“Business Opportunities and Technical Conference” will go on even if federal government goes dark
That's the word from Elizabeth Harm, Executive Director of the Energy Technology and Environmental Business Association that has hosted the event for 24 years.
The show will go on, even if there is a federal government shutdown.
That was the word on Friday from Elizabeth Harm, Executive Director of the Energy Technology and Environmental Business Association (ETEBA), which has its annual “Business Opportunities and Technical Conference” running for three days starting October 3 at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Noting that federal programs are very important to the non-profit trade association representing more than 200 small, large and mid-sized companies and affiliate members, she adds that the event, now in its 24th year, also highlights opportunities beyond the federal sector.
“We have contingency plans in place,” Harm said, adding that the possibility of a government shutdown has brought “a little stress,” but nothing that she, her ETEBA staff, and the conference planning committee cannot handle.
“This is a national conference,” Harm says, noting that companies are coming from across the country. “The agenda is filled with people who are subject matter experts in their fields.” The exhibit hall is full, and she is expecting as many as 600 attendees which would be about 50 more than 2022.
The first day is devoted mostly to the scholarship golf tournament before the opening ceremonies and reception. October 4 and 5 are full of sessions – eight panels, a keynote address, matchmaking opportunities, and a special session on doing business with the Hanford Site in Washington State. Panel topics cover the spectrum with sessions on:
- Prime contracts across the complex;
- Major infrastructure/modernization opportunities;
- Corporate adaptation to human capital needs;
- Sustainability and resiliency through clean energy initiatives;
- Doing business with the Department of Defense;
- Business opportunities across the industry; and
- Two “SmALL Business Thursday” sessions, one for those in the eastern half of the U.S. and the other for those interested in the western part of the country.
The current agenda can be found here. To register, click here.
