www.smps.org

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) was created in 1973 by a small group of professional services firm leaders who recognized the need to sharpen skills, pool resources, and work together to create business opportunities. Today, the association has a membership of 5,300+ marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and specialty-consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada . The Carolinas Chapter, originally chartered in 1981, was one of the first six local SMPS chapters in the United States . Reinstated in January of 2000, the Chapter now has nearly 80 members.

SMPS offers a marketing conference, national seminars, awards programs, publications, and educational resources to highlight some of the latest trends in marketing and business development in the design and construction industries. In addition, SMPS' 50 chapters hold educational events and regular meetings nationwide.

Educational Programs

Each year, SMPS National and chapters offer continuous learning seminars and networking events on topics including market research, marketing planning, client and business development, proposals, promotional activity, and information, resource, and organizational management.

National Marketing Conference

A National SMPS Conference is held annually at locations throughout the United States. Check out www.smps.org for more information on the National Conference for this year.

Certification

SMPS is proud to offer the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program. To earn the CPSM designation, candidates must meet educational and experience requirements, pass a rigorous written examination, and pledge to abide by the CPSM Code of Ethics. Successful candidates are recognized as having the knowledge and skills to generate profitable business in the architectural, engineering, and construction marketplace.
Click here for more information on CPSM Certification.

Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketers

Awards Programs

Marketing Communications Awards: The annual SMPS Marketing Communications Awards recognize outstanding marketing vehicles created by architectural, engineering, design, and construction firms. Awards are presented in 16 categories; in addition, a small-firm award winner is named in each category.

Marketing Achievement Award: The annual Marketing Achievement Award salutes an individual whose achievements and lasting contributions to the industry are exemplary. To be eligible for consideration, a nominee must be an SMPS member and have demonstrated significant and measurable accomplishments in research, education, leadership, marketing, and innovation.

Chapter President of the Year: The Chapter President of the Year Award recognizes a current chapter president who exemplifies excellence in leadership that builds a stronger, more vital chapter-the foundation of SMPS.

Striving for Excellence Program: The Striving for Excellence Program recognizes chapters for outstanding educational programming and membership promotional campaigns. Chapter entries become part of a resource library of quality program materials accessible to chapters upon request.

Resources

Marketing Resource Center : The Online Marketing Resource Center at www.smpsbooks.com features educational materials geared toward seasoned marketers and technical professionals looking for assistance with marketing and business development. Structured around the Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketers, the user-friendly site hosts a variety of educational resources on market research, marketing planning, client and business development, proposals, promotional activity, and information, resource, and organizational management. Users can review the detailed list of knowledge areas and skill sets for each domain, then browse for books and purchase these items online.

Marketer: The Marketer is the Society's bimonthly journal, reporting on current business development and marketing practices, issues, and trends. Articles are contributed by industry practitioners and experts. Issued in February, April, June, August, October, and December.

Foundation: The SMPS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded to promote research and education that advances the body of knowledge of professional services marketing and develops a greater understanding of the role and value of marketing in the building industry.