Chapter Leader Newsletter

March2026

See how the Southern Regional Conference brought alignment into action, explore membership updates, and prepare for upcoming award deadlines and learning opportunities.

5 sections19 updates

Section 01

Feature Story

1 update

SMPS Southern Regional Conference 2026 Unify in Action

By Chris Martinez, 2026 Planning Chair, SMPS Southern Regional Conference

SRC 2026 was built around one focus: when marketing, business development, and firm leadership align, firms perform differently. Our vision was to bring them into one space, under one strategy, speaking one language and demonstrating what is possible when they are unified.

Every programming decision supported that focus.

We introduced a new two-hour workshop track to allow teams to collaborate and have strategic conversations. Breakout sessions were curated with intention so every attendee felt seen, from emerging professionals attending their first regional conference to seasoned leaders shaping firm-wide growth.

The response was extraordinary.

Section 02

Membership Corner

Welcome to March, chapter leaders! Below are a few membership-related resources and updates that may come in handy. But first, SMPS HQ has a new staff member! Please help us welcome Isaiah Carpizo, coordinator of membership and chapter support, who joined SMPS in January. In his role, Isaiah will support members and chapter leaders with day-to-day membership and chapter operations.

3 updates

Connect With the Membership Team

If you wish to have office hours with the membership team, please email us at membership@smps.org and we will schedule time to connect.

Chapter Membership Activity

Have a new or reinstating member? As we speak, we are testing the new functionality where chapters will be notified within 24 hours of new and reinstated members joining. In addition, at the beginning of each month, chapters will receive a list of the members due to expire at the end of that same month, and a list of members who have 10 days remaining before being dropped (expiration date + 70-day grace period). In the interim, these members can be found within your chapter queries.

Support the Foundation When Renewing

Now during the membership online renewal process, there’s an option to donate to the SMPS Foundation. Donations help the Foundation provide research, publications, and resources that drive industry growth and innovation for SMPS members and their firms.

Any questions? Please reach out to membership@smps.org.

Section 03

Awards and Resources

7 updates

Open through April 24

Salary Survey Open Through April 24

For more than 10 years, SMPS has provided the largest compensation and metrics survey of marketing and business development professionals in the AEC industry. We’ve just opened the portal for 2025 data entry, so spread the word to your chapter members!

SMPS members who answer at least 40 percent of the questions will receive complimentary access to results in mid-May. Data entry will remain open through April 24. Results from 2020-2024 will also be available for comparison once survey opens. Check out our website for more information and to get started!

Explore the Salary Survey

Closes March 27

Marketing Communications Awards Close March 27

There’s just three weeks left to enter the SMPS Marketing Communications Awards before the window closes March 27. If your members are new to the program or need a refresher, share Navigate the Entry Process with them! SMPS HQ also held The Winner’s Circle, where we heard from recent MCA award winners who shared great tips to strengthen your MCA entry.

Watch The Winner’s Circle

Explore the Marketing Communications Awards Watch Navigate the Entry Process

Nominate by April 3

Nominate a Chapter President by April 3

And don’t forget about our Chapter President of the Year award. Make sure to nominate by April 3! If your chapter has an immediate past-president who inspires others, fosters collaboration, and continues to elevate SMPS, this is the moment to shine a light on their impact. Submit a nomination and help us celebrate the exceptional leadership across our Society.

Nominate a Chapter President

Complimentary Research and Publications

Did you know? SMPS members receive complimentary access to many SMPS Foundation publications. Check out the AI Quarterly Insight Reports, Client Experience in the AEC Industry, and Emerging Trends in AEC Marketing and Business Development. Use the research and insights to navigate change and stay ahead.

Explore Foundation Research and Publications

Get Ready for the CPSM Exam

Are any of your chapter members sitting for the CPSM exam during the current testing window? If so, tell them about the exam preparation resources available on the SMPS HQ website. There’s also a suggested reading list and a CPSM handbook.

Explore CPSM Study Tools

Read the Latest Marketer

In our recent issue, see how discernment helps us identify opportunities and make smart decisions. Articles include Curating With Purpose, Managing Your Digital Brand in the AI Era, and a Fresh Take on Leadership Development. Throughout the year, keep discernment front and center. Let this powerful, insightful tool be the guiding force in your decision-making during times of change and growth.

Read Marketer

Prepare for Chapter Leadership Symposium

If you’re an incoming chapter president and haven’t registered for the Chapter Leadership Symposium, now’s the time! CLS offers an interactive experience to connect, learn, and prepare for the year ahead. Through workshops, peer discussions, and strategic planning, participants gain practical tools and a strong network of support to guide their leadership journey. SMPS HQ will be hosting the three-day learning experience at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.

Explore Chapter Leadership Symposium

Section 04

Save the Dates

4 updates

July 27 to 29

Amplify AEC in Las Vegas July 27 to 29

Explore Amplify A|E|C

Date2026

Regional Conferences in 2026

Explore Regional Conferences

April 15 to 17

Chapter Leadership Symposium April 15 to 17