SAMradar is gearing up this week to be ready for the Government Procurement Conference happening on April 19th, 2023. For those of you that are attending (if you want to register, click this link now - and get a discount on your purchase!), you may be wondering how you can get started preparing for such an event.
Since there will be representatives from industry, prime, and government categories, it is important that you are ready when you enter the doors of the event, and others like it. So, to help you put your best foot forward, here are five tips for procurement conferences!
Research Your Target Agencies
Research and planning go a long way when you are at events focused on procurement. By preparing beforehand, you will be aware of your target agencies, and what you intend to do once you are there. One way you can get started is to take a look at procurement agencies that are going to be at the event.
If you identify agencies you want to target, you can then take the time to do your homework - look into their purchasing power and behavior, the best contacts to approach, and what kind of approach will work best, based on their history in the past.
Recheck Your SAM.gov Registration
The United States government uses a system to monitor and manage awards known as the System for Award Management, or SAM. It is important that you are registered when you come to procurement events, so you are already in the system and ready to get started.
If you aren’t registered to SAM.gov yet, there’s no reason to panic. Simply go to the SAM.gov webpage, and register for free. Now, you will be ready when you are at the next procurement event, and can be easily looked up by potential buyers.
Clean Up Your Capabilities Statement
A capabilities statement allows buyers to understand what your business does, what kind of business classification it falls under, and allows you to showcase your products or services, along with your past performance within that particular industry.
It is common for capabilities statements to be a one-page document, and are largely shared through either a URL or a QR code. Don’t forget to use the space on the capabilities statement to shine - make sure it is clear and concise, but gives the best description of your company, your products/services, and what you can do.
Organize And Schedule Your Day
Going to in-person events requires flexibility when it comes to schedules, but at the same time, it is important to have some kind of plan as an approach to the day. One way to do that is to explore the list of exhibits at each event, so you know what exhibits you want to hit, and allot yourself time.
At the same time, make sure to look at the agenda, so you don’t miss out on any special talks, discussions, or events as you explore the exhibition space. Conferences are often excellent spaces to create new connections, and with the right planning, and a little bit of flexibility, you will be leaving with the right contacts in your roster!
Coming To The GPC? Make Sure To Catch Dave Lowe
If you are hitting the Government Procurement Conference on April 19th, make sure to attend the talk by SAMradar founder and CEO, Dave Lowe. The talk, “Top Gun Contracting: How To Be A Hero To Federal Buyers,” will take a look at how you can land in the center of the buyer’s radar, and build successful relationships.
For more information on what’s happening during the Government Procurement Conference from SAMradar, click this link: samradar.com/gpc2023