Touted as the Must-Attend Federal Contracting Event of 2025, Dave Blackburn recently spoke with event director Scott Semple to find out more about the conference, why this is a must-attend, and why it is expected to sell out soon.
The conference features five session types, including pre-conference discussions, high-impact keynotes, and in-depth masterclasses. With confirmed speakers from key federal procurement agencies, and industry thought leaders, VETS25 is a top event for small and veteran-owned businesses looking to grow in federal contracting.
For those considering attending, below we answer the key questions. For those already locked in, or those who will get in on this sell-out event, we also provide a snapshot of the event and some resources to help with your planning.
What?
The VETS25 Conference brings together Federal Procurement Decision Makers + Large Prime Contractors + Procurement Ready Small Business Leaders for 3 days of non-stop Networking, Training, and Teaming! 60+ content-rich training sessions. 200+ Vendors & Teaming Partners on the industry’s’ largest Exhibit Hall!
- Large attendance events
- 36 breakout sessions including Q&A opportunity
- Showcase theatre 20 minute impact sessions
- Master classes
Plus, use the conference app’s direct messaging capability to have your questions answered, beyond the key events and breakout sessions.
When and Where?
May 13-16, 2025, Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida
- Tuesday: 6 pre-conference sessions.
- Wednesday/Thursday: 2 days packed with 60+ training sessions, non-stop networking, 2 hours of one-on-one match making, and an exhibit hall packed with action!
- Friday: Master Class Sessions taught by industry leading experts!
Who Attends?
Small business owners & leaders looking for opportunities to expand and accelerate business growth! Large business leaders looking for top shelf teaming partners and suppliers! Federal agency representatives sharing their knowledge of acquisition pipelines! Trainers with direct hands-on GovCon experience and tips/tricks/techniques that they will actually share! The VETS25 Conference is the nation’s most vibrant experience for everyone who participates in federal contracting.
Who Else?
Confirmed government speakers for this event – so far – include:
- Kelly Loeffler, Administrator, SBA
- Elias Hernandez, Associate Administrator, SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
- Stanley Kurtz, Director, Policy and Engagement, SBA
- Phillip Christy is the Deputy Executive Director, Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction (OALC), VA
- Christopher Parker, Associate Executive Director of the Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC), VA
- Jeff Neil, Associate Executive Director of the VA’s Technology Acquisition Center (TAC)
- Josh Gruenbaum, Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service, GSA
- Laura Stanton, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology, Federal Acquisition Service, GSA
- Rear Admiral (ret.) Nick Kalathas, Director Enterprise IT Contract Vehicles Alliant2&3; VETS2; STARS III, GSA
Industry Leaders including Robert Burton (Crowell)
- Kevin Olexiao (deltek GovWin)
- Joshua Frank (RSM Federal)
- David Blackburn (OrangeSlices)
- Jeff Shen (Red Team Consulting)
- Brad Reaves (ReavesGovCon)
- Gloria Larkin (TargetGov)
- And more
Why:
This is your chance to get direct information and direction from the sources related to what’s ahead for federal contracting. This is your chance to bypass the gossip, the guesswork and to get clear direction to help you plan and strategize for the year ahead.
The US federal government is the single largest buyer in the world. Even with current efforts focused on efficiency, that status is unlikely to change. So, how do you get the information you need to ensure you are aligned with the right partners, delivering products and services in the right way, and that you have the knowledge you need to move forward?
15 Tips & Tricks to Maximize your BD Success at The VETS25 Conference!
Develop a Personal BD Plan and Execute It!
- Use Every Minute! The VETS25 Conference is a 4 day offsite business development opportunity
- Use Every Opportunity! At sessions, at breakfasts, coffee breaks, lunches, receptions, hallways
- Set BD Goals! “Each day I will collect 10 business cards and meet with 5 of my top prospects”
- Practice Your Pitch! Know what you are selling and have a pitch that is concise and impactful
- Be Prepared! Biz cards, 1 page sell sheets, map of the facility, complete the following pages of this VETS25 Conference Planner!
Identify the Top 5 and Next 5 BD Contacts
- Research Who to Meet With! Visit company & agency websites, know why they need your firm
- Identify Your Top 5 and Next 5 Top Prospects! 10 quality meetings @ VETS25 = BD Success
- Collect Data on Each Prospect! Picture, organization, title, bio
- Organize Your Prospect Data! Create a 1 page ‘cheat sheet’ with picture/bio for your top 5 prospects
- Attend the Sessions! Arrive early, introduce yourself, request to meet later at lunch or at a reception
Develop a Personal Networking Plan Including Your Own WHO/WHEN/WHERE/WHAT/WHY!
- Identify WHO you want to meet with based on your Business and Personal objectives above and your plan
- Schedule WHEN you are going to request to meet with your networking partner
- Scope out WHERE you are going to meet! There are hundreds of meeting spots at the Rosen Centre available 24X7
- Plan out WHAT you are going discuss! Ask questions – don’t sell your firm non-stop, let the networking partner talk!
- Define WHY you are meeting with this person so that you will know if you accomplished your goal & establish next steps!
Download the planning guide here: VETS25_Conference_Planner_031225
Check out the interactive exhibitor floorplan here.
Download the exhibitor list here: VETS25_Conference_Exhibitors_041425
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