The Unanet Champions Conference 2026 brought together GovCon and Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) leaders for four days of innovation, insight, and meaningful connection. The event highlighted Unanet’s commitment to equipping industry professionals with actionable strategies, AI-driven perspectives, and collaborative networking opportunities aimed at strengthening business performance and team success. Champions 2026 fostered a dynamic environment for exchanging best practices, exploring emerging technologies, and building relationships that will help shape the future of the industry.
From BDO’s perspective, the conference reinforced the accelerating trends transforming the GovCon and AEC landscape—from digital enablement and AI adoption to operational agility and data-informed decision-making. Here is BDO’s take on the trailblazing ideas, market shifts, and emerging opportunities that are driving the industry forward.
 | AI is moving deeper into operations — Unanet continues embedding AI through Champ AI powered by Wyatt to support insights, workflows, analytics, and ERP processes. | |
 | Resource planning remains a top priority — Sessions reinforced demand for better planning, faster data access, and stronger operational visibility for government contractors. | |
 | Compliance and cloud strategy are converging — FedRAMP Moderate-equivalent cloud readiness and the November 2026 Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase 2 deadline are increasing pressure to align systems for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements. | |
| Finance automation is broadening — New capabilities are expanding around intercompany processing, automated eliminations, bank feeds, and ACH transmittals. | |
 | EVM and ERP functionality continue to mature — Cora + Unanet signals ongoing advancement in earned value management and broader ERP capabilities. | |
 | Integrated spend management is gaining traction — Mesh integration supports policy-compliant card and travel spend, reduces manual cleanup, and improves visibility. | |
| MLE decisions should be made strategically — Multiple legal entities alone do not justify full MLE adoption; reporting, transaction complexity, and governance needs should drive the decision. | |
