Government officials, company representatives and members of the small-business community will gather tomorrow to attend the ProcureCon Asia 2008 conference.

Sponsored by the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce, the conference offers networking and matchmaking opportunities that link small-business owners with bigger employers.

The hope is to open communication and diversify the number of small companies that work with larger institutions and government agencies, said Tinh Phan, chairman of the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce.

About 35 to 40 publicand private-sector employers or vendors have signed up to meet one-on-one with small-business owners.

The vendors come from diverse industries: electronics, pharmaceuticals, insurance, business consulting, natural resources production, engineering and manufacturing, among others.

Last year, more than 200 people attended the conference, which is in its fourth year. An estimated 250 people are expected this year, Phan said. The event is open to the public. The conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Attendees can register online at www.procureconasia.com or pay at the door. The $15 fee includes lunch.

-- Emily C. Dooley