President-Elect's Message: June 2025
Spring into Summer with SMPS SFBAC: A Look Back at Inspiring Programs & What's Next!
What an incredible run we've had at the SMPS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter! From diving deep into cutting-edge strategies to fostering a more inclusive industry, your Chapter has been buzzing with fantastic opportunities designed to empower our amazing members. Let's take a moment to celebrate the triumphs of the past month and get excited for the vibrant summer ahead!
Reflecting on a Month of Momentum!
May and early June were packed with impactful events that truly showcased our community's strength:
NextGen Marketing Academy (May 9th): Our A/E/C marketers leveled up their game at this dynamic academy! From mastering time management and building robust CRM systems to excelling in strategic interviews and crafting compelling stories, attendees gained actionable skills. Plus, we even explored the exciting integration of AI into marketing practices – talk about future-proofing your career! A big shout-out to all the volunteers who made this program a success!
Building an Inclusive Future: DEI Insights for the A/E/C Industry (May 29th): This vital event sparked powerful conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Industry leaders shared invaluable insights on starting and sustaining DEI programs, navigating legal considerations, and cultivating truly inclusive company cultures. It was an inspiring session that equipped us all to be champions for a more equitable industry. A huge thank you to Talina Hansen and Kerry Gudjohnsen for their passion and commitment!
"Make it Pop!" - Proposal Design for the Non-Designer (June 17th): For all our members looking to add that extra sparkle to their proposals, this session was a game-changer! Attendees walked away with practical tips and tricks to make their design work stand out, even without a design background. More impactful proposals mean more wins – and that's something to celebrate
Your Summer Adventure with SMPS SFBAC Awaits!
The energy doesn't stop there – we're absolutely thrilled for our upcoming summer gatherings, designed for connection and camaraderie:
Regional Summer Meetup - North Bay (June 18th): Get ready to mingle, share insights, and build your network with peers in the North Bay!
Regional Summer Meetup - South Bay (June 19th): South Bay members, this is your scoop! Don't miss this chance to connect, catch up, and enjoy a sweet ice cream social with fellow industry professionals!
Regional Summer Meetup - East Bay (June 20th): East Bay folks, join us for a morning of caffeine, connection, and career chat! Grab a beverage and snack while you network and engage in career-focused conversation.
Regional Summer Meetup – San Francisco (June 26th): San Francisco members, this is your chance to connect, catch up, and enjoy some relaxed networking with fellow industry professionals!
And keep your eyes peeled for more exciting programs and networking opportunities that we're busy planning for July and August, including a project tour, client panel, and more! Your summer of growth and connection is just getting started!
Our Board's Commitment: Full Steam Ahead!
We want to express our sincere thanks to Hildegard Dodd for her dedicated service as Chapter President. For those of you who may not have seen, she recently announced her resignation due to personal reasons. During this transition, the SMPS SFBAC Board of Directors remains fully engaged and incredibly excited for the remainder of this term. As a united body, we are committed to continuing to bring you the high-value programming and initiatives you've come to expect.
We are an all-volunteer organization, and it's the passion and participation of each and every one of you – whether you're leading a committee, attending an event, or simply bringing your curiosity – that truly helps our Chapter thrive.
We can't wait to see you at our next event, energized and ready to shape the future of our industry together!
Marilynn Stratton, our SMPS SFBAC President-Elect, was our chapter’s Marketer of the Year in 2023 and holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Kier + Wright.
