Energy Innovation Powered by Small Businesses
Join us at the premier event for small businesses driving DOE's mission. The 2025 experience is headed to Downtown Chicago—a bigger venue, more attendees, enhanced program, and more networking!
- Priority matchmaking for early bird registrants.
- Redesigned programming with more networking opportunities.
- Enhanced menus and better food!
- Exclusive access to National Labs and DOE decision-makers.
- All happening at the McCormick Place Convention Center—steps from world-class restaurants, attractions, and nightlife!
Why Should You Attend?
Hosted by the Department of Energy’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, DOE's Small Business Forum & Expo—taking place June 25-26 at the McCormick Place Convention Center—is designed specifically to connect small businesses with the Department’s program offices, power marketing administrations, laboratory and technology centers, and prime contractors to help advance the Agency’s missions.
When you attend, you will gain exclusive access to:
- Access DOE decision-makers and National Labs to explore partnership opportunities.
- Matchmaking Priority for Early Birds—connect one-on-one with those who matter most.
- Enhanced Networking with 1,400+ attendees.
- Chicago’s McCormick Place—a world-class venue in a vibrant city with endless attractions.
Agenda at a Glance
| Activity | Room Assignment |
|---|---|
| General Sessions | Level 3 – E354a |
| Breakout Session 1 and 5 | Level 3 – E253abc |
| Breakout Session 2 and 6 | Level 3 – E353b |
| Breakout Session 3 and 7 | Level 3 – E271a |
| Breakout Session 4 and 8 | Level 3 – E353c |
| Exhibit Hall | Level 3 – Hall D2 |
| Meals | Level 3 – Hall D2 |
| Matchmaking | Level 3 – E354b |
| Speaker Ready Room | Level 2 – E260 |
| S-1 Ready/Holding Room | Level 2 – E261 |
| OSDBU Satellite Office | Level 2 – E259 |
| SBPMs Training – General Session | Level 2 – E253abc |
| SBPMs Training – Breakout Session | Level 2 – E353b |
| Blueprint Office | Level 2 – E257 |
Detailed Schedule
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, June 23, 2025 | 12:00 pm | Arrival time by 12:00 pm - Travel Day for OSDBU Team |
| 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Walk-Thru Hyatt Regency McCormick Property (OSDBU and Blueprint Teams) | |
| 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | OSDBU Team Dinner | |
| Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 8:00 am – 8:30 am | OSDBU Team Huddle |
| 8:30 am – 9:00 am | Small Business Program Managers (SBPMs) Training: Registration and Check-In | |
| 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | SBPMs Training | |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am | OSDBU Satellite Office Setup | |
| 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch on Own | |
| 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Exhibitor Move-In | |
| 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Registration Open | |
| 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | OSDBU and SBPMs Social: Meet-and-Greet | |
| Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm | Registration Open |
| 7:00 am – 7:30 am | OSDBU Team Huddle | |
| 7:00 am – 8:30 am | Networking Breakfast | |
| 7:00 am – 11:00 am | Exhibitor Move-In | |
| 8:30 am – 9:00 am | Opening and Welcome Ceremonies | |
| 9:00 am – 9:30 am | Keynote Speaker | |
| 9:30 am – 10:00 am | FY 2024 Small Business Awards Ceremony | |
| 10:00 am – 10:15 am | Break | |
| 10:15 am – 11:15 am | General Session | |
| 11:15 am – 11:30 am | Transition Time | |
| Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm | Registration Open |
| 7:00 am – 7:30 am | OSDBU Team Huddle | |
| 7:00 am – 8:30 am | Networking Breakfast | |
| 8:30 am – 8:45 am | Welcome Back Remarks and Recap | |
| 8:45 am – 9:45 am | General Session | |
| 9:45 am – 10:00 am | Transition Time | |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Breakout Session 5, 6, 7, 8 | |
| 10:30 am – 4:00 pm | Exhibit Hall Open |
Important Notes
*Agenda subject to change
**CLPs (Continuous Learning Points) TBD
Instructions on obtaining CLPs:
- Post-event, email Anita Anderson, Public and Outreach Engagement Specialist, DOE OSDBU ([email protected])
- Subject: 2025 Chicago Forum & Expo: CLPs
- Body: Provide your DAU ID number (retrieve from https://id.dau.edu)