The 2017 SAME Federal Small Business Conference will bring more than 2,500 attendees to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh for three days of learning, networking, and information-sharing. Last year’s SBC in Atlanta drew 2,346 professionals from across government and industry—including large and small businesses. It was the fourth consecutive year of attendee growth and 2017 will offer even more education, business development, and networking opportunities than ever before.
Again this year, both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Veterans Affairs are working with the SAME National Office, as well as the SAME Small Business Council, to develop a program that moves the needle for small businesses working in the federal sector. A preliminary schedule-at-a-glance is available on the SBC website.
2017 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
From two keynote speakers sure to inspire and inform, to business opportunity briefings led by government acquisition leaders, and an Exhibit Hall with over 300 exhibitors to engage with and discover their services and capabilities, the 2017 SBC is built to deliver a return on investment—for private sector and public sector attendees alike.
Keynote Speakers
- Isaac Lidsky, Best-Selling Author, and CEO, ODC Construction
In June of 2011, Lidsky led a team of partners to acquire ODC and took the helm as its CEO, armed with an ambitious expansion plan. In his prior legal career, Isaac represented the United States in federal appellate courts as a U.S. Justice Department attorney, and he clerked for two U.S. Supreme Court Justices. Lidksy is blind, having lost his sight over a period from the ages of 13 to 25 due to a degenerative condition retinitis pigmentosa. His challenges, and how he has overcome them, to lead a successful life in many different arenas (he founded an internet company in 1999 that remains active today and was a founder in 2005 of a non-profit organization, Hope for Vision, that has raised millions for blinding diseases), is the subject of New York Times bestseller “Eyes Wide Open: Overcoming Obstacles and Recognizing Opportunities In A World That Can’t See Clearly. “
- Dr. James Galvin, Acting Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of Defense
Dr. Galvin leads the development and implementation of policies and procedures for small businesses to contribute to the $285 billion defense industrial base. He works with stakeholders across government and industry to facilitate the acquisition of timely, innovative and cost-effective national security solutions through contracts with small businesses. Prior to his current role, Dr. Galvin was on detail from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as a Program Manager for more than 110 energy and water projects on military bases. He developed and implemented the program to demonstrate innovative technologies to improve energy security. A retired Army colonel, he has also served as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University, teaching graduate students in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Senior Government Leaders Panel
Hear from the senior engineering leaders with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Air Force Civil Engineering, and Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about the important role that small businesses play in helping these federal agencies achieve their missions and what lies ahead to ensure continued success.
Invited panelists include: Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, P.E., USA, U.S. Army Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Maj. Gen. Tim Green, P.E., USAF, Director of Civil Engineers, Deputy Chief of Staff, Engineering, Logistics & Force Protection; Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, P.E., CEC, USN, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and Chief of Civil Engineers; and Stella Fiotes, AIA, Executive Director, Office of Construction & Facilities Management Department of Veterans Affairs.
Exhibit Hall with Innovation Theater
Establish connections, meet market research requirements, and find the partners that will fill your capability gaps. With a record 300 exhibitors—including federal agencies, industry organizations, and large and small businesses—the 2017 SBC Exhibit Hall will be abuzz with opportunities. Make sure to also take advantage of the Innovation Theater and Small Business Passport to find technologies or service providers that can help your agency or company.
Tailored Education Sessions
Built from an extensive Call for Presentations, SBC will offer over 20 education sessions, with topics appealing to companies’ experience level in the industry: those new to federal work, those currently growing and developing their business; and those that have achieved success and may be considering becoming a larger business.
Networking Roundtables
Meet face-to-face with federal acquisition and procurement leaders. Small businesses can request appointments with government agencies and large businesses that sign up to host tables, and discuss future contracting opportunities, how to navigate the acquisition process, and learn the do’s and don’ts of competing for and successful delivering military and federal projects.
Business Opportunity Briefings
Hear from government decision-makers on upcoming programs where they will be looking for support in the coming years. Again for 2017, Business Opportunity Briefings will be aligned by business-line, which makes it for efficient for small businesses to attend what matters to their discipline. Topics will include energy, vertical construction, environmental services, horizontal construction, architecture and engineering, construction management, and more. Invited federal agencies include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Veterans Affairs, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, Department of Energy, General Services Administration, Department of State, and Small Business Administration.
SAME Small Business Awards
Honor those individuals and organization that champion the success of small businesses in the federal marketplace. Awards include the Small Business Award, Large Business Award, Industry Small Business Advocate Award, and the Post Small Business Liaison Officer Award. (submit an award nomination—closes Sept. 29)
Small Business Networking Luncheons
New for 2017, SBC will host networking lunches for specific types of small businesses—those categorized as women-owned, 8(a), minority-owned, veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned. Each concurrent session will include a featured speaker and ample time for sharing ideas, asking questions, and developing connections. (RSVP required)
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
SBC will include additional opportunities for training and education on Tuesday, Nov. 14, ahead of the conference’s official start. More information is available at www.samesbc.org.
Government Training Sessions
Featuring topics identified by the services and federal agencies as need areas, the Government Training Sessions offer professional instruction specific to public sector attendees. Sessions will also encourage agency-to-agency interaction, as SBC works to continue enhancing the value of participation for government.
Building your Bottom Line through Business Development
If you are new to the federal sector or responsible for business development at your firm, don’t miss this continuing education course developed by the Society for Marketing Professional Services. Better understand the seller-doer concept and help take your organization to the next level. (additional registration required)
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Build relationships with the 2,500 attendees expected at the 2017 SBC—the premier venue for small businesses looking to grow their presence in the federal A/E/C marketplace; for large businesses to engage with potential teaming and subcontracting partners; and for government agencies to connect with companies that can help them complete their missions. Registration for the 2017 SBC is now open. Exhibit sales and sponsorships are also open, and selling quickly.
Improve your Agency. Expand your Company. Grow your Success. Attend the 2017 SBC in Pittsburgh! Learn more at www.samesbc.org.
TAKE a look back to last year…Recapping the 2016 SBC in Atlanta.
CHECK out all the photos from 2016 (education sessions / exhibitors / keynotes & awards.)
READ an article about how SBC helps you make connections that make a difference, written by an SAME Young Member who attended in 2016.
HEAR an interview with Small Business Owner Mercedes Enrique, live from the 2016 SBC, on the Real TiME Podcast about the value of attending.
