SBC 2023 Update: Pre-Conference Workshops

The 2023 Federal Small Business Conference, being held in San Antonio, Texas, November 1-3, 2023, is just around the corner. Get a head start on your market research and professional development by adding a Pre-Conference Workshop to your registration!

• GSA Training for Small Businesses on Tuesday, October 31, 1:00 – 5:00 PM CDT

• Mastering the Shortlist Interview: An Interactive Workshop

Each module of these specialized workshops is full of need-to-know information to help you meet your priorities. Whether you are a small business, large business, or government representative, each workshop is led by some of the foremost experts in their fields. Not only will attendees gain insights on working with the federal government, but you can also earn up to 4 PDHs for each workshop. Here’s what’s in store:

GSA Training for Small Businesses

Whether you are a small business looking to break into the federal marketplace or a seasoned A/E/C contractor seeking to increase your visibility and presence, this 4-module workshop presented by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will help you better prepare to do business with the federal government. Topics will include navigating SAM.gov, marketing and positioning your company, and understanding the value of market research.

If you are a small business, consider this in-depth workshop if you are seeking to do business with, or, you wish to increase your presence with the federal government, learn about a GSA schedule contract whether you have a contract or are debating becoming a GSA contract holder. Learn tips and tricks to market your business, where to find federal contracting opportunities, increase your visibility and why MRAS RFIs could be the key to generating more business.

Albert Garza has been involved in government procurement at both the federal and local levels for 35 years. He started with GSA as a Presidential Management Intern in 1988, and held a variety of positions with GSA’s Federal Supply Service in Fort Worth and San Diego. In 2000, he became an economic development specialist and then contract officer for the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department. In 2007, he returned to GSA as a Small Business Specialist located in Fort Worth.

Jason Gerloff is the Lead Contract Specialist for GSA’s Greater Southwest Region (R7), with previous experience in GSA Regions 5 (Chicago) and 8 (Denver). He holds an unlimited warrant and a FAC C III certificate as both a Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative. He also served with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and the Department of Commerce (NIST and NOAA). Jason has been involved with procurements in support of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, the Precision Measurement Laboratory in Boulder, Colo., the Solar and Photovoltaic installation at the Barking Sands Naval Base, LEED Gold historic courthouse renovations across the country, and a joint project with the Canadian government on a cattle inspection facility in Montana.

Joey Phelps is a Customer Service Director and Business Development Specialist with GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service. A 29 year veteran of the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, Joey served on active duty and in the Air National Guard in Central and South America, the South Pacific, Europe, and Asia. Joey began his GSA career with the Federal Telecommunications Service in 1988. In his 35 years of service with GSA, Joey has assisted every branch of the Department of Defense and innumerable civilian agencies and even foreign governments. He has been recognized for service and innovation with awards from the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Tiffany Shabanian has been with GSA for over 13 years. She started her career with GSA in the Federal Career Intern Program with the Public Building Service (PBS), working in the Real Property Utilization and Disposal division. During her time in PBS, she helped to market lighthouses being offered for sale under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. She was also a Budget Analyst for the program and managed hundreds of Reimbursable Work Agreements. She continued her career with the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, where she served as a liaison to members of the U.S. Senate and House district offices in the six New England states. Her role included planning and providing efficient space in GSA-controlled buildings, to procuring office furniture as well as moving services. Tiffany continued her career with GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service in their Customer Account and Stakeholder Engagement division, where she is currently the Program Manager for the Market Research As a Service program. Prior to her career with GSA she was a Project Manager with Teradyne, a manufacturer of semiconductor testing equipment, where she received her Green Belt Six Sigma Certification. She attended Bentley University where she graduated with honors in Business Management. She also received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Rivier University.

Mastering the Shortlist Interview: An Interactive Workshop

Part 1: Thursday, October 12, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT (Virtual)

Part 2: Wednesday, October 25, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT (In-person)

This highly interactive workshop is a two-part series that begins with a 2-hour virtual session prior to the workshop that will cover many aspects of the interview process from how to decipher the solicitation and what the owner is looking for to tips on how to formulate your message and tips for virtual interviews. 

During the half day in-person workshop, you will put into practice what you have learned and have the opportunity to participate in a mock interview and WIN the project. Bring your A-Game for a fun competition with your fellow participants!

This session is designed for architects, engineers and construction professionals who want to improve presentation skills, marketers responsible for the success of shortlist interviews, and government professionals selecting the best team for a project. You’ll not only learn how to create and present a compelling message and hone your communications skills, you will be better prepared to adapt to different presentation environments, and you’ll build confidence in the interview process with the guidance of these talented presenters:

Dena Wyatt has played an integral part in the design and construction industry since the mid 1990s. A former Dale Carnegie instructor and trainer and founder of Marketing Evolutions, Dena brings more than 25 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Her techniques and strategies have re-written the rule book when it comes to presentation training and her straight-forward coaching techniques continue to win projects for her clients. At the end of the day, Dena empowers her clients to achieve their objectives and master the skills they need to WIN! Dena’s first book “BE…The Winning Presentation – an essential handbook for the AEC industry to master the shortlist interview” continues to be a valued resource in the industry. In addition to having endless enthusiasm to help people with project pursuits, feel more comfortable speaking in public, and build a personal brand, Dena participates in charity bike rides and makes active industry connections in the Better Networking Through Skiing (BNTS) group she co-founded.

Jen Newman, FSMPS, CPSM is a passionate cultivator of people who has focused her energy over the last 20+ years on innovating A/E/C business practices. She guides firms in charting their course by developing and implementing strategies, objectives, initiatives, and plans that align with their company’s vision, establishing a foundation for long-term success. Throughout her career, Jen has helped firms, both as an in-house expert and as a consultant, create winning interview formulas. In 2018, Jen collaborated with Dena to curate the “Creating a Championship Interview Team” program, resulting in dozens of firms elevating their interview strategies and skills, leading to more wins. Jen is proudly building an A/E/C family legacy: her two sons, a Transportation CAD Designer, and a Mechanical Commissioning Engineer, have followed her into the industry. As a cancer survivor, she transparently shares her journey to inspire others to build resilience through every challenge.

Martha Weekley is VP Operations at FFE, a comprehensive A/E consulting firm supporting federal agencies with high-quality performance on complex projects. In this role, she is responsible for business development, capture management, and marketing activities. Under her leadership, FFE has grown over 325 percent in the last three years. In a dual role as business development and project manager, Martha has a deep understanding of federal processes, procedures, rules, and requirements. With over 20 years’ experience in the federal marketplace, she brings a comprehensive business acumen to the business life cycle. Martha is a graduate of the University of Mobile, B.S. Accounting and is a past Cincinnati SAME Post Programs Chair and SAME Small Business COI Vice Chair – Conferences.

Register now for the 2023 Federal Small Business Conference, in San Antonio, Texas, November 1-3, 2023. and make your plans to connect with a community of leading experts, decision-makers, solution providers, business partners, and federal contracting officers.

Are you looking to:

• Connect with teaming partners
• Compete in federal acquisition
• Or engage in above-board networking between private companies and federal program managers and procurement/contracting officers?

Then join us for SBC 2023: Powering Your Priorities! Whether you are a small business looking to hear from and meet with government contracting officers about projects to compete for; a large business looking to meet with small businesses as potential subcontractors; or a government agency conducting market research of industry capacity to help set acquisition strategy, SBC is the ONLY venue where it’s all possible.