Amplify Education Program
Explore the schedule
▼ 8:00–11:00 AM
Business Development Symposium
Kick off your Amplify A|E|C experience with a half-day deep dive into the evolving world of A/E/C business development. Whether you're new to the profession, wearing multiple hats, or looking to sharpen your approach, you’ll leave equipped to build stronger client relationships, support your seller-doers and market champions to drive new opportunities, and elevate your own business development impact. The SMPS BD Symposium brings together top professionals for real-world insights, peer discussions, and practical strategies you can use right away.
**This is a separately ticketed event
▼ 10:30–11:30 AM
Coffee & Community: Amplify Your CRM with AI, Automation and Data-Driven Decisions | Megan Miller, CPSM
Are you struggling to make your CRM work for you and your firm? You are not alone! Join other Deltek users to learn how you can get the most from your CRM with artificial intelligence and automation so you can make better, data-driven decisions. We’ll talk about some recent enhancements to Vantagepoint CRM, share examples of powerful workflows that can save you tremendous time and highlight how AI can help your teams be more efficient and effective.
▼ 2:00–3:15 PM
Because I said I would | Alex Sheen
Alex Sheen believes that every individual has the strength to become a person of their word. In this session, Alex shares his insights and actionable ways to become better at fulfilling commitments. He inspires others to become more accountable to their promises through compelling and real-life examples from the because I said I would movement.
▼ 3:30-4:30 PM
The ROI Effect: How Data-Driven Marketing Changes the Game | Julie Huval, FSMPS, CPSM
In this interactive session, we’ll demystify marketing ROI and show you how to measure what truly drives growth. You’ll learn how to connect marketing performance to business outcomes, identify key data points, and turn insights into strategies that influence leadership and secure future investment.
Measure Twice, Market Once: Maximize Insights to Win More Work | Rohan Jawali & Tim Asimos, CPSM
In this dynamic session, Tim Asimos (Client Savvy) and Rohan Jawali (Joist AI) will show how AEC marketers can harness data and client feedback to drive more strategic decisions and deliver standout experiences. You’ll learn how to move beyond basic metrics and transform past-pursuit analysis and project insights into smarter strategies that win work and build long-term relationships.
BD Bites: 30 Snackable Strategies for Business Development Success | Samantha VanSchoick
Does business development bite? Not anymore! Whether you’re new to BD or a seasoned seller-doer, this fast-paced session delivers 30 bite-sized, actionable tips to sharpen your strategy, boost your confidence, and drive results—no fluff, just real tools that work.
The Power of the CMO: Driving Growth, Change and Innovation | | Julie Witecki, Amanda Bohnert, CPSM, & Stacy Robben, FSMPS, LEEP AP
In today’s competitive A/E/C landscape, the need for a unified marketing and business development strategy has never been greater—and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is the linchpin. This forward-looking session explores the evolving role of the CMO, the challenges of decentralized efforts, and the leadership required to drive a firm’s revenue, relationships, and reputation.
Winning from Within: Account Strategy for Revenue Growth | Alyson Fieldman
In this strategic and practical session, Alyson Fieldman, Chief Growth Officer at Stambaugh Ness, shares a straightforward framework to help you uncover hidden opportunities, deepen client relationships, and drive sustainable, long-term revenue growth.
Collaboration + Connection: Encompassing Workplace Culture | Jeannine Alexander, CPSM , Briana Carter, CPSM, Donald Silwick, CF APMP, Ethan Olkovikas & Justine D'Andrea
In an increasingly connected A/E/C industry, effective collaboration doesn’t stop at state lines—or even national borders. Whether you're working with remote teammates, cross-regional offices, or international partners, navigating time zones, cultural nuances, and communication expectations is essential to delivering successful outcomes and sustaining strong team dynamics.
Navigating the Uncertain Business Environment | Barbara Stiles, FSMPS, CPSM & Scott D. Butcher, FSMPS, CPSM
As the landscape of the A/E/C industry evolves, staying informed and adaptable is critical to maintaining a competitive edge. The ability of humans to keep up with technology has already passed us by. Major demographic shifts are significantly impacting businesses - not only our firms, but also our clients. Moreover, the business environment of today has changed, and is in a constant state of flux.
