three levels:
(1) Advocate: $1,500;
(2) Partner: $1000; and
(3) Supporter: $300.

Sign up online by Friday, January 16, to serve as a sponsor: Sponsorships – HUB Annual Contractor’s Connections & Partnership Expo.

Once you sign up as a sponsor online, we’ll send you an invoice and IRS W-9 form by email. Please make your check payable to: NC Department of Administration and include the invoice number and “2026 HUB Annual Contractor’s Connections & Partnership Expo” on the memo line. Payments may be mailed to the HUB office: 1336 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699. Payments can be accepted by check only.

2. Nominate. We request your assistance with the nomination of awardees for the 2026 HUB Awards for Excellence.

Each year, the HUB Office publicly recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations that have actively promoted and supported HUB construction firms within a variety of public sector settings. The awards are designed to recognize leaders and supporters of small construction firms across the state while also recognizing partnerships and best practices within the construction community.

2026 HUB Awards for Excellence Categories:
• HUB Firm
• HUB Advocate
• Professional Service Company/Construction Industry Company
• Public Sector Owner/Agency
• Industry/Agency- Individual Award

Get details on the award category criteria and submit your nominations at Nominations – HUB Awards for Excellence 2026 by February 20, 2026.

3. Donate Raffle Items. The HUB Office is seeking branded merchandise or gift cards to be included in a raffle for attendees during the Expo. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated and will help make the event engaging and memorable for all attendees.

Thank you for your continued partnership and your support of this event. We look forward to seeing you on March 5, 2026.

Alicia Lyon, Director
Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses
Department of Administration

984-236-0134

alicia.lyon@doa.nc.gov