Pivoting Again: Handling the New World of Federal Contract Work

With federal layoffs making headlines and government contracts shrinking, many businesses—and the professionals who have built their careers around them—are facing an uncertain future. For government workers, contractors, and small businesses who rely heavily on federal work, it’s no longer a question of if you need to pivot—it’s how fast can you pivot successfully.

Join the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce for Pivoting Again: Handling the New World of Federal Contract Work, a full-day program designed to help government professionals and contractors make the leap into commercial markets. This event brings together financial experts, marketing pros, and seasoned government contractors who have already navigated this transition successfully. Through workshops, roundtables, and expert panels, you’ll gain the tools and insights to rebuild your career—or your business—in the private sector.

Date: Monday, March 24th
Time: 9am-3pm
Place: Best Western Premier, 1251 W Montgomery Avenue, Rockville
Topic: Pivoting Again: Handling the New World of Federal Contract Work
Morning:
Morning sessions
9 – 9:45 a.m. Analyzing Financial Metrics
· Jeff Wilson, The W2 Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwilsoncpacgma/

10 – 10:45 a.m. Marketing to Commercial Clients (as opposed to government contractors)
· Mia Horm, Creative Analytics
· Heidi Hiller, Innovative Party Planners https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidibhiller/

11 – 11:45 a.m. Cost Cutting During Transition Periods
· Stephanie Bagley, SCB Management Solutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/scbmgmt/
· Heidi Hiller, Innovative Party Planners https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidibhiller/

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. lunch
Afternoon sessions
12:15 – 1 p.m. Identifying New Revenue Streams in Commercial Markets & Pricing Strategies
· Stephanie Bagley, SCB Management Solutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/scbmgmt/
· Bola Audena, MBA Growth Partners https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolaaudena/

· Monica Mack M3T Cx Authorities https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-mathis-mack-
17a64691/

1:15 – 2 p.m. Building Long-term Relationships in Commercial Markets and Designing a
Commercial Market Outreach Plan

· Debra Keller-Greene, Keller Professional Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-keller-
greene-53286610/

· Monica Mack M3T Cx Authorities https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-mathis-mack-
17a64691/

· Gloria Larkin, Target Gov https://www.linkedin.com/in/glorialarkin/
· Bola Audena, MBA Growth Partners https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolaaudena/

2:15 – 3 p.m. Popcorn Mastermind session


Speaker Bio - Mia Horm
 

When marketing teams were drowning in generic, undifferentiated AI content, Mia Horm stepped in to reinvent how brands tell their stories in the age of AI. After launching Creative Analytics in 2005, she built it into a thriving 7-figure agency, and went on to create BRAND•E, an AI content platform that helps innovative brands scale their content without endless prompts or losing their authentic voice. She guides organizations through the complexities of modern marketing with data-driven strategies that amplify authentic brand voices. Her proven methodology has helped over 22,000 businesses achieve measurable growth through strategic digital initiatives.

 

Beyond her role as a tech founder, Mia hosts the Founders Only Podcast, featuring conversations with leaders of successful tech-enabled companies valued at over $3 billion combined as of this writing. Her keynote addresses span crucial topics, including AI-driven marketing transformation, building sustainable growth engines, and the future of brand authenticity in the AI age. She regularly speaks on content strategy, ethical AI implementation, data-driven decision-making, and scaling organizational culture.

 

With dual master degrees in Business Administration and Information Technology, alongside her Project Management Professional certification and more than 20 years as a  business leader, Mia brings technical expertise, strategic vision, and fun to her speaking engagements. Through Creative Analytics and BRAND•E, she continues to shape the future of digital marketing while empowering founders and teams to harness the power of AI and tell their story without losing their humanity and voice.