Get Ready for VETS26

The VETS26 Conference is shaping up to be our most impactful event yet—bringing together veteran-owned businesses, federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry leaders at a pivotal moment in the government contracting and commercial landscape.

With policy updates, acquisition priorities, and market dynamics shifting rapidly, VETS26 is designed to help attendees stay informed, build meaningful connections, and position their businesses for long-term success and future growth.

Make the most of your time and investment by preparing early. Utilize the resources and guidance below to get started.

VETS26 Conference Planner

The official VETS26 Conference Planner is the go-to tool for staying organized and maximizing your on-site experience.

It includes:

• Business development preparation tips
• Agenda planning worksheets
• Personalized meeting and follow-up templates
• Guidance on navigating sessions, matchmaking, and networking opportunities

We recommend downloading the planner before you arrive and bringing it with you (digital or printed) to stay organized throughout the conference. The Conference Planner will also be available on the VETS26 mobile app.

NVSBC YouTube Channel

Prepare in advance by exploring expert-led training and insights from across the GovCon and commercial ecosystems.

On the National Veteran Small Business Coalition YouTube channel, you'll find:

• The VETS26 Conference Readiness Series, sponsored by DuraBante
• Business development strategy and guidance
• Federal and commercial market insights
• Certification, compliance, and readiness training
• Highlights and takeaways from past NVSBC events

Explore the channel anytime to stay informed and prepared for what's ahead in the GovCon ecosystem.

Guidance on Networking & Matchmaking Preparation for VETS26

Networking and matchmaking are core elements of the VETS26 experience. Preparing in advance will help you make meaningful connections, strengthen relationships, and identify opportunities aligned with your business goals.

To get ready:

• Clarify your objectives. Identify the agencies, primes, partners, or service providers you want to meet—and what outcomes you're hoping to achieve.
• Refresh your capability narrative. Ensure your capability statement, NAICS codes, core competencies, and differentiators are current and easy to articulate.
• Prepare your questions. Thoughtful, specific questions help guide conversations and demonstrate that you've done your homework.
• Plan your follow-up. Set up a simple system to capture notes, next steps, and contact information so you can follow through after the conference.

Arriving with clear objectives and a definitive plan will help you maximize every conversation and build connections that last beyond VETS26.

Stay Connected with the NVSBC VETS26 Team

Staying connected before, during, and after VETS26 ensures you never miss important updates, resources, or opportunities. The NVSBC VETS26 Team shares timely information to help you prepare, navigate the conference, and continue building momentum long after the event concludes.

You can stay connected by:

• Checking the NVSBC website for the latest conference announcements and resources
• Following NVSBC on LinkedIn and other social platforms for real-time updates
• Visiting the NVSBC YouTube Channel for training, insights, and event highlights
• Engaging with NVSBC communications and outreach leading up to the conference
• Using the official conference hashtag #VETS26 to share insights and connect with fellow attendees
• Watching for on-site announcements and daily highlights during the conference

Stay plugged in to make the most of your VETS26 experience and stay informed throughout the year.

Final Tip: Come with a Plan

Arriving at VETS26 with a clear plan—your priorities, target connections, and desired outcomes—will help you stay focused, make the most of your time, and walk away with meaningful next steps.

Attendees who gain the most value from VETS are those who arrive with:

• Clear goals and objectives
• A focused strategy
• An organized schedule
• Openness to building new relationships and gaining fresh perspectives

VETS26 is more than a conference—it's an opportunity to invest in your business, your network, and your future.

Questions?

If you have any questions about preparing for VETS26 or need assistance, we're here to help.

Email us at vets@nvsbc.org or visit our Contact Us page.