# Event Details - **Event Name**: 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 13 May, 2026 at 10:00 am – Wed, 13 May, 2026 at 12:00 pm (-04:00) - **Event Description**: We are partnering with The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) for this in-person event!About this EventREGISTER HERE AT THIS LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-hampton-roads-small-business-symposium-contracting-for-success-tickets-1985846619697?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=trueConnect with fellow entrepreneurs, resource partners, and procurement professionals while learning how to do business at the local, state, and federal levels.Topics will include:Business development and preparation toolsUnderstanding the government contracting processHow to access contracting opportunitiesNo cost to attend, registration required.Schedule:Exhibitor Set up @ 7:00am – 8:00amDoors open at 8:00am8:00 - 8:45amCheck-in and Networking Breakfast8:45 – 9:00amWelcome and Opening Remarks (City of Virginia Beach)Partner Introductions (Overview of Services/Resources)Benefits of government contracting (Moderator/MC Narrative)Government contracting offers a significant financial opportunity for small businesses. Local, state, and federal agencies purchase a wide range of products and services in both large and small quantities, creating consistent demand across industries. Selling to the government also helps ensure that small businesses are not overshadowed by larger corporations. It provides a more equitable environment while supporting small businesses as key drivers of economic growth and job creation.The following sessions are intended to educate participants and bring clarity to the government contracting landscape.Moderator Narrative: It is essential for businesses to be prepared when pursuing government contracting opportunities because to help them transform ideas into organized, competitive operations. These tools allow business owners to analyze their capacity, understand procurement requirements, strengthen financial and operational systems, and develop strategic plans for growth. Ultimately, these tools help businesses move from being interested in government contracting to being truly prepared to compete, perform, and succeed in the public sector marketplace.9:00am – 9:50amSession I:Business Development and Preparation ToolsMarket Intelligence… who is buying what I am selling?Capacity, Capability, Credentials … Is your business ready?Know your codes (NAICS vs NiGP) (APEX, eVA)Moderator Narrative: Understanding how the government contracting process works is essential for businesses that want to successfully compete for public sector opportunities. The process can be complex, with specific rules, requirements, and timelines that must be followed. When business owners understand how agencies identify needs, release solicitations, evaluate proposals, and award contracts, they are better prepared to position their company effectively. Understanding the process allows businesses to navigate the system with confidence and increase their chances of winning and successfully performing government contracts.9:55 – 10:45amSession I: Understanding the Government Contracting Process (State University, Federal, Local)What are Purchasing Rules?Understanding contract terms and conditionsProcurement lifecycle (from solicitation to award to contract management)Types of Solicitations10:45 – 10:55 Break 10 minutesModerator Narrative:Understanding how to access government contracting—and which tools to use—is essential to unlocking opportunities with some of the largest customers: government entities. Successfully pursuing these opportunities involves registering on bidding platforms, building relationships with procurement officials, prime contractors, and subcontractors, and positioning your business competitively. Doing so can lead to long-term, predictable revenue, a more diversified portfolio, and enhanced credibility in the marketplace.10:55 -11:45amSession III: Accessing Contract OpportunitiesTools and Technology: Bidding Platforms/Procurement sites (eVA, SAM, Open Gov, Supplier Portals) (eVA, SAM.gov, Virginia Beach, Norfolk or NNews for Open Gov)Building Relationships (partnering/teaming, contracting officers, primes) (APEX)Proposal Development - How to Respond to an RFP (key elements) (Presented by Hillary Boyce, BAFO)11:50 – 12:05 PM Subcontracting Opportunity Spotlights (5 Minute Intros w/ a contact slide) – 2 or 3 primes with major projects/upcoming opportunities (15 Minutes) (FlatIron, SB Ballard, Dominion Energy?)12:05 – 12:15 PM: Wrap-Up w/ Business Ready Lightning Round + Overall Q&A12:15 – 1:00 PM: Power Networking & Resource Fair1:00 PM: Adjourn - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/virginia-beach/2026-hampton-roads-small-business-symposium-contracting-for-success/100001986642891367 - **Event Categories**: Business, Entertainment, performances - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Virginia Beach - **state**: VA - **country**: United States - **location**: Sandler Center for the Performing Arts - **lat**: 36.8421992 - **long**: -76.135891 - **full address**: Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/106ab4b3a8509c607bb060185a5e4e1959388dbde9bc0434f7a2c671b8e3dd5d-rimg-w1200-h600-dc32302d-gmir.jpg?v=1775377158 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success being held? - **A:** 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success takes place on Wed, 13 May, 2026 at 10:00 am to Wed, 13 May, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success? - **A:** 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success is organized by THE HIVE Virginia Beach Business Resource Center. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** 2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Virginia Beach, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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