PALM SPRINGS, CA
10th Annivesary Veterans In Business Network
National Conference:
The Veterans In Business (VIB) Network National Conference is excited to be in beautiful Palm Springs, CA - November 2-3, 2026. This conference is designed to help Veteran businesses and other small diverse businesses build connections between Corporations, Government Agencies, and Primes looking to create partnerships for contracting opportunities.
This conference is one of the most interactive and innovative events you’ll experience, placing you directly in front of key buyers and suppliers over a packed two-day schedule.
JOIN US
JOIN US
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:
- Ice Breaker Scavenger Hunt- Start the VIB conference with some fun networking activities to connect with Corporations, Government Agencies and Veteran Business (Guaranteed spots for Early Bird Attendees only)
- Tractical Networking (face-to-face Roundtable Business Matchmaking)
- Veteran Business Marketplace- Veteran business showcase their goods & services during this reception
- Opportunity Expo- Connect with Corporations, Government Agencies, Primes & Business Resource Groups
- Who should attend- The VIB Conference is geared toward small businesses that are typically in business for 3+ years, and ready to network with Corporations, Government agencies and Primes.
AGENDA
Agenda
TAKE A LOOK AT
THE CONFERENCE AGENDA
Use our Snapshot Agenda to help plan your days at the VIB Conference. Get a quick overview of networking events, sessions, and key conference activities so you can make the most of every opportunity. For complete details and the full schedule, visit the Agenda page
All times are Pacific Standard Time • NOTE: schedule subject to change - so check back often!
Sunday, November 1
1000 - 1800 (10am - 6pm) VIB Network Golf Outing
1200 - 1600 (12 - 4:00 pm) Early Registration Check-In Open
1700 - 2000 (5 - 8:00 pm) VIB Pub Quiz/Trivia Night
Monday, November 2
0600 - 0700 (6 - 7 am) Yoga or La Quinta History walk
0700 - 1500 (7am-3pm) Registration Check-In/Info
0700 - 0800 (7 - 8 am) Breakfast
0745 - 0850 (7:45 - 8:50 am) Scavenger Hunt Ice Breaker
0900 - 0915 (9 - 9:15 am) Welcome
0915 - 1015 (9:15 - 10:15 am) Veteran Business Panel
1015 - 1030 (10:15 - 10:30 am) AM Energy Break
1030 - 1115 (10:30 - 11:15 am) Keynote Speaker (TBA)
1115 - 1130 (11:15 - 11:30 pm) Networking Break
1130 - 1200 (11:30 - 12:00 pm) Fireside Chat
1200 - 1315 (12:00 - 1:15 pm) Lunch (box lunches provided), and Marketplace Exhibitor Set-up
1315 - 1400 (1:15 - 2:00 pm) Veteran Business Legislative Update
1400 - 1500 (2:00 - 3:00 pm) Corporate/Government Panel
1500 - 1530 (3:00 – 3:30 pm) PM Energy Break
1530 - 1630 (3:30 – 4:30 pm) Tactical Networking
1630 - 1900 (4:30 - 7:00 pm) Veteran Business & Resource Group Mercado Reception
The Women Veterans Alliance (WVA) will be presenting the 2026 Melissa Washington Small Business Award during the Veteran Business & Resource Group Mercado Reception
Tuesday, November 3
0600 - 0700 (6 - 7 am) Yoga or La Quinta History walk
0700 – 1500 (7am-3pm) Registration Check-In/Info
0700 - 0800 (7 - 8 am) Breakfast
0800 - 0930 (8 - 9:30 am) Business Development Seminar Sessions
0930 - 1000(9:30 - 10:00 am) AM Energy Break
0900 - 1145 (9 - 11:45 am) Opportunity Expo Set-up
1000 - 1150 (10 - 11:50 am) One-on-One Business Matchmaking
1200 - 1330 (12 - 1:30 pm) Networking for Success Luncheon
1330 - 1530 (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Opportunity Expo
1700 - 2100 (5:00 - 9 pm) Iconic Magnificent Ten Above & Beyond Award Banquet
Awards
Awards
2025 Above & Beyond Award Winners:
Visit the Award Dinner page for more information on the 2026 Magnificent Ten Above & Beyond Awards. You don't want to miss this unique and lively experience, where we will celebrate the veteran entrepreneur and supporters.
- Veteran Business of the Year: Greencastle Consulting
- Corporation of the Year: Robert Half
- Teaming Partners of the Year: Pivotal Adaptive Services and Bethel AME Church of San Diego
- Government Agency of the Year: California Department of General Services
- Bravo Zulu: Sandy Garcia, Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Oscar Mike: Support The Enlisted Project (S.T.E.P.)
OUR SPONSORS
THANK YOU to our Sponsors!
Sponsorships make it possible for Veteran Businesses to attend at a discounted rate!
Event Date & Time
November 2, 2026 - November 3, 2026
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Pacific Time
Event Location
La Quinta Resort & Club
49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, California, 92253, USA
Contact Us
Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner
rebecca@vibnetwork.org
