Preparing For Speed Connect

The 16th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium is right around the corner! If you haven't done so already, make sure you register for the Symposium now, so you can participate in Speed Connect. This part of the Symposium is a vital opportunity to network with contractors and certified small businesses one-on-one. When you register, there will be an area to let us know if you're interested in participating in this part of the Symposium. The sooner you register, the more opportunities you'll find.

To ensure a productive and professional experience during your one-on-one meetings, keep these key tips in mind:



• Do Your Homework: Research the prime contractors you're meeting with. Understand who they are, what they do, and how your business aligns with their needs.
• Perfect Your Pitch: Prepare a brief, 20–30 second introduction that clearly communicates your company’s strengths and capabilities.
• Plan Your Time Wisely: With only 10 minutes per session, focus on clear talking points and keep the conversation strategic and goal-oriented.
• Showcase Your Value: Highlight your core expertise and why your company stands out—emphasize reliability, quality, and value.
• Come Prepared: Bring a polished capability statement and be ready to reference two or three relevant past performance examples.
• Manage Expectations: Treat each meeting as a valuable introduction—not a guaranteed contract—and follow any next steps the firm recommends.

Already Registered?

Already registered for the Symposium but didn’t sign up for Speed Connect? There’s still time! Speed Connect will give you the chance to meet one-on-one with government and industry representatives in focused, 10-minute sessions. If you missed this during registration, don’t worry—help is just an email away. Please contact Keli Krueger-Huhra at kh@cusbdc.org, or use the button below to get started. Keli will make sure you’re signed up, fully prepared, and ready to make the most of your time at the Symposium.

Information About The Symposium

The 2025 Symposium offers a full two-day format

with valuable content!

Business Opportunities  ●  Industry Updates ●  Matchmaking

The Iowa-Illinois Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is hosting the 16th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium on June 3^rd and 4^th 2025 at Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL to give Defense Contractors working in our region valuable resources and opportunities in this field. Join the Midwest’s premier platform for government contracting professionals. The symposium brings together government agencies, prime contractors, and suppliers for two days of insight, innovation, and networking.



This communication has been sent to you as a member or customer of NDIA and its affiliates NTSA, PSA, and WID. Your e-mail address is used to maintain member and customer contact and provide notification of new activities. If you do not wish to receive future messages from NDIA or its affiliates, please send a message to remove@ndia.org. 



National Defense Industrial Association, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22201