meet the bigs! 2024
DOING BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Program: 9AM-1PM
Northern Quest Resort & Casino
100 N Hayford Rd
Airway Heights, WA 99001
Did you know the government buys just about anything? If you are a business looking for revenue opportunities and want to sell to the government, this event is for you.
Presented by STCU, Meet the BIGS! is the premier government contracting show of the year. You’ll have the opportunity to network with large government purchasers in our area like Fairchild Air Force Base and the City of Spokane, as well as large prime contractors doing millions of dollars of work with the government.
Scroll down to learn more or register below.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
PRESENTED BY
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Businesses from all industries are invited to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how you can expand your revenue and do business with the government. Connect with businesses that are looking to do contracts with other local businesses. Shake hands with purchasing agents from federal, state, and local government agencies. Build relationships with representatives from our region’s largest prime contractors, discover a wealth of contracting opportunities, and learn insider tips and navigate the path to government and large-scale contracts.
Prepare for success by gaining insights, certifications, and refining your offerings. Then, showcase your capabilities at our upcoming Meet the BIGS! event in November. Connect directly with key decision-makers to position your business for significant contract opportunities.
SESSION SCHEDULE
9-9:10: Welcome and Sponsor Thank You
Speaker: Aleesha Roedel, Government Contracting Assistance Specialist, GSI/Washington APEX Accelerator
9:15-10:00: Meet the Primes
Speakers: Derek Fors, Nwestco; Jim Anderson, Burton Construction; Nick Gonzales, Bouten Construction
Are you a small business who would like to learn what the requirements are to subcontract? If so, join us at Meet the Primes to learn the Who, What, and How to work with Prime Contractors.
10:05-10:50: Entrepreneurs: Identify and protect your intellectual property for business success
Speaker: Ken Takeda, U.S. Patent and Trademark
Are you an entrepreneur, small business owner, innovator, or just curious about the benefits of intellectual property? In this workshop, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will provide a brief overview about the four major types of intellectual property (IP) and explain why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider them in their business plan.
10:55-11:40: Meet the Agencies
Speakers: Ernesto Perez, Department of Enterprise Services; Jared Langton, Department of Veteran Affairs; Robert Blegen, Washington Dept. of Transportation
Are you a small business who would like to learn how to work with state agencies? If so, join us at Meet the Agencies to learn the Who, What, and How to work with State Agencies.
11:45-12:30: Meet the Military
Speakers: Richard Hedrick, Fairchild Air Force Base; David Walz, U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport; Capt. Matthew Richard, WA ANG 141 ARW Base Contracting Officer
Are you a small business who would like to learn what it takes to work with the Department of Defense and the Military? If so, join us at Meet the Military to learn the Who, What, and How to work with Department of Defense.
12:45: Closing
Speaker: Aleesha Roedel, Government Contracting Assistance Specialist, GSI/Washington APEX Accelerator
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
Could Government Contracting Be the Key to Stable Revenue for Your Business?
Have you considered the significant benefits of qualifying your business for government contracts?
Are you intrigued by the prospect of securing a stable revenue stream that can withstand economic fluctuations?
Can your business benefit from establishing long-term relationships with reliable clients in the public sector?
Partnering with Greater Spokane Inc. and Washington APEX Accelerator provides comprehensive guidance for navigating the complexities of government contracting. We offer educational resources, certification support, and access to a premier networking event with prime contractors and government agencies.
Prepare for success by gaining insights, certifications, and refining your offerings. Then, showcase your capabilities at our upcoming Meet the BIGS! event in November. Connect directly with key decision-makers to position your business for significant contract opportunities.
MAXIMIZE YOUR MEET THE BIGS EXPERIENCE
A guide to networking success
Are you ready to make a lasting impression at Meet the BIGS! 2024? This annual event offers businesses a unique opportunity to connect with prime contractors and government agencies. To ensure you make the most of this valuable networking experience, follow these essential tips.
- Master the Art of Networking:
- Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Practice a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your business’s unique value proposition.
- Be Approachable and Engaged: Smile, make eye contact, and actively listen to others.
- Follow Up: Send personalized thank-you notes or emails to individuals you meet.
- Create a Standout Capability Statement:
- Showcase Your Expertise: Clearly articulate your company’s capabilities, experience, and qualifications.
- Highlight Achievements: Showcase past projects and successes that demonstrate your value.
- Tailor to Your Audience: Customize your capability statement to resonate with the specific needs of government agencies and prime contractors.
- Leverage Your APEX Accelerator:
- Seek Guidance: Connect with your local APEX Accelerator for expert advice on networking strategies, capability statement development, and government contracting best practices.
- Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops and training sessions offered by your APEX Accelerator to enhance your skills.
Additional Tips:
- Research Exhibitors: Identify key individuals and organizations you want to connect with.
- Dress Professionally: Make a positive first impression with your appearance.
- Bring Plenty of Business Cards: Have them readily available for networking.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Building relationships takes time and effort.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to make a lasting impression at Meet the BIGS! and position your business for success in government contracting. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your network and secure government contracts. Contact your local APEX Accelerator today to start your preparation for Meet the BIGS! 2024.
EXHIBITORS INCLUDE
Acme Concrete Paving
Alta Science & Engineering
American Indian Chamber APEX Accelerator
Andersen Construction
Associated Industries
Avista Utilities
Bouten Construction Company
Budinger & Associates
Burton Construction, Inc.
Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo)
Eastern Washington University
Fairchild Air Force Base
FedVet Construction
Garco Construction, Inc.
Greater Spokane Inc.
Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS)
Idaho APEX Accelerators
Inland NW Associated General Contractors
Knight Const. & Supply, Inc.
MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions
McKinstry Company
MRSC Rosters
Northcon Inc
Northwest Renewables
Nwestco
Office of Minority Women Business Enterprise (OMWBE)
Port of Pend Oreille dba Pend Oreille Valley Railroad
RJS Construction, Inc
Small Business Administration
Spokane Transit Authority
STCU
Tri Coast Construction
U.S Navy – Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport
US Bureau of Reclamation
WA APEX
WA Department of Enterprise Services
WA Department of Enterprise Services – Public Works
Washington Air National Guard 141st ARS
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT)
Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS)
Washington State Labor & Industries
WANT TO BE AN EXHIBITOR?
Are you a large prime contractor or a local, state, or federal agency and want to exhibit? Contact Aleesha Roedel, Government Contracting Assistance Specialist for registration details and sponsorship opportunities. Exhibitor Cost: $250
THANK YOU SPONSORS
PRESENTED BY
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Meet the BIGS! is a GSI and Washington APEX Accelerator event (APEX). APEX is a program of GSI that advises businesses on how to win contracts with the government.
SPONSOR THIS EVENT
There are still a couple of Event Sponsor and Supporting Sponsorship opportunities available for this event! If you want visibility for your business at our largest event of the year, send us a message in the contact form and we’ll connect with you and get you fit with the sponsorship level that works the best for your business.
Submit your contact information below and we’ll get right back to you.
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EVENT PRICING
event item | EXPIRATION DATE | PRICING
One Admission
November 20, 2024
$45.00