Without brand differentiation, firms can struggle in competitive environments and experience win rate erosion. And let’s face it: A/E/C industries are competitive. As more firms move to internal AI platforms and asset management to streamline the proposal process, they need to remain strategic with their messaging…going beyond commonly used words like quality and collaboration to distinguish their approach from the others. This interactive webinar will help A/E/C leaders and marketing professionals address the unique aspects of their brand in new ways through proposal language, data collection and design.

Key Outcomes:

1. Enhance client-centric messaging that resonates with decision makers by addressing the real pains and challenges of the project.
2. Learn contextual data collection techniques before the RFP arrives to help prioritize areas of a proposal such as approach, bios and partner differentiation.
3. Gain an understanding of how and where branded graphics and “scannable content” layouts will enhance the narrative and accentuate differentiation.

SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 continuing education units for the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program and 1.5 learning units from the American Institute of Architects. Recordings of SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 CPSM CEUs.

Per-Site Registration Fee*  

SMPS Member Site Registration: $199

Nonmember Site Registration: $259  

*Remember: webinars are open to your whole staff. Your team can participate from one location in your office for one fee. Register today and benefit from affordable, convenient, actionable learning and earn valuable CPSM CEUs and AIA LUs!

Are you responsible for developing an AI policy within your A/E/C firm? 
The SMPS AI Governance Policy provides a ready-to-implement governance framework designed specifically for AEC firms, ensuring they can adopt AI confidently and responsibly. 

About the AEC.AI Governance Policy

AI is rapidly reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, as firms integrate AI into design, project management, and marketing, they must navigate ethical, legal, and strategic challenges.

This comprehensive, industry-specific framework helps AEC firms:

• Ensure Ethical & Responsible AI Use – Promote transparency, fairness, and accountability
• Protect Intellectual Property – Clearly define AI-generated content ownership
• Enhance Data Security & Privacy – Safeguard confidential firm and client data
• Stay Compliant with Regulations – Align with GDPR, CCPA, and AI copyright/IP laws
• Mitigate AI-Related Risks – Reduce bias, misinformation, and legal exposure
• Leverage AI for Business Growth – Harness AI to drive innovation and efficiency

AEC Firm AI Governance Policy Templates include:

• Overview
• Operations and Administration
• Marketing and Business Development
• IT and Technology Department
• Human Resources Department
• Finance Department

Each template is provided in both Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF.

AI On-Demand Webinars included in this bundle:

1. How To Accelerate Your Content Development Process With AI Tools | Danielle Gray, MBA | On-Demand

Developing content has been a task many marketers believe in, but don’t often have time for in their workday. From brainstorming and writing to editing and sharing, content development can seem daunting while proposals are flying out the door. Luckily, there’s a way to accelerate each stage of your content process using AI tools. In this session, we’ll discuss how and where we can save time (and brain power) to effectively create client-focused content that produces results and generates leads.

2. Integrating AI Into Business Development | Scott R. Steiding | On-Demand

For many A/E/C professionals, business development isn’t the number-one priority. Project deliverables and deadlines, as well as the need to build business, never go away. Wouldn’t it be great to have additional resources to help provide insight, improve efficiency, and manage lead generation?

This webinar will equip business developers with the knowledge and tools needed to be more efficient. During this on-demand session, discover how to effectively integrate AI into your BD strategy.

3. How to Implement Your AI Governance Policy | Christopher Penn | Available on April 1, 2025

This session will help guide you through the development and distribution of your customized AI Governance Policy for your A/E/C Firm.

Are you responsible for developing an AI policy within your A/E/C firm? 
The SMPS AI Governance Policy provides a ready-to-implement governance framework designed specifically for AEC firms, ensuring they can adopt AI confidently and responsibly. 

About the AEC.AI Governance Policy

AI is rapidly reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, as firms integrate AI into design, project management, and marketing, they must navigate ethical, legal, and strategic challenges.

This comprehensive, industry-specific framework helps AEC firms:

• Ensure Ethical & Responsible AI Use – Promote transparency, fairness, and accountability
• Protect Intellectual Property – Clearly define AI-generated content ownership
• Enhance Data Security & Privacy – Safeguard confidential firm and client data
• Stay Compliant with Regulations – Align with GDPR, CCPA, and AI copyright/IP laws
• Mitigate AI-Related Risks – Reduce bias, misinformation, and legal exposure
• Leverage AI for Business Growth – Harness AI to drive innovation and efficiency

AEC Firm AI Governance Policy Templates include:

• Overview
• Operations and Administration
• Marketing and Business Development
• IT and Technology Department
• Human Resources Department
• Finance Department

Each template is available in both Microsoft Word and editable PDF.

