Last week, Orbital Project Management had the privilege of attending VETS26 in New Orleans, Louisiana, hosted by the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC). While New Orleans greeted attendees with overcast skies, cooler temperatures, and the city’s famously relaxed pace, the atmosphere inside the Hyatt Regency was anything but slow. The energy was electric. Exactly what we ‘d hoped for as a Utility contractor.
For four days, veteran-owned businesses, federal agencies, large prime contractors, procurement decision makers, and industry leaders came together with one shared objective: growing business through meaningful connections, education, and teaming opportunities.
VETS26 has earned its reputation as one of the premier federal contracting events in the nation, bringing together nearly 2,000 attendees, more than 25 federal agencies, over 200 exhibitors and teaming partners, and more than 60 educational and business development sessions.
The conference attracted representatives from agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense organizations, Health and Human Services, NASA, the Small Business Administration, and numerous other federal procurement offices seeking innovative small business partners. Throughout the week, attendees participated in training sessions, matchmaking events, networking receptions, and business opportunity discussions designed to accelerate growth in the federal marketplace.
One of the most valuable aspects of VETS26 was the opportunity for direct one-on-one meetings with large prime contractors, fellow veteran-owned businesses, and federal buyers. These conversations often accomplish more in twenty minutes than months of emails and introductions. Relationships were formed, partnerships were explored, and future teaming opportunities began taking shape. As many conference veterans will tell you, the real value of VETS is often found in the conversations between sessions just as much as the sessions themselves.
A particularly meaningful moment during the conference was graduating from the NVSBC Mentor/Protege Fellowship Program. The Fellows Program continues to develop veteran entrepreneurs by providing advanced education, mentorship, and business growth strategies. Crossing the stage with the others served as a reminder that veteran-owned businesses are not only growing in number, but also in capability, sophistication, and impact across the federal marketplace. The graduation ceremony highlighted the commitment many veteran business leaders like myself have made to continuous improvement and professional development.
For Orbital Project Management, VETS26 reinforced what we have long believed: successful project delivery begins with strong relationships. Whether supporting utilities, federal agencies, energy infrastructure programs, or large capital projects, our work depends on building trusted partnerships and bringing the right expertise to the table at the right time.
The contrast between New Orleans and the conference itself could not have been more fitting. Outside, the city moved at its own deliberate rhythm, shaped by history, culture, and tradition. Inside the conference venue, thousands of professionals were moving with purpose—sharing ideas, building teams, discussing contract opportunities, and planning for the future.
We left New Orleans with new connections, new opportunities, and renewed confidence in the strength of the veteran business community. More importantly, we left reminded that growth does not happen by accident. It happens when organizations intentionally invest in relationships, knowledge, and collaboration.
Thank you to NVSBC, the conference organizers, federal agency representatives, prime contractors, and fellow veteran-owned businesses who made VETS26 such a valuable experience. Orbital Project Management looks forward to continuing the conversations started in New Orleans and turning those connections into successful partnerships in the months ahead.
About Orbital Project Management
Orbital Project Management is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and DBE-certified firm providing PMO leadership, project controls, construction management, program governance, and strategic execution support for utility, energy, infrastructure, and federal programs. Our Nuclear-Grade PMO™ methodology helps organizations execute complex projects with discipline, transparency, and accountability.
