Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Forum

Thursday, October 29, 2026

9:00AM - 2:00PM

Greater Richmond Convention Center

The Virginia Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Services and the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation, is pleased to present the 2026 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Forum.

Virginia is home to over 629,500 veterans. It is also at the center of the nation’s defense industry. Competition for the talent, investment, and innovation will shape the next decade of development in the Commonwealth.

The 2026 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Forum will convene leaders from across Virginia’s business, defense, military, and public sectors to explore strategies that support our veteran community and strengthen Virginia’s competitiveness for defense investment, military-connected talent, innovation, and long-term economic growth.

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Panel Discussions

Leading the Nation: Virginia’s Commitment to Military Families and Defense

Hear from Virginia legislative leaders on the Commonwealth’s commitment to military families, defense, and the policies that support Virginia’s continued competitiveness.

Winning the Military Talent Race: Virginia’s Defense Advantage

Defense and aerospace leaders discuss why they chose Virginia, what they need to grow, and why military-connected talent is critical to their future workforce.

Building Virginia’s Future Defense Workforce

Interactive Employer Work Sessions

Employers will identify critical talent gaps, emerging skill needs, and practical solutions to strengthen Virginia’s defense workforce.

Defense Industrial Base & Advanced Manufacturing

Workforce needs across Virginia’s defense manufacturing and industrial base.

Cyber, AI & Digital Technologies

Emerging talent needs in cybersecurity, AI, data, and digital technologies.

Employment Equity and Inclusion Strategies

Employment needs of individuals experiencing housing instability, justice system involvement, childcare challenges, Guard/Reservist commitments, and other factors affecting workforce participation.

V3 Awards Luncheon

Hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Celebrate Virginia employers leading the way in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans through the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 EVENT SPONSORS!

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation is grateful for all of the member-businesses and partner organizations that contribute to making this event successful.

Event Co-Hosts:

Platinum Presenting Sponsor:

Platinum Sponsor:

Diamond Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Non-Profit Partner:

Blueprint Virginia 2035

In December 2025, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce presented Governor-elect Spanberger with Blueprint Virginia 2035, an action plan to foster long-term economic growth, global competitiveness, and a premier environment for military families and defense investment.

A critical focus of the Blueprint is statewide military workforce development, prioritizing the attraction, retention, and transition of service members, veterans, and military spouses to ensure economic stability and defense-aligned expansion across all regions of the Commonwealth.