meet the bigs! 2025
DOING BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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. At Meet the BIGS! you’ll:
- 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
- Learn insider tips and navigate the path to government and large-scale contracts.
Prepare for success by understanding how to maximize your experience.
SESSION SCHEDULE
9-9:10: Welcome and Sponsor Thank You
Speakers: Aleesha Roedel, Government Contracting Assistance Specialist, GSI/Washington APEX Accelerator; Christopher Sondalle, Commercial Banking Officer, STCU
9:15-10:00: How to Do Business with the State
Speaker: Ernesto Perez, Washington Department of Enterprise Services
Join us for this session where DES will discuss a variety of topics, including: an introduction to state contracting; how to find upcoming contracting opportunities; where to get technical assistance; where to find additional training; and, of course, provide time and opportunity for questions and answers.
10:05-10:50: How to Subcontract Under a Job Order Contractor (JOC)
Speaker: Jim Anderson, Burton Construction
Job Order Contracting (JOC) is a unique project delivery method used by many Washington State agencies for getting relatively small and simple construction projects done more quickly than conventional means. JOC provides numerous opportunities for subcontractors since the RCW requires that 90% of JOC work must be subcontracted. This presentation will discuss how JOC works, the mutual expectations for JOC contractors and their subcontractors, and how you can prepare to participate in future projects.
10:55-11:40: Engaging with Prime Contractors – How to Increase Your Opportunity
Speaker: Erik Nowak, Absher Construction
A Prime Contractor’s point of view on how to effectively connect, communicate, and collaborate with prime contractors—increasing visibility and contract opportunities.
11:45-12:30: HVAC Maintenance and How to Protect your Investment
Speaker: Jon Shelby, McKinstry Company
Attention Prime Contractors and Agencies – this class is for you. Learn the importance of HVAC maitenance and how to protect your investment.
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 Meet the BIGS! 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 Capability Statements and 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
Absher Construction
Acme Concrete Paving
Alta Science & Engineering
American Indian Chamber APEX Accelerator
Associated Builders & Contractors
Associated Industries
Avista Utilities
Bouten Construction Company
City of Spokane
Coffman Engineers
Eastern Washington University
Fairchild Air Force Base
Garco Construction, Inc.
Grant PUD
Greater Spokane Inc.
Halme Cascade
Hensel Phelps
Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors
Jade Scientific
Knight Const. & Supply, Inc.
LITE-CHECK
MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions
McKinstry Company
MRSC Rosters
NNAC Construction
Numerica Credit Union
Nwestco
Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises
One Hanford
• Bechtel
• CPCCo
• H2C
• Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS)
• Navarro
RJS Construction, Inc.
Security Services Northwest, Inc.
Spokane Transit Authority
STCU
WA Air National Guard
WA APEX Accelerators
WA Department of Enterprise Services
WA Department of Veteran Affairs
Washington Department of Transportation
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
MAJOR SPONSORS
Meet the BIGS! is a GSI and Washington APEX Accelerator event (APEX). APEX is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense and GSI.
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.
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EVENT PRICING
event item | EXPIRATION DATE | PRICING
One Admission
November 12, 2025
$50.00