CPSMs, you asked for it—and we listened! After receiving great content ideas from the CPSM community in early 2024, SMPS has created an exclusive program to meet your needs with the top topics requested.

At SMPS, our goal is to provide you with lifelong learning and skills that matter to you, your career, and your firm.  This first series includes three virtual programs and aligns with the six domains of practice.

Session 1: Anticipate Tomorrow: Megatrends Impacting the Design & Construction Industry

Design and construction firm leaders need to continually scan their environments to uncover trends that will impact their vertical markets, clients, and firms directly. For CPSMs, this is a way to transform your company through marketing leadership, no matter your role.  

This program, inclusive of a Q&A portion, will cover many of the trends or potential trends that are currently affecting design and construction firms - or are coming in the near future. This presentation captures more than two dozen of these megatrends and interprets them for AEC professionals and is continually updated to capture changes and disruptions in the market space. 

Speaker:
Scott Butcher, FSMPS, CPSM 
Managing Director, Strategic Growth Advisory 
Stambaugh Ness 

Session 2: From Insights to Impact: Proven Tactics for Social Media Success

A lot has changed since Holly Bolton, FSMPS, CPSM, Dana Lancour, FSMPS, CPSM, and Adam Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM researched and wrote the 2011 SMPS Foundation whitepaper, The Client’s Use of Social Media and Social Networking. Yet while new tools, platforms, and challenges continue to emerge, certain human tendencies remain. Understanding those tendencies will help you develop content and posts that connect with your audience and support your goals.  

Join your CPSM peers as Holly shares five science-backed strategies to increase the impact of your content, whether through social media or other marketing communications tactics. To learn more about effective strategies currently in play, you’ll then hear from the three 2024 MCA Awards of Excellence winners in the Social Media category who will share their winning and successful projects, project goals, and included campaign elements.  

Post program, you’ll walk away better informed on successful marketing practices with strategies to increase content impact. 

Speakers: 
Holly Bolton, FSMPS, CPSM (she/her) 
Owner, 3chord Marketing 

Dana Ramsey, CPSM (she/her) 
Senior Associate / Marketing Director 
HBG Design 

Tully Mahoney (she/her)  
Storytelling Content Coordinator 
Page  

Joyce Watson, CPSM 
Principal | Marketing 
Cleary Zimmermann Engineers 

 Session 3: Conversation & Considerations: Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are becoming a much more common form of growth strategy for firms. Join your CPSM peers as Jennifer Danforth, CPSM, senior associate and proposal director at Woolpert, shares considerations and lesson learned through Woolpert’s 14 acquisitions during the last five years. Join us online as Julie Huval, FSMPS, CPSM, leads the interactive and lively discussion.  

During this online program, CPSMs will learn: 

• What questions to ask for long-term success during and after a M&A 
• How documenting firm processes leads to better integration 
• Why using team/firm metrics is the best form of persuasion 
• Tips on keeping your team focused and engaged 
• How supporting M&A activities benefits your career 

Speakers: 

Jennifer Danforth, CPSM 
Senior Associate | Proposal Director 
Woolpert 

Julie Huval, FSMPS, CPSM 
Owner, Marketing Operations Advisor 
Society Board At-Large Director 

As sustainability becomes increasingly crucial across industries, marketing professionals AEC must adapt their strategies to align with this global shift. This session will explore how to integrate sustainable practices into marketing initiatives without compromising creativity or effectiveness. Attendees will learn how to reduce the environmental impact of their campaigns, communicate sustainability authentically, and leverage green marketing as a competitive advantage. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to enhance existing efforts, this session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to make your marketing more eco-friendly.

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrating Sustainability into Marketing Campaigns: Learn how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into every aspect of your marketing strategy, from content creation to event planning, ensuring your efforts align with broader environmental goals.
2. Authentic Green Communication: Discover effective ways to partner with the sustainability leaders to communicate your firm’s commitment to sustainability, avoiding greenwashing and building trust with clients and stakeholders through transparency and integrity.
3. Leveraging Sustainable Marketing for Competitive Advantage: Understand how positioning your firm as a sustainability leader can differentiate you in the market, attract like-minded clients, and contribute to long-term business growth.

SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 continuing education units for the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program and 1.5 learning units from the American Institute of Architects. Recordings of SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 CPSM CEUs.

Per-Site Registration Fee*  

SMPS Member Site Registration: $199

Nonmember Site Registration: $259  

*Remember: webinars are open to your whole staff. Your team can participate from one location in your office for one fee. Register today and benefit from affordable, convenient, actionable learning and earn valuable CPSM CEUs and AIA LUs!

Modern recruiting for talent begins online and concludes with a digital application. Your website is the first place prospects will go to research, evaluate, and contact (or not) your firm. It's also a tool that can help to retain current employees. Designed and developed correctly, your website should help you win the war on talent recruitment & retention.

Key Takeaways:

1. Gain insight on what employee prospects really want from your site
2. Learn what pages, and content, you need beyond a single Careers page
3. Hear the pros and cons of integrating your HR software within your site
4. Understand how key content supports firm culture and employee retention

SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 continuing education units for the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program and 1.5 learning units from the American Institute of Architects. Recordings of SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 CPSM CEUs.

Per-Site Registration Fee*  

SMPS Member Site Registration: $199

Nonmember Site Registration: $259  

*Remember: webinars are open to your whole staff. Your team can participate from one location in your office for one fee. Register today and benefit from affordable, convenient, actionable learning and earn valuable CPSM CEUs and AIA LUs!

This webinar introduces AEC marketers to the fundamentals of AI, emphasizing its relevance to marketing within the AEC industry. Participants will explore AI concepts, including machine learning and data-driven decision-making, and how these can enhance research, planning, and client development.


Key Topics:

• Introduction to AI and machine learning
• AI’s role in enhancing market research (Domain 1: Research)
• Integrating AI in marketing planning and business development (Domain 2: Planning)

Activity:

•  Interactive Poll and Group Discussion: Use a live polling tool to gauge participants' current understanding of AI applications in their marketing strategies. Follow up with a guided group discussion where participants share ideas and experiences related to AI in AEC marketing.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding AI basics and its application in AEC marketing.
2. Enhancing market research and planning processes using AI.
3. Identifying marketing tasks within the AEC domain that can be improved with AI tools.

SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 continuing education units for the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program and 1.5 learning units from the American Institute of Architects. Recordings of SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 CPSM CEUs.

Per-Site Registration Fee*  

SMPS Member Site Registration: $199

Nonmember Site Registration: $259  

*Remember: webinars are open to your whole staff. Your team can participate from one location in your office for one fee. Register today and benefit from affordable, convenient, actionable learning and earn valuable CPSM CEUs and AIA LUs!

At many firms marketing and business development are considered two separate activities, often with separate staff leading them.  However, smart firms recognize the interplay between the two and use each to help inform the other.  This webinar will talk through the ebb and flow between marketing and business development before, during and after the pursuit process, share examples of how they have been coordinated successfully, and offer practical tips for engaging with your colleagues on the “other” side of the marketing aisle.

Learning Objectives

• Understand which parts of the BD/M effort take precedence during which phases of a project pursuit
  
• Recognize the ways in which each part of the BD/M team informs/supports each other
  
• Identify practical ways to bridge the divide to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts
  

SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 continuing education units for the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program and 1.5 learning units from the American Institute of Architects. Recordings of SMPS webinars are approved for 1.5 CPSM CEUs.

Per-Site Registration Fee*  

SMPS Member Site Registration: $199

Nonmember Site Registration: $259  

*Remember: webinars are open to your whole staff. Your team can participate from one location in your office for one fee. Register today and benefit from affordable, convenient, actionable learning and earn valuable CPSM CEUs and AIA LUs!

A recent study by the B2B Thought Leadership Agency FT Longitude found that 88% of business leaders spend significant time researching companies before engaging with them. This and similar research show that the vast majority of decision-makers within your client organizations rely on your firm’s content to assess your innovative thinking, expertise in their specific issues and the quality of your talent – all long before the formal selection process begins.

But there’s a catch: With more and more firms publishing more and more smart, high-quality content, simply creating more/better content is unlikely to create a competitive advantage for your firm. You need a new blueprint!