▼ 8:00-9:30 AM
Mainstage keynote
Prepare to be inspired at Amplify A|E|C’s highly anticipated Main Stage presentation. This dynamic experience will feature SMPS leaders who will challenge perspectives, spark new ideas, and leave you feeling energized for the future of A/E/C.
More details will be announced soon
▼ 10:00-11:30 AM
Brand Sprint & Go-to-Market Workshop | Tom V. Silva & Tony Kempa, MBA
With the AEC industry expected to hit $10.5 trillion this year, the pressure is on for firms to sharpen their branding and go-to-market strategies. But with limited time, lean teams, and seller-doers wearing multiple hats, most firms can’t afford to spend months building a brand strategy.
The Power of Client Care Programs for Sustainable Growth | Sarah Hoff & Rebecca Lavezzary
Building enduring client relationships is paramount for sustainable growth in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. This session delves into the transformative impact of strategic account management and client care programs, illustrating how they can elevate your firm from a mere service provider to a trusted partner.
Breaking Through: Overcoming Competition and Thriving Together in the Workplace | Jennifer M. Sukalo, MS
In the A/E/C industry, unhealthy workplace competition can hinder collaboration and growth. This session explores the root causes of such rivalry and offers actionable strategies to foster a supportive, growth-oriented culture.
Slaying Zombies: How Workplace Engagement Impacts Your Brand | Jerry C. Gennaria & Will Percy, PhD, MBA
In today's workplace, issues like disengagement, toxic dynamics, and 'quiet quitting' signal a pressing need for cultural transformation. This workshop introduces a radical yet essential idea: everyone, from the C-suite to interns, deserves to be happy at work. Happier employees are not only more productive but also more likely to deliver the brand experience your firm strives for.
Putting the "O-H!" in your Video Podcast | Josh Miles, Emily Lawrence, CDMP & Deirdre Booth, FSMPS, CPSM
Podcasting continues to thrive, with over 500 million listeners worldwide in 2025, making it a prime opportunity for firms to enhance their visibility and engagement. Whether you're contemplating a live show, a video podcast to boost your firm's profile, or an internal audio series to develop your team, it's not too late to start.
The Road to Chief: Successfully Navigating the Twists + Turns | Marilynn Stratton, CPSM, Vanessa Yust, CPSM, Robin Broder Gibson, CPSM, Sheri Johnson & Frank Lippert, FSMPS, CPSM
Embarking on a career path toward the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) role in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry involves a blend of strategic planning, leadership development, and continuous learning. This panel discussion brings together seasoned CMOs to share their personal journeys, offering invaluable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and strategic decisions that led them to the top. From career pivots to leadership lessons, this session aims to equip aspiring marketing leaders with the knowledge and inspiration to chart their own paths to CMO success.
▼ 8:00-9:00 AM
Navigating the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Van Life | Katrina Kibben
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving work environment, leadership isn’t just about driving outcomes—it’s about guiding people through uncertainty, change, and growth. In this session, based on lessons from their book This Was All an Accident, Kat Kibben will show you how the freeing and challenging experience of van life offers profound insights into leadership at every level.
▼ 9:30-11:00 AM
The Art of Interview Prep & Coaching | Deirdre Booth, FSMPS, CPSM
You’ve built the proposal. You’ve landed the shortlist. Now what? For marketers supporting interview prep, leading the process can feel more like herding cats than coaching a winning team. In this session, Deirdre Booth, FSMPS, CPSM, shares real-world strategies for creating a flexible yet effective interview prep process—one that builds confidence, showcases your team’s strengths, and delivers a memorable presentation. You’ll walk away with a practical framework to elevate your role as an interview coach, keep your technical team engaged, and help your firm win more work.
