Matched Networking

The Small Business Conference offers exclusive one-on-one appointments between attendees and Hosts (government agencies and exhibiting companies). These meetings help build valuable connections for future teaming, consulting, and contracting opportunities.

Who Can Participate

Matched Networking is available only to private industry full conference registrants on a first-come, first-served basis. Exhibit Hall-Only attendees, One Day Only attendees, and students are not eligible.

How It Works

1. Host Profile Setup (Opens October 14, 2025)
Hosts complete a profile outlining the types of businesses they seek (e.g., NAICS codes, small business designations, geographic focus) and manage their appointment availability.

• Private Industry Hosts: Booth Coordinators manage appointment requests via the Exhibitor Service Center (ESC). To delegate this role to someone else, email exhibit@same.org.
• Government Agency Hosts: For multiple appointment managers, contact SAME to set up individual Host accounts.
• Deadline: Host profiles and schedules must be completed by October 31, 2025, or the Host will be removed from the list.

2. Attendee Profiles
Some questions in the registration form are applied to the Matched Networking attendee profile and are aligned with the Host's criteria.

3. Appointment Requests
Attendees can request meetings with matched Hosts—those whose needs align with their profile.

• (NEW) Small Businesses with three or fewer federal contracts executed: November 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Small Businesses: Appointment requests open November 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Medium & Large Businesses: Appointment requests open November 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET

Appointments Schedule:

*Please note that availability is at the discretion of each Host. Hosts may not be available for the entirety of the posted time frames.

Matched Networking: Key Details

How Matching Works
Hosts (through company profile) and Attendees (through registration) will answer similar questions. When a Host logs into their Matched Networking scheduling portal, they can see the attendee’s information and matched networking score. The score is based on the correlation between questions answered by each party. The score will help the Hosts determine if the attendee is a good fit. Attendees can request appointments with any Host regardless of their matched networking score.

Appointment Format

• Each appointment is 15 minutes, with a 5-minute break between sessions.
• All meetings are one-on-one and held in person at the Phoenix Convention Center, in the Matched Networking area of the Exhibit Hall (not in exhibit booths).
• Each Host will have an assigned table.

Appointment Limits

• Attendees may request up to 3 appointments before the conference begins.
• Starting November 17, additional appointments may be booked if slots remain available.

Important Reminders

• Please honor all scheduled appointments. If you need to cancel, contact the other party directly to reschedule.
• SAME does not manage or guarantee appointments. Hosts must accept requests for them to be confirmed.

For Attendees

Appointment Request Timeline

• (NEW) Small Businesses with three or fewer federal contracts executed: November 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Small Businesses: Start booking on November 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Medium & Large Businesses: Start booking on November 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET

Booking Appointments

1. Log into the Attendee Service Center (ASC).
2. Go to “ASC - Attendee Matched Networking & Itinerary Builder.”
3. Click “Profile Setup” to complete/update your profile—this affects your matches.
4. When booking opens, go to the “Matches” tab to view Hosts aligned with your profile.
   • A match score shows how well you meet each Host’s criteria.
5. Click the calendar icon under “Make Appointment” to request a meeting (limit: 3).
6. After November 17, you may request more appointments if available.
7. Hosts must accept your request for it to be confirmed. You’ll receive email updates.
8. Upload your Supplemental Information Sheet and Capabilities Statement to send to Hosts:
   • Business-to-Business Supplemental Information Sheet
   • Business-to-Government Supplemental Information Sheet

Appointment Request How-to Guide

For Hosts (Government Agencies & Exhibiting Companies)

View the Matched Networking Host Webinar Recording

Matched Networking Host Guide

Setup Timeline

• Access the Exhibitor Service Center (ESC) starting October 14, 2025 to:
  • Complete your Host Profile
  • Manage appointment availability
  • Review and respond to appointment requests
  • Deadline: Host profiles and schedules must be completed by October 31, 2025, or the Host will be removed from the list.

Managing Appointments

• The Booth Coordinator manages appointments and assigns them to team members (must be registered via Booth Staff Form).
• To delegate this role, email exhibit@same.org.
• Hosts can view attendee profiles and match scores to help evaluate requests.
• Hosts may accept or decline requests based on fit—declining is acceptable if the attendee doesn’t meet your needs.
• Hosts must log in regularly to manage availability and respond to new requests.
• Be sure to block off unavailable times (e.g., breaks, sessions, meetings).

During the Event

• Arrive a few minutes early for each appointment.
• SAME will not track time—please be punctual and respectful of the 15-minute limit.

Need Help?

• Attendees: registration@same.org
• Hosts: exhibit@same.org