Full Sail Partners Blog
While much of the country endured 100+ temperatures, the attendees at the annual Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Build Business Conference in San Francisco experienced daily highs of 72 degrees. Although the temperatures were low, the event was burning with energy as attendee's embraced this year's theme of "Take Action".
At the conference, Deltek announced a strategic alliance with SMPS. The partnership will include identifying best practices and trends to advance technology's role in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Additionally, mySMPS added a collaborative space for Deltek Users and SMPS members to interact, ask questions, and provide feedback on improvements.
Full Sail Partners is a proud supporter of SMPS as demonstrated through active involvement of its employees and consultants. Full Sail Partners’ CRM Consultant Kevin Hebblethwaite officially took on the role of SMPS National President and announced the board’s plans for the upcoming year. A “scan” of the marketplace through a survey has been deployed to the SMPS membership. The purpose of the survey is to incorporate the feedback into the society’s long-term plans. The survey currently has a 24% response rate and is expected to continue to increase. Expected key initiatives, supported by survey responses, include marketing integration, expansion of SMPS’ education offerings, and the development of operational standards and toolkits for local chapters.
At the event, Kevin brought a chuckle to the audience as he officially announced he's "weird" and encouraged others to embody a spirit of thinking that is not limited by sticking with the norm. Kevin explains further that “politely shaking things up a bit can often short-circuit the path to success in areas such as relationship development, process improvement and differentiation.”
Full Sail's Director of Marketing and Business Development, Sarah Gonnella, also attended the event and is entering her second year term on the SMPS National board's Technology Committee and contributes to SMPS Connection and the Marketer. At the end of August, Sarah rolls off of the SMPS Atlanta Board and joins Kevin Hebblethwaite as a Past President of the Chapter. Both are proud to be part of such a strong chapter, which received 1st place Striving for Excellence Awards for website and large chapter. “SMPS is one of the best organizations in the AEC industry. I encourage those involved in business development, marketing and strategic planning at their company to actively get involved. The organization really does advocate, educate, and connect members,” remarked Sarah Gonnella. To find out more about the a, e, and c of SMPS view this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syHFDKAxsW4.
Scott Seal, Director of Service Development, is a new comer to the SMPS network and joins the host chapter, San Francisco. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about the organization and I look forward to getting involved on a local level. The conference was a great way to kick-off my experience. As demonstrated by the awards, I’m excited to be associated with such a great chapter,” commented Scott Seal. The San Francisco Chapter's President, Alethea O'Dell, was recognized as the President of the Year. Her gracious acceptance speech brought laughs and tears to the audience as she thanked her "Big, Bold, Bad A$$" board and committee members.
Full Sail Partners looks forward to “Dreaming Big” in Orlando, Florida at next year’s conference and encourages you to share your story about SMPS or your conference experience.