Ideas Under Construction
Have a session concept but not all the details yet? Share your starting point here, and an Amplify A|E|C staff liaison will connect with you to help develop your idea into a full proposal.
Have a session concept but not all the details yet? Share your starting point here, and an Amplify A|E|C staff liaison will connect with you to help develop your idea into a full proposal.
 Janki N. DePalma, FSMPS, CPSM, LEED AP Director of Business Development W.E. O'Neil Construction |
This session examines the Power Distance Index (PDI) and its impact on how ideas, authority, and leadership are perceived within AEC firms. Designed for in-house marketing and business development professionals, the session explores how differences in comfort with hierarchy and decision-making can lead to misinterpretation, conflict, or burnout. Attendees will learn how to assess their own PDI style, decode their firm’s cultural norms, and adapt their communication approach to navigate both hierarchical and collaborative environments. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to build influence, advocate effectively for their ideas, and work more confidently within their organization’s power dynamics.
Learner Outcomes
 Courtney Kearney, CPSM Owner/Founder CKearney Consulting |
CRM failures and bad data are rarely technology problems. They are people and culture problems. This session explores how human behavior, shared expectations, and firm-wide data culture drive the success of CRM systems and the quality of business intelligence. Through a real-world firm story, participants will learn how shifting from blame to curiosity, creating a shared language of data, and clearly defining data ownership transformed messy records into trustworthy insights. Attendees will leave with practical first steps to audit their firm’s data culture, assign clear data roles, and build habits that support transparency, accountability, and reliable marketing and business development data.
Learner Outcomes
 Tim Asimos, CPSM Chief Marketing Officer Timmons Group |
This session examines how AEC marketers can look beyond industry norms by drawing inspiration from consumer marketing strategies. Designed for in-house marketing professionals, the session explores how proven B2C approaches such as brand storytelling, customer experience, creative campaigns, and audience engagement can be thoughtfully adapted to the built environment. Attendees will gain practical examples of how leading consumer brands capture attention and build loyalty, along with actionable ideas to translate those tactics authentically for AEC clients and prospects. Participants will leave with fresh perspectives and tools to elevate their firm’s marketing, break away from formulaic approaches, and deliver more engaging, differentiated brand experiences.
Learner Outcomes
 Karl Feldman Managing Partner Hinge |
This session examines how the A/E/C buyer landscape has shifted and what those changes mean for today’s marketing strategies. Designed for A/E/C marketers and business development professionals, the session explores current buyer priorities, how service providers are evaluated, and the evolving role of RFPs and relationships. Drawing on newly released research, attendees will gain data-backed insights into buyer behavior across the decision-making journey and learn how to adapt messaging, plans, and relationship-building efforts to meet modern expectations. Participants will leave with practical strategies and clear takeaways to strengthen relevance, build trust, and align their marketing approach with how buyers make decisions today.
Learner Outcomes
 Josh Miles Founder Bold Brand LLC |  Tyler Chartier Commercial Photographer/Director Tyler Chartier Photography |
This session examines how photography and video can move beyond basic headshots to become powerful tools for differentiation in AEC branding and recruiting. Designed for AEC marketing professionals, the session explores how visual storytelling shapes first impressions, strengthens employer brand, and attracts both clients and talent. Attendees will gain insight into the creative and practical considerations behind photography and video, including production trade-offs, budget realities, and emerging trends such as short-form video and AI-enhanced workflows. Participants will leave with a clearer framework for planning modern, authentic visual content and making a compelling case to leadership for investing in people-focused brand assets.
Learner Outcomes
 Wendy Simmons Founding Principal Middle of Six |
This session examines how AEC marketers can make smarter, more strategic go/no-go decisions when their firm is the underdog. Designed for professionals involved in pursuit strategy, the session explores how to assess qualifications, weigh risk versus reward, and determine when a longshot opportunity is worth the investment. Attendees will learn how to evaluate positioning, guide project teams through tough pursuit decisions, and tailor proposal messaging when pursuing work outside their traditional strengths or markets. Participants will leave with practical frameworks to strengthen decision-making, elevate pursuit strategy, and approach underdog pursuits with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Learner Outcomes
 Tim Klabunde, FSMPS, CPSM Principal Growth Impact Partners |
This session examines how AEC firms can intentionally develop rainmakers by equipping technical professionals with the skills and confidence needed to support business development. Designed for marketing and business development leaders, the session explores how to foster a culture where relationship-building is shared across the organization rather than limited to a few individuals. Attendees will gain practical strategies for breaking down internal barriers, coaching technical staff, and implementing repeatable tools that support trust-building and outreach at every level. Participants will leave with a clear framework for enabling relationship-driven growth and positioning their firms for sustained business development success.
