December 2
@Berglund Hall
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Community Partners:
Want to strengthen our region’s economy by connecting with local entrepreneurs? Request a Sponsor Guide to start collaborating with us today!
What is Meet the Buyers Extravaganza?
Meet the Buyers Extravaganza is a government contracting event where businesses can advance their contracting knowledge, connect with other business owners, and network directly with government representatives and buyers.
ticket includes light refreshments and lunch
Connect. Learn. Grow Your Government Contracting Potential.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind event designed to help small businesses access real government contracting opportunities.
Meet the Buyers: Government Contracting Extravaganza brings together procurement officials from across the region
and state, along with industry experts, resource partners, and fellow business owners.
Enjoy a day of in-person networking, targeted workshops, and insider tips on what it takes to win contracts
and grow your business. Whether you’re new to government sales or looking to expand your reach,
this event is built to move your business forward.
Hosted by the Greater Roanoke & NRV Small Business Development Center
Come make a day of it!
AGENDA
AGENDA
Please note: The event agenda is subject to change. Updates will be shared with registered attendees as details are finalized.
8:30 AM Registration Opens
9:00 AM Opening Session: Welcome + Overview of the Extravaganza
Get oriented for a full day of learning, networking, and connection as we open with remarks from the Virginia SBDC and event partners.
9:20 AM Unlocking Procurement Potential Strategies from Government Acquisition Specialists - Panel Discussion
Hear directly from agency procurement leaders about how to identify opportunities, prepare competitive bids, and build relationships that lead to contracts.
10:30 AM Navigating the Government Contracting Landscape: Insights from Successful Business Owners
Local business owners share lessons learned, strategies for success, and tips for managing the contracting process with confidence.
11:30 AM Lunch
12:00 - 5:00 PM Go-Connect Experience: Breakout Sessions & Buyer Connections
The Go-Connect Experience combines focused breakout sessions with real-time matchmaking between businesses and government buyers. Each hour includes two breakout
topics — choose the one most relevant to your goals, then rotate or meet with Agency Procurement Specialists and Prime Contractors.
12:00 - 12:50 PM A - Federal Socio-Economic Certifications
Presenter: Lisa Wood, Virginia APEX Accelerator
B - Job Order Contractors
Presenter:
1:00 - 1:50 PM A - Virginia Socio-Economic Certifications
Presenters: Kathy Deacon & Calvin Thewatt, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity
B: eVA: Doing Business with the Commonwealth
Presenter: Greg Pratt,
2:00 - 2:50 PM A: VDOT Contracting Opportunities
Presenters:
B: Bonding for Government Contracting
Presenter:
3:00 - 3:50 PM A: VDOT Contracting Opportunities
Presenter:
B: Topic TBC
Presenter:
4:00 - 5:00 PM Go-Connect Networking Hour
One-on-one and small-group conversations with government buyers, procurement specialists, and partner organizations. A chance to make meaningful connections and
identify next-step opportunities.
5:00 PM Meet the Buyers Extravaganza Concludes
“The Meet the Buyers Extravaganza is more than an event — it’s a bridge between opportunity and action. By bringing together procurement professionals and small businesses from across Virginia, we’re helping entrepreneurs unlock new pathways to growth through government contracting.”
— Heather Fay, Director + Executive Regional Administrator, Virginia SBDC, Greater Roanoke & NRV
EXPERTS IN ACTION
From agency leaders to small business success stories, our speakers, panelists and facilitators bring real-world experience from both sides of the procurement table. Learn practical insights and proven strategies to help your business navigate and thrive in government contracting.
Get Your Ticket Now
limited space
Ticket includes all sessions, light refreshements and lunch.
We are a trusted and confidential business advising partner offering free small business advising, at-cost workshops and events, and advocacy for small businesses in the greater Roanoke region, Franklin County, Alleghany Highlands, and the New River Valley.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities for you or your organization? Want to get your brand in front of our program attendees? We’d love to hear from you!
We are grateful to the City of Roanoke for their generous support in offering a discounted facility rate to host the Meet the Buyers: Government Contracting Extravaganza.
Their contribution helps us deliver this impactful event at a greater value to small businesses.
