Investing Resources in Industry Conferences
Any business’ success dependent on government agencies and spending requires a large investment of time and resources. Being strategic about where to spend that time and resources is critical. While construction conferences might seem like just one more thing to do and place to be, they should be at the top of your priority list. Here are a few conference types to consider in the new year.
Industry Days
Industry Days are events held by the Department of Defense (DOD) to present plans for specific current or future solicitations, usually held prior to a Request for Proposal (RFP) being issued. The government typically provides project goals and a potential schedule, as well as requests feedback and questions about procurements. These events can range from a few hours, up to three days.
These government-provided Industry Days are important events to attend to gain information about upcoming contracts, identify what potential clients are looking for and open the door to valuable face-to-face marketing. Here are some tips to maximize your efforts at these events.
Listen and learn. Often detailed information is provided on upcoming contracts, providing you with knowledge of your capabilities to perform, resulting in a strategic bid/no-bid decision.
It’s all about relationship building. Introduce yourself to the government representatives. Win face-to-face time by showing up prepared. Have questions ready for contracts you have been watching, this shows government agencies your interest. If a government agency knows you are interested, they may reach out to you personally for updates regarding the solicitation.
Connect. These events are prime opportunities to connect with potential teaming partners and subcontractors. Reach out and connect.
Federal Contractors Conference
Attending the Federal Contractors Conference is beneficial because it provides unique information for that year tailored to the federal contracting industry including updates on regulatory and executive order changes, legislative proposals, annual government budgets, contracting and design issues, as well as federal public-private partnerships. At this conference, contractors have the opportunity to assemble with high-level leaders from all government agencies and discuss issues, policies and solutions. This conference is guaranteed to keep you up-to-date on industry changes.
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Conferences
SAME hosts a nationwide DOD and Federal Agency Program Briefing every March in the Washington, DC area providing information on the project upcoming fiscal year with regards to engineering, construction and environmental programs from contracting representatives. This conference hosts keynote speakers from multiple government agencies to talk about their specific upcoming fiscal year and everything it will bring, including major project plans and recaps, strategic priorities and investment framework. This information will be beneficial to your company to understand and make strategic decisions about where you want to invest your resources for the coming fiscal year.
We understand that attending conferences is a heavy commitment alongside keeping your day job. Remember to utilize your resources. Send your Project Managers and Proposal or Marketing Managers. It will be beneficial for them to hear what these federal agencies are looking for in proposal responses from contractors, and what the fiscal year is going to look like in terms of proposals, so they can prepare themselves accordingly. For more information on upcoming conferences, please call Meridian West or visit our website to learn more about our company.
