VETS26 Success Guide: Leveraging the Conference to Grow Your Business
Date: April 24, 2026
Watch the Video [13min]
In a recent interview with Shelley McGuire of Orange Slices, NVSBC’s Special Events Director, Lauren Masters outlines an approach for attending the VETS26 conference that focuses on business development opportunities and a goal of maximizing one’s ROI within this unique business environment.
As contrasted to more traditional conferences, VETS26 tends to reward those attendees who are proactive in preparing in advance of the conference, approaching it for what it was always designed to be – a business development event.
Some of the key takeaways from Lauren’s interview:
- Access is the primary value
- It’s about outcomes, not attendance
- Preparation determines ROI
- Networking is strategic, not casual
- Market intelligence is a major advantage
- Execution-focused learning
- In-person engagement accelerates trust
Each of the VETS26 conference activities are structured to support the business development efforts of Veterans and small business owners seeking new or expanded contracting opportunities through the Federal Government, Primes, and strategic partnerships.
Held this year at the Hyatt Regency conference center in New Orleans, VETS26 again convenes a powerful network of federal agency representatives, large prime contractors, and procurement-ready small business leaders for four days of high-impact training, networking, and business development.
The current list of this year’s participants includes Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of War, General Services Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Small Business Administration, US Department of Interior, US Postal Service and Veterans Affairs.
The participating agencies who have confirmed their attendance represent a broad cross-section of the federal government, offering attendees unparalleled access to insights, opportunities, and relationship-building with organizations actively seeking qualified small business partners.
“The VETS Conference has become a cornerstone event for businesses serious about entering or expanding in the federal marketplace,” said Lauren Masters, Special Events Director NVSBC. “This year’s VETS26 will continue build upon that legacy.”
This year’s conference features:
- 60+ training sessions covering federal procurement strategies, compliance, certifications, and business growth
- Agency and prime contractor matchmaking sessions designed to facilitate targeted business connections
- 200+ exhibitors and teaming partners showcasing capabilities and partnership opportunities
- Four days of structured networking events connecting attendees with key stakeholders across the GovCon ecosystem
To learn more about VETS26 including information about registration, travel, and the conference schedule, visit our VETS26 conference website.
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VETS26 is an annual conference hosted by the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC), a nationally recognized non-profit organization, providing Training, Networking, and Advocacy for Veteran small business entrepreneurs in the federal market.