The 14th Annual California Cable Supplier Diversity Symposium occurred on November 19, 2024, at the Stonebrae Country Club in Hayward, California. The event was hosted by cable utility giants Cox, Comcast, and Charter Communications to unite small and diverse suppliers, corporate representatives, and industry experts to build meaningful connections, exchange innovative ideas, and promote a more inclusive business environment.
The day kicked off with an engaging panel discussion on supplier diversity and how to do business with the cable utility companies. Providing valuable insight into certification, supplier relations, and procurement, panelists shared how their teams work and respond to suppliers seeking to do business with their organizations.
As the day progressed, ON ITS AXIS presented a dynamic workshop titled Thriving Together: Supplier Success Meets the Next Era of Work Practices. This workshop was tailored to support ambitious small and diverse suppliers in enhancing operational efficiency and achieving excellence in today’s competitive market. It emphasized cutting-edge tools and strategies such as artificial intelligence (AI), business process automation (BPA), and inclusive leadership practices. These emerging trends are revolutionizing the supplier landscape, enabling small teams to achieve higher productivity with reduced operational overhead. Attendees engaged in interactive breakout sessions, received a comprehensive Supplier Readiness Checklist, and took home an excerpt from the e-book Building Market-Resilient Businesses: A Blueprint for Diverse Entrepreneurs to Thrive as Enterprise Vendors.
A major highlight of the day was the two engaging pitchfest sessions. These sessions provided small and diverse business owners with an invaluable platform to deliver their elevator pitches to an attentive audience of potential clients and collaborators. The event also featured professional headshots by Shellee Fisher of Shellee Fisher Photography & Design, ensuring participants left with polished, professional images to enhance their personal and business brands.
The symposium was an enriching experience for all involved, offering attendees opportunities to expand their networks, gain actionable insights, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous business community. This annual event continues to underscore the importance of supplier diversity in driving innovation and fostering economic growth.
