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SUBMIT
SMPS Headquarters
625 North Washington Street
Suite 302 Alexandria, VA 22314-1936
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FEATURE
By Shay Dingfelder
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MAGAZINE ARCHIVE
VOLUME 43 ISSUE 2
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“Dingfelder? You’re a speaker! Welcome to Amplify!” a volunteer exclaimed as I smiled and peered into my goodie bag, discovering a branded notebook, pen, and a 50th-anniversary pin. I paused to survey the hallway brimming with excitement—people hugging, laughing, and sharing stories. In that moment, I knew this was my place.
You see, I am an extrovert. I love talking to new people and making connections. Sitting down for the opening ceremony was a challenge as I already had two fistfuls of business cards I was trying to wrangle into my pockets, along with my Amplify A|E|C swag and other treasures from the conference. As the lights dimmed and the bass of the subwoofers rumbled, I cheered and stood up as a voice came over the PA system: “Welcome to Amplify A|E|C 2023!” My first experience at the conference coincided with the 50th anniversary of SMPS—pretty lucky if you ask me. The production and celebration amazed me, and I felt honored to be at such a special event in the Society’s history. Fawn Radmanich, FSMPS, CPSM, from the conference committee, had invited me to speak on a panel about the transformative power of video in marketing strategies. Conversations with her and my manager, Damion Morris, CPSM and SMPS titan, heightened my anticipation for the conference. I was eager to engage with peers and learn from people I respect who shared similar experiences at PCL Construction Services, Inc

I paused to survey the hallway brimming with excitement—people hugging, laughing, and sharing stories. In that moment, I knew this was my place.
Finding a community within my professional sphere has always been a priority for me. As a novice in the A/E/C industries, I sought my tribe, and it took merely the opening address by SMPS leadership at Amplify A|E|C to confirm I had found it. The collective expertise, shared experiences, emotional investment, and passion were palpable. Amid the applause and laughter, I had my epiphany: “This is it, Shay. You’ve found what you’ve been seeking.” I finally found my true marketing tribe.
Navigating from session to session, I absorbed insights on artificial-intelligence advancements in marketing, industry best practices, and narratives from influential A/E/C leaders. Amplify A|E|C transformed me into not only a superior marketer but a more enriched individual. Discovering one’s community is invaluable, and Amplify A|E|C made it a reality for me.
My speaking session resonated well with attendees, connecting me with numerous like-minded professionals from many different firms throughout the country. With every handshake and hug, I felt closer to what makes Amplify A|E|C and SMPS so great: the ability to literally Amplify your voice as a marketer. I felt like the community accepted me with open arms.
During the opening, former SMPS CEO, Michael Geary, CAE and founding member Andy Zinsmeyer insightfully highlighted the pivotal and historical role of marketers to drive innovation in the A/E/C industries. I left with a profound understanding of my potential to effect change and drive innovations within my firm—a realization that transcends any entry fee. Purpose is powerful, and to find that purpose in my work made Amplify A|E|C mean that much more to me.
Months after Amplify A|E|C, those stacks of business cards that filled my pockets helped me establish lasting relationships with marketers across the country. I know that some will take different twists and turns, but others will be around for a very long time. I am thankful for SMPS and the conference for providing this great opportunity to relate, learn, and grow together as we drive A/E/C industries to new heights.
With a year’s worth of experience and a lifetime ahead, I assertively state that Amplify A|E|C ignited my passion for A/E/C marketing. I now see it as the recommendable hub for marketers in search of their community.
I am thankful for SMPS and the conference for providing this great opportunity to relate, learn, and grow together as we drive A/E/C industries to new heights.
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Shay Dingfelder is a Marketing Project Manager at PCL Construction in Los Angeles. As a digital marketing and communications professional, Shay excels at developing strategic brand campaigns that emphasize new media techniques, video production, and branded storytelling, to support pursuits and brand awareness for PCL California Buildings. A football guy at heart, Shay applies his experience as a former offensive lineman to promote the attitude of teamwork, selflessness, and “pushing the pile” when it comes to building success at PCL.
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