January Jumpstart: Boosting Campus Value Through Smart Spending

Written by Michaela Teachey.

This winter, as the campus community settles into the new year, we’re shining a spotlight on our MarketPlace. We’re kicking off 2026 with highlights from our recent annual MarketPlace Expo, exciting new promotions and special cost-saving initiatives designed to help departments across campus stretch their budgets further. Our goal is to make purchasing easier, more efficient and more budget-friendly than ever.

MarketPlace Expo: A Look Back at a Record-Setting Event

We are thrilled to report on the success of the 14th Annual MarketPlace Expo:

  • When: November 19, 2025
  • Where: NC State McKimmon Center
  • Attendance: Over 600 faculty and staff joined us

The MarketPlace Expo featured lunch and door prizes!

  • The food trucks were sponsored by Graybar: Oink N Moo, Bulkogi Korean BBQ and Greek On Wheels. 
  • Participating MarketPlace suppliers donated over 50 door prizes, which were raffled among event participants. 

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enjoy lunch, network and visit with our knowledgeable MarketPlace supplier representatives. Your engagement at the expo strengthens our supplier relationships, contributing to better pricing and service for the entire campus.

If you have not responded to the Post-Event Survey, please do so. Your feedback will help make next year’s MarketPlace Expo even better. 

New Year’s Savings Resolutions: Shop the Marketplace First!

Making a purchasing resolution is easy this year: bundle up your budget by shopping from one of our more than 60 MarketPlace suppliers

The MarketPlace provides a streamlined, user-friendly platform that:

  • Saves time: Quick access to contracted pricing and approved vendors.
  • Saves money: Leverages campus buying power for the best possible value.
  • Ensures compliance: Makes it simple to follow purchasing policies.

Request a New Supplier

We are constantly working to expand MarketPlace offerings to meet your needs. Have a vendor you’d love to see join the MarketPlace? We want to hear from you! You can request a new MarketPlace supplier anytime by using the Request a New MarketPlace Supplier form

Found a Better Deal? Let Us Know!

If you find a lower price than what’s listed in the MarketPlace, don’t keep it to yourself! Use our Report a Better Price Form to share the details.

Share Your Thoughts

Your input helps us make MarketPlace even better. Have feedback, suggestions or ideas? We would love to hear from you! Please send your ideas to marketplace_orders@ncsu.edu

As we make our “New Year’s Savings Resolutions”, we’re reminded that every thoughtful purchase contributes to NC State’s culture of innovation, stewardship and service. 

Thank you for all your hard work in continuing our efforts in smart, sustainable spending!