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VOLUME 43 | ISSUE 6 | NOV/DEC 2024
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CEO’S MESSAGE

The future isn't waiting; it's ours to build.

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MARCI D. THOMPSON, DES
Marci D. Thompson, DES is the Chief Executive Officer at SMPS. A proven strategist and leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation, revenue, and impact for associations, Marci is well-positioned to accelerate the Society’s progress and guide SMPS into the future.
She is committed to ensuring the strategic direction for growth and relevancy amidst the continually evolving A/E/C industries.
As we celebrate this year’s achievements, we’re reminded that excellence in business growth requires more than ambition; it demands a future-ready approach that empowers our members and their firms to thrive in a dynamic landscape. At SMPS, we see excellence as the strategic foundation upon which meaningful, sustainable growth is built.

Redefining Excellence: A Bold Vision for SMPS and the A/E/C Industries

2024 has been a year of momentum, transformation, and a renewed focus on driving meaningful change. As I reflect on the achievements of SMPS and our extraordinary community, I am energized by the bold opportunities that lie ahead. We are not merely evolving; we are reimagining what's possible for marketing, business development, and leadership in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industries.

Catalysts for Growth

At the heart of our progress are the professionals who challenge convention and embrace innovation. This year, we launched new awards to recognize the trailblazers among us—those redefining leadership, business development, and marketing innovation. The addition of Emerging Leader of the Year, Business Developer of the Year, and Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year honors the creative minds shaping our future.
But recognition is only the beginning. Our programs, such as AEC.AI™, delivered immersive learning experiences that equipped over 300 professionals with the tools to navigate artificial intelligence's transformative potential. This is not just keeping pace with change; this is leading it.

Innovation Through Action

Innovation demands action. This year, we expanded our digital-first experience for the Marketer, amplifying accessibility and reader engagement. Our members spoke, and we listened—delivering webinars, workshops, and resources that address the real challenges firms face today, from mastering AI to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and culture.
We leaned into the power of connection through LinkedIn, growing our followers to over 16,000 and launching the A/E/C Unplugged series, a fresh take on community engagement. These platforms are not just tools; they're spaces where ideas flourish and where we shape the dialogue driving our industry forward.

A Commitment to Equity and Access

Diversity fuels innovation, and equity ensures access. From our DEI certificate program to the Zinsmeyer Scholarship for students at historically Black colleges and universities, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive profession. Through our DEI town halls, we've created opportunities for dialogue and action, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to inclusion.

Bold Leadership for a Bold Future

Leadership is about more than guiding; it's about inspiring and empowering. Over 1,500 volunteers contributed their time and talent this year; their impact cannot be overstated. Together, we've created a network that celebrates ideas, drives progress, and elevates every member.
As a CEO, I am driven by the belief that we are stewards of something greater—a community of innovators, creators, and leaders who see not just what is but what could be. In the year ahead, we will continue pushing boundaries, challenging assumptions, and creating opportunities for everyone in the A/E/C industries to thrive.
The future isn't waiting; it's ours to build. Let's move forward—together.
Marci D. Thompson, DES
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