Did you put your oxygen mask on first?

We are in the thick of the holiday season. For many, that means traveling to see family and friends. Often, we travel by airplane to make those reunions. What are the instructions the flight attendant gives about oxygen masks? Secure your oxygen mask before assisting others. Why? Because it’s harder to help someone else if you haven’t prepared yourself first. I see professional development in much the same way.

SMPS has a laser focus on our members and provides the resources you need to bring value to your organizations. That includes numerous opportunities to network, connect, and learn. I recently attended The Pinnacle Experience in Atlanta. Almost 100 marketing and business development leaders came together for two days of elevated learning and networking. Speakers from within and outside the A/E/C industries based as far away as Germany and as close as Atlanta, provided their insights as business developers, CMOs, strategists, and senior marketing leaders. Information the attendees learned can and will be imparted to others across the country over the coming weeks and months. It was a game-changer! The Pinnacle Experience may be in the books for 2024, but there are plenty more opportunities to network, connect, and engage, as well as pass along knowledge to others in the new year. The Regional Conference season starts at the end of January 2025 and will continue through May 2025. Additionally, each chapter has numerous virtual and in-person programming opportunities. Put your professional development first by attending a regional conference or program in your area. Then, get others in on the fun by networking, discussing, and sharing what you’ve learned with current and future SMPS members.