April 2026 — SMPS Chapter Leader Newsletter

Section 01

Feature Story

1 update

Why Volunteering Matters The Unexpected Benefits

Volunteering with SMPS is a little bit like discovering a hidden door in a beautifully designed space. You think you know the layout, and suddenly new opportunities, connections, and confidence begin to appear. Yes, you give your time… but what you gain often surprises you.

You gain relationships that turn into collaborators, mentors, and lifelong friends. You gain confidence by stepping into spaces you once observed from the sidelines. You gain visibility, perspective, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you helped move something forward.

Volunteers are the energy behind our chapters, the momentum behind our regional conferences, and the connective thread that brings ONE SMPS to life. Every program, learning experience, and welcoming environment begins with someone choosing to contribute their time and talent.

Read Why Volunteering Matters

Section 02

Chapter Programs

1 update

CX Immersion Program

Following the success of our 2025 pilot, the 2026 CX Immersion calendar is now underway, with programs actively being delivered across the country. Current host chapters include SMPS Inland Empire, SMPS Oregon, SMPS SE Michigan, and SMPS Kansas City, with additional locations continuing to be confirmed through December 2026.

Guided by SMPS Foundation research, CX Immersion delivers practical, research-backed client experience strategies that members can immediately apply within their firms.

What This Means for Your Chapter:
• No cost. No financial risk. No operational burden
• SMPS HQ manages curriculum, contracting, registration, and delivery
• Chapters support promotion and member engagement locally
• Participants may earn up to 10 CEUs
• A contribution is made to the SMPS Foundation on your chapter’s behalf

Programs will continue to roll out nationwide through December 2026. Contact marci@smps.org for more information.

Section 03

Membership Corner

2 updates

April 1 and April 8

Final Bylaws Office Hours April 1 and April 8

Welcome to April, chapter leaders, and thank you for your time and dedication as a chapter volunteer. Below are a few membership-related resources and updates, including HQ office hours, membership policy changes, and group membership discounts. If you have any questions, please reach out to membership@smps.org.

Do you have questions about the Model Bylaws that are specific to your chapter? Curious how other chapters are navigating the adoption process? Join us for one of our last two Bylaws Office Hours. They take place on Wednesdays from 1:30-2 p.m. ET. Our last two sessions will be held today, April 1, and next week on April 8.

This is an informal drop-in session. Come anytime within the 30-minute window to ask questions, talk through scenarios, and hear what other chapters are doing.

We look forward to supporting you through the process. We’ll be using Zoom, so please keep this link handy.

Access Your Chapter Demographics Report

These stats can be very helpful for planning programming, cultivating sponsor relationships, and supporting member recruitment and retention efforts. Reports are available in the database via smps.org: Start → Queries → Query Center → All Queries

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

Read the April Membership Corner

Section 04

Recognition and Resources

5 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

April 3, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

Chapter President of the Year Deadline April 3

Our Chapter President of the Year (CPY) Award window is about to close, this Friday April 3, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET, to be exact! 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

May 11

Individual and Firm Award Nominations Due May 11

And don’t forget about a few other awards that recognize emerging leaders, business developers, and innovative firms. You can nominate yourself or an SMPS member you know—just make sure to submit by May 11.

Explore the Marketing Innovation Firm Award

Explore the Emerging Leader Award Explore the Business Developer Award

April 19 to 25

National Volunteer Week April 19 to 25

SMPS volunteers: Even though we celebrate you every day, there’s a special week coming up in April just for you, our volunteers. We’re a little early in the celebration (sorry, we can’t help it!). Thank you for supporting SMPS at the chapter, regional, and HQ levels. We’ve said it for years and it’s worth repeating because it’s true: We wouldn’t be here without volunteers like you!

Section 05