Super Bowl LIV

Business Connect

How can local businesses get involved in Super Bowl LIV?

There are a number of ways local businesses can get involved in the Super Bowl LIV procurement process, the primary of which is Business Connect, the NFL’s special event supplier diversity program. The Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program creates opportunities for local diverse business owners to compete for Super Bowl contracts.

The program will identify 200-300 local diverse businesses, suppliers, and service providers from our area to participate in the program. Accepted businesses will be profiled in the online Business Connect Resource Guide, allowing Super Bowl contractors to quickly identify qualified and experienced providers of goods and services.

Participants in the Business Connect program are also eligible to participate in professional development workshops and networking events designed to increase the capacity of local businesses to succeed in their local markets post Super Bowl.

Who qualifies for Super Bowl LIV Business Connect?

All Business Connect vendors are required to be certified as minority, women, veteran or LGBT-owned business.

The minority owner must hold 51% of the company.

The company must have a physical office within one of the three (3): Miami Dade County, Broward County and Palm Beach County.

The company must have been in business in one of the three (3) counties for three (3) or more years.

What does it mean to be selected to the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect Resource Guide?

Being a member of the Business Connect Resource Guide means your company was selected as one of the local, diverse providers of goods and services in your specific business category. You and other Resource Guide vendors are eligible to compete for contracts related to Super Bowl LIV events.

Am I a "preferred" supplier?

We do not use titles such as ‘exclusive supplier’ or ‘preferred vendor’ to describe companies listed in the Business Connect Resource Guide. Businesses included in the Business Connect Resource Guide are considered “approved” suppliers because they have met the eligibility criteria for the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program. As such, your business is a part of an exclusive listing of businesses utilized by event producers from the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL contractors who are looking for experienced, qualified local suppliers to help complete their Super Bowl contracts.

How will the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect Resource Guide be used? Will my information be shared or sold to any third parties?

The Business Connect Resource Guide will be an online, public database of local approved and certified businesses that can contract with the NFL, its affiliates and contractors, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, or other interested parties for the Super Bowl. The information will be provided publicly on the Business Connect webpage, however, the information will not be sold or directly given to third parties outside of those mentioned previously.

If I was accepted into the program should I make any additions or changes to my profile?

We recommend everyone accepted into the Business Connect Resource Guide review their profiles and ensure it includes information that will help buyers with their selection process including: • Website
• Business profile description (one paragraph)
• Correct contact name and cellphone number
• Logo
• Pictures and other files to showcase your body of work

If my information is incorrect in the Resource Guide, is there a way I can correct it?

Yes, if you log into your Super Bowl LIV Business Connect profile on the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee website, you can make any edits you would like. It will then be changed in the online database.

Are the NFL and its supplier partners required to use the Super Bowl Business Connect Resource Guide to identify suppliers?

The Business Connect Resource Guide is a resource for contractors and event producers associated with the Super Bowl. The NFL, its affiliates, contractors and the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee staff are not limited nor mandated to using the companies listed in the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect Resource Guide. The Business Connect program creates opportunities for local diverse businesses to compete for Super Bowl contracts.

How and when can I announce my business was accepted into the Business Connect Resource Guide?

The Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program will provide guidelines for how and when you may message your inclusion in the Business Connect Resource Guide. You do NOT have the rights or permission to use the logos of the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program, Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, NFL or any other logos related to Super Bowl when discussing your inclusion into the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program.

Can I use the Super Bowl LIV, Business Connect and Miami Super Bowl Host Committee logos?

Super Bowl LIV, Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and Business Connect logos are all trademark protected. Business Connect vendors are not authorized to use any trademarked logos or marks. We will, however, provide you with template language that can be used on your company website, newsletters and collateral material to promote your participation in the Business Connect program.

Can I publish a press release about being selected to the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect Resource Guide?

Yes, if your company is listed in the Business Connect Resource Guide, you can list that information on your web page, company newsletters and share your designation as a Business Connect Resource Guide member in a press release. If your business generates a press release related to your relationship with the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program, please forward a copy to your Business Connect contact at the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee prior to releasing it, so that our team can ensure that your verbiage is compliant with NFL and Miami Super Bowl Host Committee guidelines.

