Date: Jun 10, 2026

Time: 8:00 am-5:00 pm (EDT)

Status: - Open Event

Registration Deadline: 05/30/2026 12:00 am (EDT)

Fee: Starts at $125 (early-bird)

Point of Contact: Miranda Pelkey

Center: Maine APEX - South Center

Location: Portland, Maine

Training Topics: Government Contracting, Matchmaking

Description:

Maine APEX Accelerator is excited to announce that we will be hosting the 2026 Northeast Regional Council (NERC) Conference and Matchmaker on June 10–11, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Portland, Maine.

This two-day regional event will bring together APEX Accelerators from across the Northeast, federal and state agency buyers, prime contractors, and small businesses focused on government contracting and defense-related opportunities. Hosting this conference in Maine is a major opportunity for our state’s businesses to connect directly with decision-makers and partners from across the region without having to travel far from home.

The conference will feature:

• One-on-one matchmaking sessions with federal buyers and prime contractors
• Training and educational sessions focused on federal, defense, and subcontracting opportunities
• Networking with APEX professionals, resource partners, and industry leaders
• Insight into regional and national procurement trends impacting small businesses

Maine APEX is proud to welcome the Northeast APEX community to Portland and to showcase Maine’s small business ecosystem, innovation, and readiness to support federal and defense supply chains.

More details, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, will be shared in the coming months. We encourage Maine businesses, partners, and stakeholders to save the date and plan to join us for this impactful regional event.

We look forward to connecting Maine businesses with new opportunities and strengthening the Northeast APEX network—right here in Maine.

The DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 363 Maine Mall Road in Portland, Maine, will serve as the host hotel and site of this premier event. Reserve your room by May 18 to get the event-discounted $199 rate.

Register early to get the lowest cost. Early birds can register starting at only $125 per person before April 3. Learn more and register by clicking the button below.

Event website / Registration / Sponsors / Hotel information