Exhibit Hall
Meet with leading product and service providers.
Professional Development and Training
Education and training sessions with PDH credits available.
Networking
Meet with colleagues and senior decision makers throughout the A/E/C sector.
IGE Discussions
Collaborate with government and industry leaders on key topics
Shape the Future of Federal Contracting
Join us for the nation's premier A/E/C federal contracting event. Share your expertise with industry leaders hungry for innovation.
At-a-glance
When/Where: Charlotte, NC, November 4-6, 2026
Submission deadline: June 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PDT)
Notifications: Week of July 6, 2026
Contact: sessions@same.org
Session Tracks & Topics
On-Ramping to Federal Contracting — Help newcomers navigate the federal marketplace
• Business basics and funding strategies
• Demystifying federal acquisition
• Leveraging certifications
• Insurance, bonding, and compliance
Business Growth Strategies — Scale smarter, not harder
• Winning proposals and pricing
• AI-powered marketing
• Strategic partnerships
• Building past performance
From Policy to Practice — Navigate the regulatory landscape
• FAR reforms and NDAA updates
• CMMC, CPARS, and compliance
• Joint ventures and mentor-protégé programs
• Construction law essentials
Spurring Innovation and Technology — Lead the charge in acquisition reform
• AI integration and risk management
• Alternative delivery methods
• Speeding capability development
• Acquisition reform responses
Submission Requirements
• Compelling title (10 words max)
• Session description (200-400 words) – Make reviewers say “YES!”
• Attendee takeaway (50 words max) – Your elevator pitch
• 4 learning objectives - Use action verbs
• Speaker bios (150-300 words each)
• 1-2 minute video (YouTube or similar link) – Show your passion
PLEASE NOTE: SAME reserves the right to modify accepted abstract titles and descriptions to fit our writing style and format.
Selection Criteria
Our peer review panels evaluate:
• Abstract quality and clarity
• Relevance to focus areas
• Speaker qualifications
• Practical value for attendees
Pro Tips
• Panels preferred over solo presentations
• Focus on education, not sales
• Draft in Word first (no spell check in the submission form)
• Maximum of 2 submissions per person
• No product pitches
• Must attend SBC in person
Speaker Benefits
• Massive reach: SBC reaches over 4,500 attendees annually
• Prime visibility: 40 sessions presented over 3 days
• Professional growth: Speakers earn PDH credits
• Network effect: Connect with decision-makers
Speaker Logistics
• Day-of speakers: Complimentary one-day registration
• Multi-day speakers: Discounted full conference rate
• All speakers: Responsible for travel and lodging costs
Government speakers: You are responsible for approval to attend
Ready to Inspire?
Don’t just attend SBC 2026 – lead it. Your expertise could transform how businesses approach federal contracting.
The SAME Small Business Conference: Where contractors become leaders.
Submit your abstract today and join the ranks of industry thought leaders!