I didn’t see the product or service I provide listed in the application. What does that mean?

The products and services listed on the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect web page have been provided by the NFL based on prior experience and supplier requests. There is no guarantee that additional products or services would be needed beyond those listed in the application nor are there any guarantees that goods and services will be purchased from the categories listed.

How can I pitch my product/venue/service to the NFL or Miami Super Bowl Host Committee?

The Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program is not accepting sales or marketing pitches from suppliers. As contracting opportunities become available, please respond directly to the buyer with your capabilities.

How does the Super Bowl LIV procurement process work?

NFL contractors and event producers will use the Business Connect Resource Guide as one of their sourcing tools to identify experienced vendors with the capacity to complete their Super Bowl LIV contracts. Each contractor will reach out to vendors directly to discuss projects, offer an RFP or schedule an interview.

How does the Super Bowl LIV procurement process work?

NFL contractors and event producers will use the Business Connect Resource Guide as one of their sourcing tools to identify experienced vendors with the capacity to complete their Super Bowl LIV contracts. Each contractor will reach out to vendors directly to discuss projects, offer an RFP or schedule an interview.

Is my business limited to providing only one product or service?

No, you are not. If your business provides more than one product or service, you should select the items that your business has the most experience providing. Businesses are listed by their primary category in the Business Connect Resource Guide. The Business Connect team reserves the right to re-classify businesses as deemed more appropriate for the goods and services provided.

What is the timeline for procurement opportunities to begin? How much advance notice is given regarding RFP's and contract awards?

Super Bowl contracting takes place between June and February. Event producers and contractors use the Business Connect Resource Guide as one tool to identify suppliers. All purchasing processes and decisions, however, rest solely with the buyer. There is no centralized site for RFP’s and no master calendar of when opportunities are available.

Contractors will contact vendors when they are ready to build their programs and events. Super Bowl LIV Business Connect suppliers are encouraged to always be ready to take ‘the call.’ Keep your Business Connect Resource Guide profile up-to-date to ensure that, if utilized, the prospective buyer has as much accurate information about your business as possible.

How can I improve my chances of being selected for a contract?

We encourage business owners to be responsive, honest and flexible when working with parties soliciting requests for the RFP’s. However, there are no guarantees that contracts will be awarded to individual businesses listed in the Business Connect Resource Guide.

How can I learn what vendor and contracting opportunities are available?

Businesses that are selected for the Business Connect Resource Guide will be contacted directly by buyers. Additionally, RFP’s may be distributed to all Business Connect businesses, and others in the marketplace, that provide products or services in the desired category(ies). The procurement process is at the discretion of each buyer.

In addition, attending the workshops provides an opportunity to meet with several NFL contractors and provides insight on the businesses lines that are being sourced.

What are the three most important tips I should know about winning a Super Bowl contract?

Our contractors have shared the following tips with us:

Always list your cell phone number on your business card, email and website. NFL contractors work nights and weekends. If they call your business, you need to answer the phone and be ready to do business.

Know your business capabilities and the cost of your services. NFL event planners know exactly how much goods and services cost in your city.

UNDERPROMISE AND OVERDELIVER. Come ready to work hard. We have one shot.

What is the approved language to use announcing that my business has been selected to participate in Super Bowl LIV Business Connect?

(Business Name Here) has been designated as an approved vendor of the Super Bowl LIV Business Connect program. We are one of 200 local diverse businesses identified as a certified, experienced special event production company approved to compete for contracts related to Super Bowl.

Can I display my vendor cling on my website?

Yes, you can display a picture of yourself with your vendor cling displayed on your storefront or company car. You cannot, however, take a picture of the cling itself, or individual logos from within the cling, and use them as logos on your website, newsletters or social media. Using the logos from the window cling or your vendor pin, in any ways other than as they are intended to be used is copyright infringement. Please remember to use the approved vendor language when posting your photos.