Attention all East Coasters, the New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council's Business Opportunity Expo 2011 is coming to town on Thursday, June 16.

The Expo will take place at the New York Marriott Marquis.

This year’s Expo, with the theme R.A.C.E.: Research, Analyze, Collaborate, and Execute — The Roadmap for SUCCESS, will feature workshops with key business advisors like Philip Berry, president of Philip Berry Associates LLC, and it will also facilitate meetings with minority business enterprises and purchasing decision-makers within major companies who can offer procurement opportunities.

Businesses small and large are encouraged to attend as opportunities to network with new business prospects and develop new partnerships will be available.

This year’s host, Allan Houston, serves as assistant general manager of the New York Knicks and former NBA all-star. Houston also has a nonprofit in which young entrepreneurs receive six months of education, training and mentoring in an effort to help launch their business.

"Competition is essential in maintaining a successful business and so are collaborations," says Lynda Ireland, president & CEO of The Council. "Allan Houston is an example. He has taken his winning attitude as successful executive, entrepreneur and athlete and is now mentoring aspiring business owners."  

The Council has approximately 200 corporate members and 1,300 certified minority businesses.

Full conference registration for corporate NY & NJ MSDC members is $675. Registration for non-members is $1,000.

For more pricing options and to register for the conference visit here.

(Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)