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SMPSChapter Leader Newsletter

Chapter Leader Newsletter

May2026

Revisit Chapter Leadership Symposium 2026, explore the member journey, recognize chapter achievements, and find programs and resources to support your leadership team.

6 sections17 updates

Section 01

Feature Story

1 update

Chapter Leadership Symposium 2026 Recap

Lead with Confidence

In April 2026, SMPS welcomed incoming presidents-elect to Chapter Leadership Symposium in Washington, D.C., for an immersive leadership experience designed to prepare them for the year ahead.

What is CLS?

CLS is the Society’s premier leadership program for presidents-elect, focused on equipping leaders with tools, perspectives, and connections needed to guide their chapters.

The Experience

The work began well before participants arrived in D.C. Through early cohort engagement, presidents-elect started building relationships, exchanging ideas, and establishing a strong foundation for collaboration. It included a curriculum led by fellow past-presidents and CLS champions Lauren Frein, CPSM (SMPS Philadelphia) and Duncan Robertson, CPSM (SMPS Idaho).

At CLS, that momentum continued through:

  • Interactive workshops and strategy sessions

  • Peer roundtables and small-group discussions

  • Leadership programming with practical application

  • Direct engagement with SMPS HQ and SMPS Foundation leaders

  • Dynamic keynotes Mary Abbajay, Kat Kibben, and Craig Galati, FAIA, FSMPS, CPSM

Key Takeaways

Participants left CLS with:

  • Stronger peer connections across chapters

  • Increased readiness to step into leadership roles

  • Greater awareness of available resources and support

  • Practical strategies to guide their chapters forward

Sessions such as the leadership panel also provided helpful insight into the roles and perspectives of HQ and Foundation leadership.

Looking Ahead

The CLS Class of 2026, known as the “National Treasures,” returns to their chapters ready to lead with confidence, supported by a growing network of peers and SMPS resources.

Section 02

Membership Corner

1 update

Build Belonging Throughout the Member Journey

Belonging doesn’t happen in a single moment; it develops through a series of intentional experiences. At SMPS, the member journey is a progression, and each stage plays a role in driving engagement and long-term retention.

In the first 30 days, connection is critical. New members are asking if they belong. Through thoughtful onboarding, early touchpoints, and local outreach, we create a sense of welcome that encourages early engagement and reduces drop-off.

From there, participation matters. Members need clear, low-barrier ways to get involved. When chapters and HQ make it easy to take that first step, members move from observing to contributing.

Over time, engagement becomes relationship. Members begin to find their people. Consistent interaction and shared experiences build trust and connection, turning participation into community.

When we align around this journey, we shift from managing membership as a transaction to cultivating it as an experience. That’s what drives meaningful membership progress and strengthens the future of our Society.

If you’d like to explore how this approach can take shape within your chapter, I welcome the opportunity to connect or join a future board conversation. Our team is also here to support your efforts. Please reach out at membership@smps.org.

Marci
CEO, SMPS + SMPS Foundation
Your companion in success

Section 03

Chapter Resources and Recognition

5 updates

2026 Volunteer Calendar

Volunteers like you are the lifeline of the Society. From helping curate events to supporting a strong workplace culture, we’re advancing the role of marketing and business development in the AEC industry, together.

To make volunteer opportunities easy to find, SMPS HQ has created a digital Call for Volunteers Calendar. Discover the opportunities available throughout the year and spread the word to your chapter members who’d like to get involved. It’s designed and broken down by individual opportunities and season.

View the Call for Volunteers Calendar (opens in a new tab)

Money Matters Financial Updates for Chapter Leaders

In April, the Society’s treasurer, Adam Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM, shared his latest column for Money Matters. In his article, he offers financial updates and best practices for chapter leaders.

You can find Adam’s message on the SMPS website, where you’ll also find his column from January. If you have questions regarding chapter finances, please reach out to the Society’s Chief Finance and Operations Officer Antonio Payne at antonio@smps.org or Adam at akilbourne@tecinceng.com.

Read Money Matters (opens in a new tab)Read Money Matters (opens in a new tab)

Share Your Chapter Recognition Practices

SMPS HQ is working to strengthen a culture of recognition across SMPS, and your insight as a chapter leader is essential. Our short survey will help us better understand how chapters are currently recognizing members, where additional support is needed, and how we can more effectively align chapter efforts with HQ recognition programs.

Your feedback will directly inform tools, resources, and future initiatives designed to elevate recognition across the Society. The survey should take just a few minutes to complete, and we appreciate your time and perspective.

Take the Survey (opens in a new tab)

Celebrate Chapter Achievements

Congrats, chapters! Speaking of chapter recognition, now’s the perfect time to acknowledge a few SMPS chapters that stood out in five categories. Thanks for all that you do for the Society! Through your hard work and dedication, you’re building relationships, offering premier learning opportunities, and showing the value of membership.

Membership Growth

  • Small: SMPS Inland Empire

  • Medium: SMPS Idaho

  • Large: SMPS Palmetto

  • Extra Large: SMPS Boston

Membership Retention

  • Small: SMPS Inland Empire

  • Medium: SMPS Idaho

  • Large: SMPS Palmetto

  • Extra large: SMPS Boston

Most CEUs Offered

  • Small: SMPS Wichita

  • Medium: SMPS Greater Cincinnati

  • Large: SMPS St. Louis

  • Extra Large: SMPS Seattle

Average Member Attendance

  • Small: SMPS Inland Empire

  • Medium: SMPS Connecticut

  • Large: SMPS Philadelphia

  • Extra Large-Boston

Financial Health

  • Small: SMPS Inland Empire and SMPS Ozarks (tie)

  • Medium: SMPS Idaho and SMPS Nebraska (tie)

  • Large: SMPS Charlotte, SMPS Kansas City, and SMPS St. Louis (tie)

  • Extra Large: SMPS Boston and SMPS Twin Cities

Congratulations to Our New Fellows and CPSMs

Congrats to the 2026 Class of SMPS Fellows who’ve just been announced! They join a distinguished group of more than 150 Fellows who represent the highest level of experience and leadership in marketing and business development with the AEC industry.

In April 2026, we also announced our new CPSMs. They join a group of close to 1,300 professionals who’ve made a commitment to professional excellence, career advancement, and the pursuit of knowledge through the Domains of Practice.

Know any of them from your chapter or beyond? Reach out and congratulate them on their professional accomplishments!

Meet the New CPSMs (opens in a new tab)

Section 04

Learning Opportunities

3 updates

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. For more information, visit the SMPS website.

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.

Explore CX Immersion Workshops (opens in a new tab)

Kicks off on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 3-4 p.m.

CLS Plus Preparing for Your First Board Meeting

For presidents-elect

Join Natasha Camarillo (SMPS New York President) and Matthew Krall (SMPS Colorado representative) as they share insights on how they prepared for their initial board meetings. Learn practical strategies, resources, and tips to help you plan effectively, align your board, and lead with confidence from the very beginning.

Register for the Session (opens in a new tab)

May 21, 2026 3-4PM ET

Leadership Thursdays Succession Planning Without the Panic

For all chapter leaders and volunteers

Succession planning doesn’t have to feel last minute or stressful. In this session, we’ll break down how to proactively identify and prepare future leaders, create a sustainable leadership pipeline, and ensure your chapter stays strong year after year. Walk away with simple, actionable steps to plan ahead without the panic.

Register for the Session (opens in a new tab)

Section 05

In Case You Missed It

4 updates

Section 06

Save the Dates

3 updates