The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will hold its Annual Business Opportunity Seminar for Local Disadvantaged Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses on Thursday, November 20, 2003. The Airports Authority operates Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports.

The Seminar will be held from Noon until 5:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, located at 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia.

Said James E. Bennett, President/CEO of the Airports Authority, "This is the thirteenth year we've held this event, and each year we are gratified by the number of local business people who we are able to meet and assist in finding out more about opportunities at Washington's airports."

Last year, nearly 1,000 businesspeople attended the seminar, which attracted some 600 local companies.

The Seminar will provide information on upcoming contracting opportunities in construction as well as goods and services for the airports. In addition, representatives from prime contractors will be available to provide information about their companies and how a contractor may qualify for business opportunities with their firms. Airports Authority Purchasing Representatives will be available to discuss opportunities with the Authority for suppliers, vendors and service-related companies.

The program this year will include information sessions on the 12-18 month forecast of construction, goods and services and concession opportunities that are anticipated for the coming year at both Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports with emphasis on the Dulles expansion program, called d2, over the next several years.

Three special workshops, "Airport Construction Program Orientation," "Virginia Construction Licensing" and "The Authority Procurement Process--Using the Authority Website as an Effective Tool" will be offered. An Exhibit Hall will be open for networking and business card exchange.

To register for this free seminar, please log on to the Authority's website or call 703-417-0017.