By Kiyon Brandford, Director of Consulting, TargetGov
In the competitive world of federal contracting, opportunities don’t just happen—they’re strategically created. The National 8(a) Conference, one of the biggest federal business conferences of the year, may be your pathway to transformative business growth and government contract success.
1. Get Rid of Generic and Be Specific
With hundreds of companies attending the conference—many offering similar products or services—your marketing materials must stand out. The best way to achieve this is by custom tailoring your materials to the individuals you want to meet.
Imagine walking into the conference with capability statements that don’t just describe your company but tell a compelling story about how you can solve specific problems for that individual or organization. By crafting laser-focused marketing materials that address the unique needs of your audience, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition.
2. Strategic Targeting: Build Meaningful Connections
The most successful companies don’t just attend conferences—they strategically plan their networking approach. With more than 2,500 attendees at the National 8(a) Conference this year, it’s essential to identify the top 5 most important people for you to connect with.
Knowing exactly who you want to connect with—and where they’ll be—allows you to maximize every minute of your time and conference investment. Use the National 8(a) Association’s website, where a list of confirmed agencies and primes is available, to identify your key networking targets: https://www.n8asbc.org/agencies-primes
3. Pre-Conference Networking: Your Competitive Advantage
In today’s digital age, conference success often begins weeks before the first networking event or booth visit. Proactively connect with potential partners via LinkedIn or the event app beforehand, to establish rapport and set the stage for meaningful in-person conversations at the event.
This proactive approach transforms you from an unknown attendee into a recognized, intentional professional ready to do business in the federal marketplace.
Attending events like The National 8(a) Conference is an investment in the marketing and business development functions of your company. For businesses serious about federal contracting, this event represents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate your growth, expand your network, and position your company for breakthrough success.
Need Help Getting Conference-Ready?
TargetGov is here to help you prepare for success at the National 8(a) Conference and beyond. Whether you need a professionally crafted capability statement, guidance on strategic networking, or a tailored approach to positioning your business for government contracts, we have the expertise to help you stand out and achieve your goals.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business success in the federal marketplace. Reach out to TargetGov experts. We have helped our clients win over $20 Billion in federal contracts. Email fast@targetgov.com, call 410-579-01346 x 325, or visit www.targetgov.com.
