As microgrids gain popularity in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, organizations such as hospitals, educational institutions, and data centers are leveraging them to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. However, a significant opportunity remains untapped: only a fraction of microgrid users fully leverage their economic potential by participating in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).  This panel will highlight how VPPs benefit C&I organizations through cost savings, revenue generation, and energy optimization. Drawing from case studies, the panel will explore the market opportunities, key considerations for optimizing distributed energy resources (DERs) in grid services programs, and how accounting for VPP participation can strengthen investment analyses, making project financing more attainable.   The panel will outline different tactics and strategy considerations for deploying DERMS and VPPs at scale, the interplay between energy technologies, financial models, and regulatory frameworks, and offer guidance as to how to navigate the complexities of implementing economically viable solutions.