If you are a veteran-owned small business doing business with the federal government, you should consider attending the National Veteran Small Business Coalition’s (NVSBC) conference in Norfolk, Virginia this year from June 8th through June 11th. The NVSBC is a veteran-run, D.C. based organization with a mission of transitioning veterans into business owners servicing the federal government.
Every year, the NVSBC hosts its conference, VETS 15, towards the ends of: connecting business owners with procurement officials and prospective teaming partners, educating contractors on important procurement topics, and providing the opportunity to network. It is the largest annual conference hosted by veterans, for veterans.
While the conference is traditionally in Reno, Nevada, it moved to Norfolk this year in order to attract more federal agencies, large contractors, and speakers. It appears this goal has been met given its exhibitors posted, to include BAE, General Dynamics, the NASA Office of Small Business Programs, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. The announced keynote speakers are Michael Hayden, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency; and Thomas Kolditz, a retired Brigadier General who is a professor in the Practice of Leadership and Management and Director of the Leadership Development Program at the Yale School of Management.
In addition – and importantly- the conference offers a range of learning sessions taught by industry professionals and experts. The agenda includes sessions on VetBiz verification, financing options for veteran-owned small businesses, how to manage a federal contract effectively and profitably, how to write a technical proposal, and updates on the small business proposed rules. As noted by NVSBC President, Scott Denniston, “We are expecting a much larger crowd and have specifically tailored the workshops to be of interest to novice businesses in the federal space as well as the mature veteran-owned small businesses.”
If you are a non-member of the NVSBC, the registration rate is currently $399. Also, know that Norfolk Waterside Marriott, which is where the conference is held, gave NVSBC a group rate of $87 per room that is good only through May 18. You can access more information about registration and the hotel on the conference’s website.
I will be at this conference, presenting on the VA’s VetBiz verification process on Tuesday, June 9th with former Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Judge, Mr. Bill Thomas. We will also be distributing my VetBiz handbook, which gives the nitty gritty on how to get through the verification process. I hope to see you there!
*Access the full conference website at: http://www.veterantrainingsymposium.com. Also, if you are interested in joining the NVSBC, or are a member who wants to see what the NVSBC has planned for the upcoming year, attend the Board meeting that will be held on Monday, June 8th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Going to be at the NVSBC Conference. Thank you for sharing this information and I look forward to meeting you. I will see if I can attend your workshop.
Best,
William J. Osgood, Small Business Veteran Advocate
Hi William,
Sorry not to reply sooner – good to hear you’ll be at the conference! I’ll be there all week and presenting on Tuesday, so please introduce yourself. Safe travels. – Sarah