April 14, 2026
Hear national contracting, cybersecurity, innovation funding experts at SouthernTECH2026
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Businesses and university researchers can gain practical insights into government contracting, cybersecurity compliance and innovation funding at SouthernTECH 2026: Harnessing Technology for Government Contract Success.
The hybrid event, hosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is set for 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on April 29 at SIU’s Gower Translational Research Center, 1785 University Press Drive in Carbondale. Participation is available both in-person and virtually at no cost.
The event will feature national experts who have helped businesses secure billions of dollars in federal contract awards and they will provide practical strategies for competing and growing in today’s evolving government marketplace, including navigating cybersecurity/Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. SouthernTECH 2026 will also offer university faculty, staff, administrators and graduate students valuable insights for translating research innovation to commercialization and real-world impact.
Much to gain at SouthernTECH 2026
The 2026 SouthernTECH will incorporate a variety of sessions featuring national experts:
- Government Sales and Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Michael LeJeune of RSM Federal opens the program with a session focusing on how contractors build more predictable, repeatable pipelines. He will share ways businesses are using AI and modern market intelligence tools to identify opportunities, strengthen sales strategies and compete more effectively in the marketplace. He will also highlight the critical role human judgment and relationships play. LeJeune is a triple Amazon No. 1 bestselling author whose work has helped thousands of contractors transition from inconsistent wins to structure, scalable growth. All who attend will receive a free e-book by LeJeune, “I’m New to Government Contracting,” which provides practice guidance for businesses that are new to government contracting.
- Cybersecurity and CMMC: A Fireside-Chat-Style Discussion. Cybersecurity expert Leslie Weinstein will lead the discussion designed to clarify CMMC requirements as she explores when CMMC applies, how the Levels 1-3 differ and how businesses can avoid common and costly mistakes. Participants will get practice insights into building a right-sized compliance program and preparing for self-assessments and future certification requirements. There will also be a question-and-answer session.
- Innovation Funding and Research Commercialization. Jerry Hollister of BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting LLC will focus on how ideas move through the research-to-impact pipeline, from early-stage innovation to funded projects to real-world application. He will discuss why promising innovations can fail during the transition, how government agencies buy new ideas and how to identify true buyer and funding sources. The session will be especially valuable to university researchers, startups and technology developers seeking to turn ideas into funded opportunities as he will also highlight practical pathways through programs and awards including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Other Transactional Authority (OTA) and Broad Agency Announcements.
In addition, those attending in person will have the opportunity to connect with contractors, researchers and partners during a working lunch provided by the Office of Innovation and Economic Development
Register soon
While there is no cost to attend, pre-registration is required and space is limited for in-person participation. Sign up now online.
For additional information, visit the website, email APEXaccelerator@siu.edu or call 618-536-2355.