Greater Cincinnati SMPS

In this issue

Promote Your Firm - Sponsor GCSMPS

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to promote your company and connect with different stakeholders from the A/E/C community. Become a Sponsor! SMPS is looking for partners for the remainder of the 2019-2020 year.

If you would like more details, contact Jason Weier, Engineered Building Systems, Director of Sponsorship at [email protected] or 859.669.1935

Member Spotlight

Elsie Mort, CPSM, is Internal Communications Specialist for Woolpert.

The Society of Marketing Professionals has been active since 1973 and is growing rapidly. What made you want to get involved with the organization?

I joined SMPS to learn from and make connections with a community of experts in AEC marketing

What kind of lasting impact do you hope to have in our industry?

I hope to be an advocate for increased collaboration between external marketing and internal engagement. Brands nowadays need to live and breathe their message, and the AEC industry is no exception. Clients and employees alike expect responsibility for consistent values and brand both internally and externally.

When you’re not working or volunteering, how do you like to spend your free time?

I like researching whatever my obsession happens to be at the time (right now I’m doing internet deep dives into the good, bad, and ugly stories of brands attempting to use edgy humor.) I’m also working on a book of illustrated children’s poetry. I swear someday I’ll get it done! The final primary fixation in my life is a deep love for little doggies. They are, simply put, the best.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar 4

Make Good Marketing: Why Analytics Matter

Do you know what you clients expect, need, want and desire? Google Analytics knows.

TWITTER FEED

@CINCINNATISMPS #gcsmps

Quick Links

March 2020

From the President

All,

I hope you are all staying well during this time of change and uncertainty. The way we work is evolving daily. To address this new need, Greater Cincinnati SMPS is organizing a series of brief, interactive virtual education sessions focusing on how we can continue to add value to our firms in troubled times. We are lucky to have several SMPS veterans who are willing to contribute to these conversations. Our first session will be this Friday at 1:30 p.m. and will be led by inimitable leaders, Megan Miller and Bethany Smith. Future topics may include:

What It Takes to Run a Great Virtual Meeting
How to continue BD efforts and sell work for your firm
Staying positive in tough times
Wellness for your People – the importance of checking in
Improving workflow remotely

As always, if you have ideas or needs that you feel would benefit a larger audience, please reach out to me or any member of the Board.

In related news, we are pushing back several deadlines in response to the recent change in working landscape. Updates on this are as follows.

The Dress for Success Campaign will be extended through May 1, 2020.
The Annual Awards Campaign deadline will be extended to May 15, 2020.

Hopefully, this means you have more time to polish your submittals for our awards program! As a reminder, this year's GCSMPS categories include:

Please note that all in-person events are dependent on the varying circumstances. We will reach out to all registered attendees of all events should changes occur. I appreciate your patience during this time.

Jen Sturges, CPSM
Greater Cincinnati SMPS President

Calendar of Events

Education: Virtual Panel

April 03, 2020
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Zoom Room

What It Takes to Run a Great Virtual Meeting
We’re all working differently, and in a time of social distancing and stay at home orders, virtual meetings have become a way of life for everyone. After working from home for five years, Megan Miller, CPSM, will give a quick virtual education session reviewing best practices for holding effective virtual meetings. Following the presentation, we will have a Q&A session on virtual meetings, moderated by Bethany Smith, CPSM.

Programs: Spring Tour

The world's first reinforced concrete skyscraper is being renovated by HGC Construction. It will have a second life as an upscale hotel. Get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek with GCSMPS in May 2020, date TBD.

Call for Nominations

Deadline Extended to April 6: Submit Your Entries Online

The Marketing Communications Awards program is a great way to showcase creativity, marketing best practices, and results. In this year’s program, you can choose from more than 20 categories. If you’d still like to enter, we’re accepting online submissions through April 6.

LEARN MORE

Cocktails & Commendations: GCSMPS Annual Meeting and Awards

2019/2020 GCSMPS Awards are now open. These awards recognize leadership, achievements and accomplishments. Self nominations are encouraged, as well as nominations from members and nonmembers. The award will be presented during the Greater Cincinnati SMPS Annual Meeting, "Cocktails and Commendations," on June 25, 2020.

This year's GCSMPS categories include:

Please note that awards must be submitted by Friday, April 24, 2020. More details are included in the links above.

Help others Dress for Success

To continue keeping everyone as safe and healthy as possible, we have extended the deadline for our Repurpose with a Purpose: Dress for Success event. Each firm now has until May 1 to clean out your closet and be entered to win a $200 gift card!

SMPS HQ Link

Defining Your Firm’s Value Path

Identifying your unique selling position is more important than ever. During our webinar, discover four ways to deliver value to transform your client’s project—and earn trust from clients.
Access to the on-demand recording is included.
1.5 CEUs

READ MORE

A/E/Courses

Our new, virtual courses enhance marketing and design skills, whether just starting out or needing a refresher. Complimentary to SMPS members through May 31, 2020: use code HQcares2020.
CEUs vary

READ MORE

Board Announcements

From the Treasurer:

Refunds for Cancelled Events

We have initiated refunds for Adobe InDesign Training and Trends in Healthcare Development events. The person who paid for the registration should have received an email outlining the amount to be refunded. Refunds are returned to the credit card that was used to pay for the original registration and will be credited back to your card in 5-7 days. Email [email protected] with any questions.

New and Renewed Members

We a grateful for the following members for renewing their membership, and we extend a warm welcome to our newest member!

Renewed Members:

Kristin DeBord, Schaefer
Ali Hubbard, HGC Group of Companies
Lindsey Montgomery, The Kleingers Group
Suzanne Parkey, Parkey Design
Lindsey Wolanczyk, Woolpert

New Members:

Deidre Sagraves, BHDP