D.C.-area networking event is a unique combination

D.C.-area networking event is a unique combination

A unique take on the standard business networking event will give participants the chance to shoot a gun, then sample bourbon, wine and locally drafted beers to break the ice.

The first Bullets, Bourbon and Business will be held at Silver Eagle Group shooting range in Ashburn, Va., from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 2. The event is presented by The GCO Consulting Group and BOOST LLC; The American Legion is a sponsor.

Scott Davidson, CEO of The GCO Consulting Group, and Stephanie Alexander, CEO of BOOST LLC, wanted to bring contacts and clients together for an evening of business networking combined with fun and came up with the formula for Bullets, Bourbon, and Business.

“It’s a natural thing for us,” said Davidson, co-founder of The Veteran Success Resource Group and a standing member of The American Legion’s Small Business Task Force. “We work with a lot of federal government, military, IT and specifically cyber contracting companies every day, both veteran-owned and civilian, and we know many of them would have mutual interests if they had a chance to sit down and talk. But we didn’t want to have a traditional networking event. We wanted to bring companies together in a unique, fun atmosphere.”

Participants can shoot up to 10 firearms after being trained by firearms instructors, although that portion of the event has sold out. After the shooting is completed, participants can enjoy several different types of bourbon and wine provided by organizations such as Boulder Crest Retreat winery and others in the range’s private room.

Other participating organizations include The Veteran Success Resource Group, govmates, the National Veteran Small Business Coalition and Ranger Up apparel, as well as local companies like Boulder Crest Retreat, Venable LLP, Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton LLP, Nine Line Apparel and The Constantine Group.

The event is also focused on serving veterans who are in business or thinking about starting a business. A large portion of the 70 companies attending are veteran-owned and operated. But it’s not just for business owners.

“We’ve opened it up to veterans who are thinking about getting into business too,” Davidson said.

“We’re very excited to be energizing these groups in a new and different way,” Alexander said. “It’s not a traditional networking event, but it’s a format that makes it more memorable. We get to shoot, drink and mingle with local companies and Fortune 500 companies. Who wouldn’t like that?”

For more information, contact Isabella Edelman at Isabella.edelman@vetsgsa.com or (917) 330-3069.