Here Comes the Wave: Pacific Regional Conference Preview!
It’s official! Here comes the new Wave: “Evolution”! This new year, SMPS is going to sweep Sacramento for two and a half days with the Pacific Regional Conference (PRC) and I can’t wait to join my SMPS friends and colleagues on Jan 19.
Don’t get left behind! Let’s get up to speed on the schedule, including the reception, pre-conference workshop, break-out sessions, and, of course, the Thursday Night Social and Friday Night Farewell.
Wednesday, Jan. 19
Coach the Coaches: Facilitating a Winning Approach for Shortlisted Teams (8:30AM-1:30PM)
Meg Winch and her team at Communication Resources Northwest (CRNW) will let us in on their unique and proprietary approach to A/E/C shortlist interview coaching. And guess what? This has been proven to work for a broad range of project types and teams! Join this fast-paced, focused, and interactive half-day program that will focus on both large group training and small group application of new skills. **Please note registration is now full.
Evolve: Trust and Vulnerability Make for Life-Long Connections (3:30-5PM)
Do you want to hear some stories? Yes, I said “STORIES”!
Be present at the Keynote where speakers Frank Lippert, FSMPS, CPSM, and Donna Corlew, FSMPS, CPSM, will share some of their early life experiences, and how they have shaped their careers, as well as some tips on how you can find your own story.
Did you know that Donna grew up on a working dairy farm? Or that Frank has an artist uncle who inspired his creativity from his earliest childhood? Can you imagine that Donna almost killed Frank when she first met him?
Beyond the keynote, we’ll learn how these little stories build a relationship. We’ll even practice a little.
Welcome Reception (5-6:30PM) followed by Restaurant Round Up
Don’t forget to bring your drink tickets to socialize and network!
Thursday, Jan. 20
Break-out Educational Sessions (8:30AM-10AM)
On Thursday, the break-out sessions are tagged under three tracks:
Leadership and Management (Track 1) provides insight into the architecture of leadership framework, alignment in strategic planning implementation, and actions to recession-proof the firm.
Marketing Best Practices (Track 2) level up photography of your work, learn the science behind how to approach proposal content and master the art of training your professional staff.
Business Development (Track 3) will help you evolve your career and optimize success in cultivating synergistic relationships.
Afternoon Keynote: Run Your Own Race – Let the World Chase You (12:30-2PM)
You wouldn’t want to miss the journey of this crowned beauty queen turned military pilot!!!
Lt. Col (ret) Patricia Murray is no stranger to high stress and dynamic situations, yet she has broken the glass ceiling by developing positive harmonious relationships along her unique journey. Her keynote session will focus on finding the strength and determination to succeed on your own terms, turning any failure into opportunity, and stopping to look along the way. Patricia will detail her seven-step process to staying focused on goals, while staying true to yourself to win your own race.
Thursday Night Social @ Flatstick (6:30-9:30PM)
Swing, putt and hit! Don’t miss your fun at a whacky indoor mini-golf course and Duffleboard. Be there to see how PRC evolved!
Friday, Jan. 21
Break-out Educational Sessions (8:30AM-10AM)
On Friday, the break-out sessions are tagged under three tracks:
Leadership and Management (Track 1) unpacks the future that influences brands and trends in A/E/C and how to evolve Marketing and HR from being perfect strangers to bosom buddies.
Marketing Best Practices (Track 2) teaches how to create a digital marketing program and ponder proposals to understand the life cycle of a pursuit.
Business Development (Track 3) will provide strategies to establish vetting processes for potential clients and methods for staying at the top of their minds.
Closing Session (12:30-2PM)
Join us in celebrating Thomas E. Smith, Jr., AICP, FSMPS, CPSM’s distinguished Weld Cox Marketing Achievement Award by SMPS at BB 2021 while he reminisces more about his memorable SMPS journey.
Bid adieu to 2022 PRC at the Friday Farewell Mixer (4:30-7:30PM) with farm-to-table appetizers and signature cocktails. Limited spaces available—reserve your spot here.
There’s still time if you haven’t registered yet. Registration will be open through this Friday (Jan. 7). Visit www.smps-prc.org for more information.
Mask up and I hope to see you in the “city in the midst of evolution,” Sacramento!
Mahalakshmi Balachandran is a Senior Associate at McCullough Landscape Architecture, a group of curious dreamers influencing space by a mindful practice that merges context and creative passion with grit, soul, and style. Maha has been a member of the SMPS since 2017. She currently volunteers with the Membership Committee and co-chairs the Buddy Program.