This three-part series will introduce the next-gen content strategies and approaches designed for today’s AEC buying journey. You will learn how creating content that addresses your prospects’ and clients’ needs at all critical points in their decision-making process will grow your firm’s influence and reach and bring more best-fitting projects through the door.

Using research, data, and insights along with compelling examples, adaptable models, and useful checklists, this program will provide you with a practical roadmap you can put to work immediately.

Is your firm ready to transform content into business?

Session 1: Using Content to Win Business

The first session in the series will answer the fundamental questions about how using educational and thought leadership content as a business strategy directly contributes to your firm’s ability to attract and win more business.

 Session 2: Aligning Content to Today’s AEC Buyer Journey

The session will provide a comprehensive overview of developing content for different stages in today’s mostly digital and self-directed AEC buying process

 Session 3: Activating Content for Results

This final session will cover how to activate content to meet stated objectives, engage the right audiences and influence business decisions. From execution, publishing, distribution, promotion, and measurement, we’ll cover every aspect of making sure your content deliverables are primed to achieve a return on objective.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the role of educational and thought leadership content in achieving your firm’s business objectives and accelerating growth.
• Learn how to align content to every stage in the AEC buying journey, helping your firm reach, engage and convert the right decision-makers, faster.
• Discover what makes educational and thought leadership content effective in today’s digital environment and how to ensure it’s easy for business decision-makers to find, access and consume your content.
• Learn how to transform content into a strategic business function and create efficient content operations for your firm.

Schedule at Glance

June 25, 2024 (2-hour program) LinkedIn Thought Leadership Amplified by Unique Insights

Explore the transformative power of Thought Leadership in our exclusive session, designed to enhance your brand’s digital influence. Discover why Thought Leaders excel on LinkedIn, and learn how to establish yourself as a credible authority. We’ll also delve into the intricacies of LinkedIn’s algorithm, revealing key strategies to amplify your reach and engagement. Gain practical insights into content optimization for immediate impact.

Key takeaways:

1. The Power of Thought Leadership: Understanding why Thought Leaders achieve the best results on LinkedIn.
2. Building Authority: Strategies for branding yourself as a trusted authority and gaining instant credibility.
3. Cultivating Company Thought Leaders: Implementing a 4-layer Employee Branding Model to foster thought leadership within your organization.
4. Navigating LinkedIn’s Algorithm: Insights into current algorithmic challenges and how to overcome them for better visibility.
5. Content Strategy Mastery: Learning how different content formats influence reach and engagement, and how to use them effectively.
6. Actionable Algorithm Insights: Six implementable insights to enhance your LinkedIn strategy for immediate results.

August 15, 2024  (2-hour program) Turning Your Brand Story Into A Hiring Strategy

Before spending a dollar on promoting a job, recruiting teams should know whose attention they want to capture. Hiring teams must understand what matters most to quality candidates. Instead, many simply post jobs on more websites in hopes of filling niche roles with any warm body rather than the right person.

Best-in-class candidates aren’t settling for templates and worn-out tactics. They want to know why they should work for you. If you’re not expressing it in a language that attracts the right person, it’s costing the company money. This presentation can help. People who have attended this session with hiring expert Katrina Kibben have said it helped them learn simple steps to stand out with recruitment marketing that uses real stories.

What’s In It For You

• Steps for translating your stories into a unique recruiting strategy,
• An introduction to recruiting personas and how they work,
• 4 things you can do to increase applications without an employer brand budget,
• And more!

Attendees will leave this session with actionable insights that help companies of all sizes stand out.

September 11, 2024 (2-hour program) Unlocking Employee Potential through Powerful Conversations 

Managers are expected to motivate, train and develop their direct reports. To do so, managers need tools to help them draw boundaries and sustain empathy while also holding employees accountable. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a powerful communication technique that helps do just that. Often utilized by coaches, social workers, therapists and healthcare practitioners, MI is designed to enhance effectiveness in eliciting positive behavior change by empowering and engaging the individual. This presentation will introduce MI’s principles and key skills and provide attendees with a safe learning environment to practice its application to real-world business scenarios.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Communication: MI improves communication between managers and employees by fostering a collaborative, non-confrontational atmosphere. This leads to more open and honest discussions.
• Empowerment: MI empowers employees to explore their own motivations for change, rather than being told what to do. This autonomy increases their commitment to making positive changes.
• Increased Engagement: By using MI techniques, managers can effectively engage employees in conversations about change initiatives or performance improvements, leading to greater buy-in and participation.