Learner Outcomes
 Rohan Jawali Founder and CEO Joist AI |  GinaRenee Autrey Director of Marketing & Strategic Impact Kleinschmidt Associates |  Rawle Sawh Director of Operations Technology Gilbane |  Edward Benes, PE, Esq Chief Executive Officer LEO A DALY and Lockwood Andrews & Newnam |
This session examines how AEC firms navigate transformation by focusing on the human side of change, including culture, communication, and trust. Designed for professionals at all levels, the session brings together AEC leaders to share real-world experiences guiding teams through uncertainty, evolving tools, and shifting expectations. Attendees will gain insight into what inspires adaptation, how trust is built during disruption, and the role curiosity and clear communication play in moving organizations forward. Participants will leave with practical perspectives and actionable takeaways to help influence change, strengthen collaboration, and contribute meaningfully to their firm’s future during times of transformation.
Learner Outcomes
 Sarah C. McGillicuddy Associate Principal BR+A |  Peter A. De La Mora, CPSM Vice President HDR |  Carrie Mandelin, CPSM Vice President, Client Accounts Jacobs |  Lynn Murphy Associate Vice President Facilities Planning UK Healthcare |
This moderated panel session examines what it takes to move beyond winning work to earning long-term trust and loyalty in the AEC industry. Featuring perspectives from industry end users and national business development professionals, the discussion explores the critical transition from initial pursuit to sustained partnership. Attendees will gain insight into the consistent, intentional strategies that help relationships remain strong over time, including delivering ongoing value, communicating proactively, and adapting to evolving client needs. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how trust is built, renewed, and maintained, ensuring client relationships endure well beyond the first win.
Learner Outcomes
 Troy Parkinson Principal SagePresence |  Kristin Kautz, FSMPS, CPSM AI Strategist | Consultant | Speaker | Trainer JAM Idea Agency |
Winning shortlist interviews still depends on human connection, even as AI transforms how teams prepare. This dynamic session explores how AEC firms can blend proven business development strategy, storytelling, and artificial intelligence to gain an edge in high-stakes interviews. Participants will learn how to integrate AI tools across each phase of the shortlist process, from research and message development to rehearsal, delivery, and follow-up. Through real-world examples and live demonstrations, attendees will discover how AI can surface client insights, streamline preparation, and support more confident, authentic performance, turning shortlist interviews into a data-informed, insight-driven advantage.
Learner Outcomes
 Katie Weber, CPSM Associate, Director of Marketing Moriyama Teshima Architects |
This session examines how an architecture firm navigated an unexpected, high-profile public controversy with professionalism, integrity, and strategic communication. Designed for AEC marketing and communications professionals, the session explores Moriyama Teshima Architects’ response to the sudden relocation and closure of Toronto’s Ontario Science Centre, a landmark project deeply tied to the firm’s legacy. Attendees will gain insight into how to balance advocacy with diplomacy, respond effectively under media and political pressure, and protect firm reputation without a dedicated PR team. Participants will leave with practical lessons and a replicable framework for proactive communication planning that strengthens credibility, aligns messaging with firm values, and builds trust in complex, fast-moving situations.
Learner Outcomes
 Margaret Winch President Communication Resources Northwest, LLC |
This session examines how changes in project delivery, client expectations, AI tools, and competition have reshaped shortlist interviews in the AEC industry. Designed for marketing professionals who coach pursuit teams, the session explores emerging interview formats such as workshops, scenario-based exercises, and tightly timed Q&A, and what it takes to succeed in these environments. Attendees will learn strategies for preparing and coaching technical teams beyond traditional public speaking, with a focus on facilitation, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication. Participants will leave with practical approaches and proven processes to build confidence, improve performance under pressure, and increase win rates in today’s evolving interview landscape.
Learner Outcomes
 Adam B. Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM President Tec Inc. Engineering & Design |  Kevin Hebblethwaite, FSMPS Director, Business Development Stambaugh Ness |
This session examines the core business functions that underpin successful AEC firms and the leadership insight marketing and business development professionals need to advance into executive or ownership roles. Designed for professionals looking to deepen their business acumen, the session explores how finance, accounting, HR, risk management, and operations influence strategy, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Attendees will gain practical perspective on essential concepts such as cash flow, revenue recognition, insurance, and mergers and acquisitions, and learn how these elements connect to daily marketing and BD responsibilities. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how firms truly operate and a stronger foundation for positioning themselves as informed, credible leaders within their organizations.
