SAME 2026 Career Transition Workshop
Find Your Fit
We were honored to welcome 86 transitioning service members and 108 recruiters to Lithicum Heights, MD, for our 2026 Career Transition Workshop.
For three days, SAME delivered meaningful engagement, future‑focused career preparation, and an exceptional candidate pool that included senior enlisted leaders, retiring officers, and junior officers preparing for civilian career transitions.
This year’s program continued SAME’s long‑standing commitment to supporting military members as they navigate their next career chapter.
A huge thanks to our sponsors, attendees, and volunteers—your support made this year’s event a huge success! We look forward to seeing the opportunities, connections, and career breakthroughs that will grow from the momentum created this year.
Hear Why You Should Attend CTW!
Online Program (EST unless otherwise specified)
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Jan. 13 | 11:30 AM | Finding Your Fit Webinar Col. Sal Nodjomian, P.E., F.SAME, USAF (Ret.), CEO, Matrix Design Group |
| Wed, Jan. 14 | 12:30 PM | Resumes & LinkedIn in 2026 Webinar Sabrina Palacios, Program Manager, Corporate Fellowships, Hiring Our Heroes Misty Moreno, PMP, PHR, USAF (Ret.), Marketing Manager, Vets2PM |
| Thu, Jan. 15 | 12:30 PM | 20/20 Hindsight Panel Webinar |
| Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan. 16 Tues – Fri, Jan. 20-23 |
9:00 AM 11:59 PM PST By COB Various Times |
Resume & LinkedIn Review Sign-ups Open Resume & LinkedIn Review Sign-ups Close Resume & LinkedIn Appointment times shared Resume & LinkedIn Review Appointments |
| Sun, Jan. 25 | 11:59 PM PST | Resumes due |
| Tues, Jan. 27 | 2:00 PM | Credentialing for Successful Careers Webinar (recommended) This webinar will provide an overview of professional credentialing pathways for individuals transitioning within or into the A/E/C, national security, and public service sectors. Participants will learn how to evaluate credentials, identify certifications that align with their career goals, and understand the value and process behind obtaining industry-recognized qualifications. |
| Wed, Feb. 4 Sun, Feb. 8 Mon, Feb. 9 |
9:00 AM 11:59 PM PST By COB |
Interview Sign-ups Open Interview Sign-ups Close Interview Appointments are shared |
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Feb. 11 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM | Registration Open |
| Wed, Feb. 11 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Networking Reception |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 7:00 – 9:00 AM | Complimentary Breakfast |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Welcome, Program Recap & Summary Col. Sal Nodjomian, P.E., F.SAME, USAF (Ret.) |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Break & Interview Prep |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Professional Headshots Open |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM | Company Recruitment Suites Open |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 12:20 – 1:20 PM | Lunch |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 12:30 – 6:00 PM | Professional Headshots Open |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 1:20 PM – 6:00 PM | Company Recruitment Suites Open |
| Thur, Feb. 12 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Reception |
| Fri, Feb. 13 | 7:00 – 8:00 AM | Complimentary Breakfast |
| Fri, Feb. 13 | 8:00 – 11:20 AM | Company Recruitment Suites Open |
| Fri, Feb. 13 | 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM | Networking Lunch |
| Fri, Feb. 13 | 12:00 PM | Official event ends |
The Career Transition Workshop will be held at the Embassy Suites at Baltimore BWI Airport,
Linthicum, MD.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
1300 Concourse Drive
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
410-850-0747
Hotel Reservations
SAME has established a block of rooms at the rate of $125 per night plus state and local taxes (per diem rate subject to change for 2026). Rooms are available at the group rate until January 28, 2026, or until the block is sold out—whichever comes first. Hotel rooms are available for arrivals on Wednesday, February 11 and departures on Friday, February 13, 2026.
The SAME room block is closed. If you still need to reserve your room or have questions regarding your reservation, please contact exhibit@same.org.
Travel
For those traveling by air, Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the more convenient airport (2.0 miles from hotel).
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle from Baltimore/Washington International.
Washington National Airport: 40.0 miles
Washington Dulles International Airport: 50.0 miles
Parking
Self-parking is complimentary. Valet parking is not available.
| Type | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Private Industry | $50 | $100 |
| Uniformed Service/Government | $0 | $10 |
| Unemployed Individual | $0 | $100 |
Job Seeker Registration is now closed.
The SAME Foundation is proud to provide airfare and hotel for up to ten (10) uniformed professionals to participate for FREE! SAME will begin accepting applications from current military members to attend the on-site portion of the 2026 Career Transition Workshop, Linthicum, MD, in November.
Applicants must be current SAME military members (priority given to junior officer or enlisted) with plans to transition from the military. Non-members must become SAME members in order to receive the stipend.
Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025, to be considered. Members selected for stipends will be notified by January 10, 2026, in order to make travel arrangements.
For more information on the 2026 SAME Career Transition Workshop, contact Jacqueline Barrett at registration@SAME.org or at (703) 549-3800.
For companies looking for talent to add to their team, you’ll have the chance to meet one-on-one with great professionals at all experience levels who are well-versed in achieving missions in the federal A/E/C marketplace. By purchasing a recruitment suite, your company will be able to host and meet with these professional one-on-one to discuss any career opportunities within your organization. All Suite purchases include a suite, which can double as your sleeping quarters, and two recruiter registration. All Recruiting companies will also receive all registered job seeker resumes prior to the event!
Please contact Kennedy Gillie at exhibit@same.org to purchase a recruitment suite.
Suites sales are closed as of January 28, 2026.
Recruiting Suite prices subject to change.
|
Company Size |
Member |
Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
|
Large Business (2,001 and more) |
$2,500 |
$3,125 |
|
Medium Business (101-2,000 Employees) |
$2,000 |
$2,500 |
|
Small Business (100 Employees or less) |
$1,500 |
$2,000 |
| Academic Institution |
$500 |
$750 |
| Government Agency |
Complimentary |
Complimentary |
|
Thank you to our 2026 Recruiting Companies! |
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View photos from CTW 2025
Engage in Mentoring
Mentoring is more than a tradition at SAME—it’s a cornerstone of how we develop leaders, strengthen our profession, and support the next generation of the A/E/C and national security work force.
Through SAME Engage, our member‑to‑member mentoring platform, you can build meaningful relationships that accelerate career development, expand networks, and foster leadership at every stage.
Whether you’re looking to share your experience or seeking support as you navigate your career path, SAME Engage makes it easy to connect with purpose.
Thank You to Our Partners
For anyone planning their transition in the coming years, I highly encourage you to attend. We need to see more enlisted service members at events like this, taking advantage of the career guidance and networking opportunities available. A huge thank you to SAME and all the companies and professionals who dedicated their time to supporting us. Looking forward to what’s ahead!
Master Sgt. Shane Payne, USA (2025 Job Seeker)
The SAME Career Transition Workshop is a phenomenal event…as a retiring Army Engineer officer, CTW offered the necessary information, resources, and network to support a smooth transition. As a recruiter, CTW connects our firm to many high-caliber, talented individuals in a relatively short period of time that is unmatched in other recruiting events.
Mark Himes, Olsson (2025 Recruiter)
Tremendous event! This accelerated many aspects of my job search and transition that I needed more guidance to achieve. The knowledge, experience, and networking contacts made at the CTW are invaluable and have given me confidence heading into my transition this summer. I have already praised it and recommended it to my mentorees as they think about when they will transition.
Capt. Ben Leppard, USN (2025 Job Seeker)