Differentiating Your Differentiators: Igniting the Power of Persuasive Presentations | Jenifer Bertz & Diane Rutledge
Want to turn your next pitch into a performance that wins work? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, marketing professionals will learn how to transform standard proposals into persuasive presentations through the power trio of storytelling, striking visuals, and confident delivery. Led by industry experts Diane Rutledge and Jenifer Bertz, this session blends Diane’s 3C’s of brand positioning with Jenifer’s energetic presentation coaching to help you captivate any audience and communicate what makes your firm unforgettable.
Sketchnoting for Team and Client Conversations | Cathy Hutchison, CPSM - AVP
In a fast-moving AEC world, clear and engaging communication is everything. Enter sketchnoting—a dynamic form of visual note-taking that helps you quickly capture ideas, clarify complex topics, and lead more productive team and client conversations. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sketchnoting and how to use it to synthesize information on the fly, highlight key messages, and visually communicate ideas that stick.
The Baker’s Dozen: Leading Marketing/BD Teams through 13 Key Challenges | Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM & Craig Park, FSMPS, Assoc. AIA
A/E/C marketing is not for the faint of heart—it’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and constantly evolving. From burnout and collaboration hurdles to digital transformation and client demands, today’s marketing and BD professionals face complex, career-defining challenges. In this energizing session, industry leaders Barbara Shuck and Craig Park unveil a "Baker’s Dozen" of leadership best practices tailored to help you meet 13 of the most pressing issues head-on.
The Role of Marketing and Corporate Communication in a Private Equity-Fueled Consolidation Environment | JamieClaire Kiser
In this timely session, attendees will explore the evolving role of marketing and communications in a private equity-fueled environment. You’ll unpack what’s really driving PE investment, how these firms differ from traditional acquirers, and why strong internal and external communication strategies are critical to preserving value, minimizing disruption, and guiding successful integration. Learn how marketers can serve as strategic operators—developing messaging, surfacing opportunities, and shaping the narrative of change across teams, brands, and markets.
▼ 11:15 AM-12:15 PM
Crisis Ready: Effective Crisis Management Strategies for the AEC Industry | Kelly Sternberg, FSMPS, CPSM & Eric Fish
When a crisis strikes—whether it’s a jobsite safety incident or a brand reputation emergency—your firm’s response can define its future. In this session, leaders from Barton Malow will share proven strategies for navigating high-stakes scenarios with clarity, confidence, and compassion. You’ll learn how to build a comprehensive crisis response plan tailored to the AEC industry, complete with key components like forecasting, team roles, communication workflows, and client alignment.
Embracing Change: Achieve Your Goal | Jennifer Nix McGerald, CPSM
In today’s fast-paced world, navigating change is no longer optional—it’s essential. But real change doesn’t start with a plan; it starts with people. This engaging session explores the emotional and strategic sides of change, using the timeless themes of David Bowie’s iconic song “Changes” as a lens for understanding how transformation impacts individuals and organizations alike.
Influence Is Power | Skot Waldron
What if resistance in the workplace wasn’t something to overcome—but an opportunity to lead better? In this powerful and practical session, Steve Anderson, PhD, and Matthew Danis, MBA, CPSM, will challenge traditional thinking about employee engagement. Drawing from Dr. Anderson’s book Embracing Rebellion, you'll learn why some of the most impactful leaders don’t fight resistance—they collaborate with it.
Embracing Rebellion: Engaging you Workforce through Effective Communication | Matthew Danis, MBA & Steve Anderson, PhD
What if resistance in the workplace wasn’t something to overcome—but an opportunity to lead better? In this powerful and practical session, Steve Anderson, PhD, and Matthew Danis, MBA, CPSM, will challenge traditional thinking about employee engagement. Drawing from Dr. Anderson’s book Embracing Rebellion, you'll learn why some of the most impactful leaders don’t fight resistance—they collaborate with it.
▼ 12:30-1:45 PM
Mainstage Keynote
Prepare to be inspired at Amplify A|E|C’s highly anticipated Main Stage Keynote! This dynamic session will feature an industry thought leader who will challenge perspectives, spark new ideas, and leave you feeling energized for the future of A/E/C.
Our keynote speaker—to be announced soon—will bring fresh insights, actionable strategies, and an unforgettable message designed to empower marketers, business developers, and firm leaders alike.
