Opens in a new tab
GovCon Rockstars 2023 group photo at Sportrock climbing gym

Join Us At
GovCon Rockstars

2nd Tuesdays · 5:45 – 7:45
Sportrock Rio · Gaithersburg, MD

4th Thursdays* · 5:45 – 7:45
Sportrock · Alexandria, VA
(*3rd Thursdays in Nov & Dec)

Climbing and Networking for Federal & GovCon Professionals

GovCon Rockstars 2023 group photo at Sportrock climbing gym

Who Are GovCon Rockstars?

We are government contractors, Federal employees, active military, teaming partners, colleagues, friends, and family — and, I hope, you, the moment you arrive at Sportrock for your first climb with us.

We all share some connection to Federal contracting. Then we tie in, trust one another, and step into something different — a setting where collaboration is literally hands-on and trust is anchored in real experience.

If you are open to a little adventure and a more human way to connect, you will feel it quickly: you are in the right place.

A Professional Network Who Lift You Up

Federal contractors, government employees, active military, friends & family are all welcome. Whether you want to learn the ropes, or you already love to climb, we’ll help you reach new heights while you level up your GovCon game!

You’re in strong hands: GovCon Rockstars co-founder Judy Bradt is a professional indoor rock-climbing instructor for Sportrock. Since 2007 she has taught over a thousand people to go up a wall! All our sessions include Sportrock’s professional instructor team.

Try a new way to build your Federal connections! Join us to discover (or hone) your climbing skills while you hang out with a bunch of great people!

Join The Invitation List!
GovCon Rockstars: An Invitation, group photo at the climbing gym
Climber ascending an indoor climbing wall at a GovCon Rockstars event

Where and When

Full list of dates and registration links follows

Gaithersburg: 2nd Tuesdays 5:45 – 7:45 pm
Sportrock Rio: 9811 Washington Blvd. #300 Gaithersburg MD
Parking: Free.

Alexandria: 4th* Thursdays 5:45 – 7:45 pm
(* Nov & Dec 3rd Thurs)
Sportrock Alexandria: 5308 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304
Parking: Free. Metro: Van Dorn (Blue Line)

What We Do

  • 5:45  Gather and gear up
  • 6:00  Quick Introductions — You’ll meet everyone, and then we climb!
  • First Ascent? We’ve got your back. You’ll have plenty of support as you make your very first climb up a wall.
  • 7:30   Class Photo, connect over snacks & linger as long as you like!

Register For Our Next Event

Sportrock Rio, Gaithersburg MD (2nd Tues)

Tuesday September 8th │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

Tuesday October 13th │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

Tuesday November 10th │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

Tuesday December 8th │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

Sportrock Alexandria VA (4th Thursdays)

Thursday September 24th │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

Thursday October 22nd │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

Thursday November 19th │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

NOTE: THIRD THURSDAY

Thursday December 17th │ 5:45 – 7:45 PM

NOTE: THIRD THURSDAY

Sportrock Climbing Participant Agreement

Please complete your participant agreement online prior to your first visit.

Who Are GovCon Rockstars?

Imagine trying something new when the stakes are high — when lives, missions, and public trust are on the line. That is what Federal buyers do every time they choose a vendor. It happens thousands of times a year. It only works because trust makes it possible.

GovCon is not a volume game. It is a trust discipline. Real relationships form when people show up consistently, act with integrity, and connect as human beings before they connect as companies. GovCon Rockstars exists to practice that kind of presence — the kind that strengthens judgment, credibility, and long-term confidence.

Our community includes small businesses and large primes, Federal civilians, State, DoD, active military, professional services, IT leaders, program managers, coaches, and professionals navigating career transitions within the Federal arena. Partners, friends, and family are welcome. What matters most is how we show up: with respect, generosity, and a willingness to build real connection.

Shared challenge. Lasting connection.

Judy Bradt, GovCon Rockstars founder and climbing instructor, in a climbing helmet

Why We’re Doing This, Really

Imagine trying something new when the stakes are high — when lives, missions, and public trust are on the line. That is what Federal buyers do every time they choose a vendor. It happens thousands of times a year. It only works because trust makes it possible.

GovCon is not a volume game. It is a trust discipline. Real relationships form when people show up consistently, act with integrity, and connect as human beings before they connect as companies. GovCon Rockstars exists to practice that kind of presence — the kind that strengthens judgment, credibility, and long-term confidence.

Our community includes small businesses and large primes, Federal civilians, State, DoD, active military, professional services, IT leaders, program managers, coaches, and professionals navigating career transitions within the Federal arena. Partners, friends, and family are welcome. What matters most is how we show up: with respect, generosity, and a willingness to build real connection.

Shared challenge. Lasting connection.

Our Rockstars Themselves Say It All

“I love pushing personal limits and helping others do that, too.”
~ Evita Salles, United States Navy

“I love learning that I can do more than I think I can do. People that didn’t even know me trusted me and that was amazing.”
~ PJ Jackson, Positive Knowledge

“I loved gaining trust in my new pals.”
~ Nina Shell, Armavel

“I loved being able to challenge myself and push my comfort zone.”
~ Lindsey Rook

“I loved getting higher than I thought I would on the wall, and meeting new people.”
~ Maureen Meyer, Global Services

“I loved the absolute joy that it brought everyone in this room and it brought everybody so much closer.”
~ Courtney Fairchild, Global Services

“I loved meeting a bunch of new people this time, so come out next time and meet some new people.”
~ Bob Rook, LMI

“I loved meeting everyone and getting back into climbing.”
~ Maha Malik, MITRE

“I loved trying new things and meeting new people.”
~ Zain Malik, LMI

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors Global Services and Summit Insight!
A special thank you to J.J. Gertler for…everything.

Global Services logoSummit Insight logo