Learner Outcomes
 Ryan Suydam Founder & CX Evangelist Client Savvy, a ClearlyRated Company |
This session examines Client Experience (CX) as a critical growth strategy for AEC firms looking to build loyalty, drive repeat business, and differentiate in competitive markets. Designed for marketing, business development, and emerging leaders, the session explores what CX truly means in an AEC context and why many firms struggle to define, measure, and implement it effectively. Attendees will learn how to assess their firm’s current CX approach using the CX Maturity Model and gain practical guidance for positioning CX as a driver of retention and growth. Participants will leave with actionable tools, including a CX Charter, and the confidence to lead meaningful CX initiatives within their firms.
Learner Outcomes
 Dhoreena Ventura Senior Director of Product Marketing OpenAsset |  Alexa Ramsey, CP APMP Pursuit Strategy Manager, Corporate Sales Enablement Team Burns & McDonnell |
This session examines how AEC marketing leaders can demonstrate the business value of proposal operations and build stronger cases for investment in resources, technology, and staffing. Designed for professionals responsible for proposal strategy and performance, the session explores how to measure proposal ROI, assess efficiency, and translate data into leadership-ready insights. Attendees will gain practical frameworks and tools, including guidance on building a Proposal Performance Dashboard, to help move proposal management from reactive to strategic. Participants will leave with the clarity and confidence to advocate for smarter investment and position marketing as a revenue-driving partner within their firm.
Learner Outcomes
 Deirdre M. Booth, FSMPS, CPSM President + Lead Strategist TankGirl Marketing |  Emilie Austin Director of Trainings + Marketing Strategist TankGirl Marketing |
This session examines how A/E/C marketers can leverage cultural moments and timely trends to build visibility and relevance without sacrificing credibility. Designed for marketing professionals navigating fast-moving digital landscapes, the session explores what makes trendjacking effective, how to assess cultural and brand fit, and when participation adds value versus risk. Through real-world examples, including viral brand moments from consumer and industrial sectors, attendees will learn how audience psychology, speed, and authenticity drive impact. Participants will leave with practical frameworks and tools to create agile, on-message engagement that helps their firms stay memorable and competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Learner Outcomes
 Briana Carter, CPSM Senior Associate / Marketing Manager Page, now Stantec |  Kendra Cabler Rather, PhD Senior Manger, People Strategy DEI Etsy |
AEC professionals bring relentless hustle to demanding work, often carrying heavy personal and professional pressures behind the scenes. In a market where talent is tight and burnout is real, firms must rethink how they attract, support, and retain their people. This candid, interactive roundtable explores what it truly takes to build cultures rooted in authenticity, trust, and belonging. Through facilitated discussion and shared perspective, participants will examine meaningful recognition, flexible career pathways, and leadership behaviors that honor the whole human, not just the job title. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and renewed clarity on how people-centered cultures drive engagement, resilience, and long-term firm success.
Learner Outcomes
 Kristin Studabaker, CPSM Director of Business Development Carpenter Marty Transportation |  Shannon L. Stewart, CPSM Director of Client Engagement Design West Engineering |
In an industry built on relationships, the difference between casual connections and intentional partnerships can determine long-term success. This session explores how authentic relationships evolve from chance encounters into meaningful professional impact. Using a real-world case study, presenters introduce the Connection → Intention → Impact framework to demonstrate how everyday interactions can be transformed into purposeful collaborations. Through stories, discussion, and practical tools, participants will learn how to move beyond transactional networking and strengthen relationships that support business development, client trust, and career growth.
Learner Outcomes
 Skot Waldron Communications Strategist Skot Waldron / GiANT |
In AEC firms, marketers work at the intersection of creativity, deadlines, and structure, often collaborating with teams that approach work very differently. This keynote challenges the common narrative around procrastination and productivity, showing how different work styles, when understood and communicated, can strengthen trust, collaboration, and results. Participants will explore a simple framework for identifying their own work style, reducing internal judgment, and navigating cross-functional dynamics with greater clarity. Attendees will leave with practical tools to own how they work, improve relationships across departments, and position marketing as a strategic partner rather than a last-minute responder.
Learner Outcomes
 Courtney Messick, CPSM Senior Marketing Manager WSP |  Stephanie Murdoch, CPSM Marketing Director, Mid-Atlantic Region WSP |
Color team reviews are essential to winning work, but their success depends on more than simply scheduling meetings and collecting comments. This session provides a practical, end-to-end framework for planning, facilitating, and executing effective color reviews that improve proposal quality, ensure compliance, and drive better outcomes. Drawing from real-world scenarios, participants will learn how to select the right reviewers, align review timing with proposal complexity, and avoid common pitfalls such as insufficient planning, unclear roles, lack of structure, and weak accountability. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to lead confident, productive reviews that move teams from reactive feedback to intentional, winning proposal decisions.
Learner Outcomes
The Amplify A|E|C team has received your submission, and will be in contact soon. Thank you for your entry, and we look forward to connecting.