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SMPS Headquarters
625 North Washington Street
Suite 302
Alexandria, VA
22314-1936
email
info@smps.org
phone
703.549.6117
Highlights of Our 50 Years
Our History
![img_1973.png](/image/11864362.1698437957000/img_1973.png)
Group organizes as the “Society for Bird Doggers (S.O.B.s)” and months later changes name to “National Society for Marketing Professional Services.”
Andy Zinsmeyer registered as first member.
1973
![img_1975.png](/image/11864365.1698437958000/img_1975.png)
SMPSnews debuts.
1975
![img_1977.png](/image/11864367.1698437957000/img_1977.png)
Annual achievement award competition is launched.
1977
![img_1979.png](/image/11864370.1698437958000/img_1979.png)
National office moves to Washington, DC area.
1979
![img_1981.png](/image/11864372.1698437958000/img_1981.png)
Convention held outside of the U.S. in Toronto, ON.
First chapter is chartered (Michigan).
1981
![1988.png](/image/11864392.1698713025000/1988.png)
Annual budget exceeds $1 million.
1988
![img_1993.png](/image/11864376.1698437958000/img_1993.png)
First chapter president of the year honored: Ruth Higley, Nashville Chapter.
1993
![img_1996.png](/image/11864377.1698437958000/img_1996.png)
Website www.smps.org is launched.
1996
![img_1999.png](/image/11864380.1698437957000/img_1999.png)
Certified Professional Services Marketer program introduced.
1999
![img_2004.png](/image/11864382.1698437957000/img_2004.png)
SMPS National Conference renamed Build Business.
2004
![img_2017.png](/image/11864383.1698437958000/img_2017.png)
Inaugural The Pinnacle Experience event is organized.
2017
![img_2020.png](/image/11864385.1698437957000/img_2020.png)
Formal DEI programs initiated.
2020
![img_2022_a.png](/image/11864387.1698437958000/img_2022_a.png)
2023
![img_2023.png](/image/11864388.1698437958000/img_2023.png)
SMPS celebrates its golden anniversary.
1974
![img_1974.png](/image/11864366.1698437958000/img_1974.png)
Lou Zickler selected as the first president. Andy Zinsmeyer appointed first employee (part time).
First national conference held in Washington, DC.
1976
![img_1976.png](/image/11864369.1698437957000/img_1976.png)
SMPS incorporates as nonprofit corporation.
First Southeast Regional Conference held in Atlanta, GA.
National office opens in St. Louis, MO.
1978
![img_1978.png](/image/11864371.1698437958000/img_1978.png)
Marketing Information Report published, “The Marketing Coordinator.”
First full time employee hired.
1980
![img_1980.png](/image/11864373.1698437958000/img_1980.png)
First issue of Marketer published.
First salary and expense survey of members conducted.
1987
![img_1987.png](/image/11864374.1698437958000/img_1987.png)
Diane Creel is the recipient of the first Marketing Achievement Award.
![img_1992.png](/image/11864375.1698437958000/img_1992.png)
SMPS Foundation is formed.
SMPS Foundation published its first research report.
1992
1994
![img_1994.png](/image/11864378.1698437958000/img_1994.png)
Society for Marketing Professional Services Handbook published.
Testing and certification programs begin.
1998
![img_1998.png](/image/11864379.1698437957000/img_1998.png)
Fellows Recognition Program established.
2003
![img_2003.png](/image/11864381.1698437958000/img_2003.png)
First policy statement on diversity is approved.
2011
![2011.png](/image/11864390.1698712936000/2011.png)
SMPS University: Leadership Advancement Program begins.
![img_2018.png](/image/11864384.1698437957000/img_2018.png)
SMPS launches a new brand starring Revolutionary Orange and Business Black.
2018
2022
![img_2022_b.png](/image/11864386.1698437958000/img_2022_b.png)
The annual conference is renamed Amplify A|E|C.
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