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Fuel Up: Plan Ahead for Maximium Impact

Make the most of your time at the Small Business Conference by planning early, setting clear goals, and using the tools available before and during the event.

1. Set Your Conference Goals
Decide what you want to accomplish before you arrive. Your goals may include identifying business opportunities, meeting potential teaming partners, learning how to compete more effectively, or increasing brand awareness.

2. Research Opportunities in Advance
•    Search current opportunities tied to your primary NAICS code.
•    Identify prime contracts where your company could serve as a subcontractor.
•    Use tools such as sam.gov, Federal Compass, GovSpend, or GovWin to research recent awards and prime contractors that subcontract in your specialty area.

3. Update Your Materials and Profiles
•    Bring plenty of business cards.
•    Update your capability statement  if it has not been refreshed in the past six months).
•    Consider preparing different capability statements for different audiences.
•    Update your SBC attendee profile, LinkedIn profile, and SAME member profile.
•    Refresh company marketing materials and make sure digital versions, links, or QR codes are ready to share.

Capability statement reviews will be available as part of Matched Networking. Sign up for feedback from experienced reviewers.

4. Make the Most of Matched Networking
Request appointments with agencies and companies that align with your goals. If multiple people from your company are attending, coordinate your schedules so you can cover more ground. NOTE: Each attendee may request up to three appointments before the conference.
•    October 19: Registered small businesses with three or fewer executed federal contracts may begin requesting appointments.
•    October 22: All other registered small business attendees may begin requesting appointments.
•    October 26: Other registrants may begin requesting appointments.
•    November 2: If availability remains, the three-appointment limit will be lifted.

5. Build Your Exhibit Hall Plan
Review the exhibitor list and prioritize who you want to visit:
•    Must-visit exhibitors
•    Secondary contacts to visit if time allows
•    Additional organizations to explore as your schedule permits

6. Choose Sessions That Support Your Goals
Review the session schedule and bookmark the sessions that best align with your priorities using the itinerary builder.

Pre-Conference Webinar Series
We offer two webinar series for SBC. The SAME National Team-hosted webinars are for specific conference attendee groups  to help prepare for a successful event: 
•    Exhibitor Orientation & Training — September 8, 3:00 p.m. ET
•    Speaker Orientation — September 29, 3:00 p.m. ET
•    Matched Networking Host Training — October 6, 3:00 p.m. ET
•    Attendee Orientation & Priority Setting — October 13, 3:00 p.m. ET

Ready. Set. SBC. webinar series is hosted by the Small Business Council to help small businesses, first timers, and all attendees get the most out of their SBC experience:
•    A Practical Guide to Winning Federal Contracts — September 10, 1:00 p.m. ET
•    Creating a Killer Capability Statement to Communicate Value — September 17, 1:00 p.m. ET 
•    How to Plan When You’re Small — September 24, 1:00 p.m. ET
•    Meet the Experts: Making the Most of SBC — October 1, 1:00 p.m. ET 

Register for 1 webinar or the entire series

Two Weeks Before the Conference
•    Download the pre-registered attendee list from the Attendee Service Center and reach out to priority contacts in advance.
•    Schedule meetings before arriving instead of relying on chance conversations onsite.
•    Confirm your conference registration, hotel reservation, and travel plans.
•    Download the SAME Events App for quick access to conference information.
•    Block time on your calendar within one week after the conference for follow-up.

Before You Arrive
Review your plan the weekend before the conference. Check for new hosts, exhibitors, or schedule updates, and adjust your priorities as needed. Be flexible, focus on quality over quantity, and remember that one strong connection can make a meaningful impact.

Tips for a Successful SBC
•    Focus on your top targets and sessions; you will not be able to do everything.
•    Listen first. Not every conversation needs to be a sales pitch.
•    Reconnect with familiar contacts, but make room to meet new people.
•    Look for win-win opportunities with clients and teaming partners.
•    Be yourself, build relationships, and enjoy the conference.

We look forward to seeing you in Charlotte!