Making the Most of the 2025 North Puget Sound Contracting Conference

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Location: Lynnwood Event Center, Lynnwood, WA

The North Puget Sound Contracting Conference is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier opportunities for businesses to connect directly with federal, state, and local government agencies, prime contractors, and resource partners. If your goal is to win government contracts, meet decision-makers, or better understand procurement processes, this is your event.

To get the most out of your time at the conference, preparation and purposeful networking are key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make lasting connections and turn this day into new opportunities for your business.

1. Prepare Before You Go
Do your homework on who will be there—review the list of agencies and primes and identify your top targets for conversation. Gather any materials that help tell your story—business cards, capability statements, and brochures. Set a goal for the day, such as meeting three new agency representatives. Also, decide which sessions you want to attend ahead of time, and when you arrive at the venue, review the layout, so you know where to find things.

2. Arrive Early and Settle In*
Check in, find your bearings, and get your name tag placed on the right side so it’s visible during a handshake. Keep your hands free for greeting people—stow your bag and have business cards handy.

*New this year: A Welcome Reception will be held on Wednesday, November 5th from 5 pm – 7 pm. This is a great opportunity to network and make connections prior to the main event on November 6th.  The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a special rate for attendees at $139/night. Use this link: Hilton Garden Inn / Lynnwood Booking Link. The cutoff is October 5th.

3. Connect with Purpose
Approach conversations with curiosity, not a sales pitch. Greet people you know to warm up, but don’t stay in familiar circles. The conference is your chance to meet new contacts who could open doors.

4. Share Your Story—Briefly
If asked what you do, have a short, engaging response ready. Aim for one sentence that sparks curiosity rather than lists services. Keep it conversational and be more interested in the other person’s needs and challenges than in delivering a monologue about your business.

5. Listen More Than You Talk
Ask thoughtful questions, seek common ground, and pick up on details that can guide a personalized follow-up later.

6. Work the Room Strategically
Don’t feel pressure to meet everyone. Focus on quality over quantity. Join group conversations when welcomed and politely move on when the moment feels right. Exchange cards only when appropriate, ideally after a genuine interest has been established.

7. Stay Late for Bonus Opportunities
Some of the best connections happen after the main sessions. Linger a little longer to reconnect with people or approach someone you didn’t get a chance to meet earlier.

8. Follow Up Promptly
Within a few days, send a personal email or LinkedIn invitation referencing something you discussed. Avoid generic, copy-paste messages. If possible, share a helpful resource or link related to your conversation.

Why This Conference Matters

The North Puget Sound Contracting Conference draws procurement officers, prime contractors, and small business advocates from across the region. It’s a chance to:

• Learn about upcoming contract opportunities.
• Understand government purchasing processes.
• Build connections that can lead to subcontracts or direct awards.

If you approach the day prepared, intentional, and open to genuine conversations, you’ll walk away with more than just business cards—you’ll leave with relationships that can grow into future contracts.