In 2026, the strength of Northern Virginia’s economy will be dependent on the connections we build today. From high-level economic briefings to the State of Entrepreneurship, NVC is connecting the region’s top business executives. With Northern Virginia business event sponsorships available now, learn how you can leverage your event sponsorship to put your brand’s best foot forward.
This blog post highlights NVC’s 2026 programs and events calendar, which includes ample opportunities for business leaders to convene and discuss the future of Northern Virginia’s economy. The programs and events included below are designed to touch on the four bold goals of the NOVA Roadmap, NVC’s strategic plan to ensure Northern Virginia’s future economic competitiveness.
Sponsorships are still available for NVC’s 2026 programs and events! For sponsorship information, please contact NVC Investor Relations Manager Fabiola Manzanarez.
NVC’s 2026 Signature Programs and Events
Lobby Day & Viva Virginia: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
This annual one-day, two-part event connects NVC members directly with Virginia’s senators, delegates, and state officials to reinforce the importance of Northern Virginia’s business community to Virginia’s economy. The day begins with a series of curated private meetings, followed by a relaxed evening at the ticketed Viva Virginia cocktail reception, where attendees can continue networking with elected leaders. Registration closes soon!
Annual State of the Region: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The Annual State of the Region (previously known as the Annual Economic Outlook/Conference) is the region’s executive-level briefing on economic growth, infrastructure, workforce trends, and long-term competitiveness. Join top business, government, and community leaders for an exclusive update on our region’s economic growth, infrastructure, and future competitiveness.
Richmond Fed President and CEO Tom Barkin will keynote the morning event. The expert panel will feature Scott McIntyre, CEO of Guidehouse, Bruce Caswell, President and CEO of Maximus, and other distinguished business leaders who will be announced shortly. The panel will be moderated by Drew Wilder, Northern Virginia Reporter for NBC4, and will feature observations about the region’s economic outlook for 2026. A private VIP Lunch Reception, immediately following the main program, offers a unique opportunity to connect and network in a private setting. Register today!
NOVA Roadmap Innovators and Stakeholders Exchange (NOVA RISE): March 2026
NOVA RISE highlights the innovation initiatives that will shape Northern Virginia’s next decade. Two expert panels dig into high-growth areas tied to the Roadmap. The program closes with a fireside chat featuring influential executives who are driving transformational change. A private VIP luncheon provides additional space for collaboration among senior stakeholders. Stay tuned for the save the date! Subscribe to NVC’s email list.
Distinguished Service Awards: May 14, 2026
Celebrate those who dedicate their lives to service at the 2026 Distinguished Service Awards. Join us on May 14, 2026, at 8:30 am at the Army Navy Country Club for an opportunity to honor the veteran leaders, changemakers, and organizations making a real impact across the Greater Washington Region. Sponsorship opportunities available! Registration opens soon.
Annual Members’ Meeting: June 3, 2026
Join NVC for the best networking before 10:00 am! The Annual Members’ Meeting is where our region’s leadership connects, celebrates our collective achievements, honors the region’s business leaders whose efforts have made a positive impact, and passes the torch to a new Board Chairman. This members-only event is a must-attend business connection opportunity, featuring a who’s who of regional leadership. Registration is opening soon.
Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards®: November 5, 2026
Mark your calendar for November 5, 2025, and join us for the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® (GovCon Awards), the premier event celebrating the government contracting community.
Dubbed the “Academy Awards of Government Contracting,” this black-tie gala brings together over 1,000 of the region’s most influential industry, government, and civic leaders. This will be an evening of powerful recognition, high-energy networking, and industry pride.
Presented by NVC and the Professional Services Council (PSC), the GovCon Awards spotlight the organizations and executives who deliver bold solutions, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact in service to Greater Washington and our nation. We honor excellence at every level, from emerging businesses to billion-dollar leaders, across categories including Contractor of the Year, Executive of the Year, Program of the Year, Public Sector Partner of the Year, and the esteemed Hall of Fame.
This program is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s where success is celebrated, vital connections are forged, and the future of government contracting is defined. Don’t miss your seat at the most anticipated night in government contracting.
Award application information and more event details coming soon!
NOVA State of Entrepreneurship: November 2026
This program spotlights founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders who are redefining the region’s economic trajectory. The conversations focus on GovTech, AI, space, advanced manufacturing, and other frontier sectors where Northern Virginia has a competitive edge. Attendees walk away with fresh insight into regional trends and the policy and ecosystem opportunities that can unlock more growth. Stay tuned for the save the date! Subscribe to NVC’s email list.
Roadmap Policy Summit: December 2026
The Summit brings the full Policy Committee together with the broader business community to spotlight top policy priorities for the coming year. Attendees will also hear from a keynote speaker with deep expertise at the intersection of business strategy and public policy. A VIP Reception for Roadmap Chairman’s Circle investors creates space for high-value conversations with industry and civic leaders. Stay tuned for the save the date! Subscribe to NVC’s email list.
Advocacy in Action: Richmond Recap Calls (Weekly, January 23 – March 13, 2026)
Executives interested in our advocacy work can join the Executive Member Forum (EMF) Richmond Recap calls.
Beginning January 23, 2026, NVC’s Executive Member Forum calls shift to weekly Richmond Recaps, 30-minute briefings focused on real-time developments from the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative session. These take place every Friday from 8:30 to 9:00 am on Microsoft Teams, and highlight important bills to watch, NVC’s policy priorities, and other legislative developments that may impact your business. These weekly calls run through March 13, 2026. To register for upcoming EMF calls, please email NVC’s Membership Team.
In case you missed it: NVC has officially released the 2026 Legislative Agenda. These recommendations support Virginia’s business-friendly environment and our right-to-work status. NVC’s Government Relations Team is currently on the ground in Richmond advocating for these policy priorities.
Roadmap Policy Labs (Roadmap Investors Only)
These sessions are invitation-only working environments for NOVA Roadmap Investors, senior executives, policymakers, and agency officials. The focus is on rolling up sleeves and co-designing policy recommendations tied to Roadmap priority issues. Each session is built for practical outcomes and informed collaboration, not surface-level discussion.
NVC Off the Record (Roadmap Investors Only)
Invitation-only, curated convenings of 8–12 senior executives in private settings for candid conversations. Roadmap Investors only.
Roadmap Workforce Series (Quarterly)
Talent remains the single most important factor in the region’s long-term success. This three-part forum series brings together workforce experts, employers, educators, and technology leaders to explore practical solutions. Topics include apprenticeships, artificial intelligence and the workforce, and retaining top talent in Northern Virginia. Each session is built around a moderated panel, actionable insights, and peer-driven problem solving. Stay tuned for more information about this event series. Subscribe to NVC’s email list.
NextGen Meet Up (Quarterly)
This networking happy hour series connects early- to mid-career up-and-comers with NOVA Roadmap action, supporting professional growth while building foundational relationships.
Northern Virginia is moving fast, and NVC is here to ensure you stay ahead of the curve. We invite you to explore our events calendar to register for upcoming sessions and gain access to these exclusive insights, and view our event photo albums to get a sense of each program and event from previous years. You can also review our advocacy page to see how we are fighting for your business interests in Richmond.
Do you want to position your brand in front of the region’s top decision-makers? Contact NVC Investor Relations Manager Fabiola Manzanarez to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities.
