Uncategorized – SMPS Website https://smps.org Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:46:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://smps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/favicon-32x32-1.png Uncategorized – SMPS Website https://smps.org 32 32 Membership Corner April 2026 https://smps.org/2026/04/06/membership-corner-april-2026/ https://smps.org/2026/04/06/membership-corner-april-2026/#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:44:14 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=55548

Welcome to April, chapter leaders, and thank you for your time and dedication as a chapter volunteer. Below are a few membership-related resources and updates, including HQ office hours, membership policy changes, and group membership discounts. If you have any questions, please reach out to membership@smps.org.

Bylaws Office Hours: Final two sessions!

Do you have questions about the Model Bylaws that are specific to your chapter? Curious how other chapters are navigating the adoption process? Join us for one of our last two Bylaws Office Hours. They take place on Wednesdays from 1:30-2 p.m. ET. Our last two sessions will be held today, April 1, and next week on April 8.

This is an informal drop-in session. Come anytime within the 30-minute window to ask questions, talk through scenarios, and hear what other chapters are doing.

We look forward to supporting you through the process. We’ll be using Zoom, so please keep this link handy.

Chapter Membership Activity

Have a new or reinstating member? SMPS HQ is currently testing new functionality where chapters will be notified within 24 hours of new and reinstated members joining. In addition, at the beginning of each month, chapters will receive a list of the members due to expire at the end of that same month, and a list of members who have 10 days remaining before being dropped (expiration date + 70-day grace period). In the interim, these members can be found within your chapter queries.

Foundation-donate

Now during the membership online renewal process, there’s an option to donate to the SMPS Foundation. Donations help the Foundation provide research, publications, and resources that drive industry growth and innovation for SMPS members and their firms. 

2026 Membership Policy Changes and Clarifications: Membership Transfers and Refer a Member

Membership Transfers

Transferring an SMPS membership, from one colleague to another, supports members whose role has changed. As a result, the remaining time of the current membership may be passed on to another person/colleague at no additional cost. Previously, SMPS was liberal in its transfer administration. However, due to select cases, we revisited the policy. Effective January 2026, a firm may only transfer a membership once per calendar year and/or renewal cycle. 

To facilitate a transfer, please encourage the active/departing member to email membership@smps.org with the name, firm name, and email of the person who should receive the remaining membership time. In turn, HQ will conduct outreach and complete the transfer. For chapter leaders, the active member roster query denotes transferred-in members.

Refer a member

Active members are granted a three-month membership extension for referring a new member. To receive the extension, a referred member must provide the name of the referrer within their smps.org account at the time of joining. Or, the referrer may share the same details by emailing membership@smps.org. Either action must take place within 30 days of the new member joining.

Group Membership discount

SMPS will offer firms that have a minimum of five new members, all joining at the same time, a 10% overall discount. Once a firm (or chapter) identifies the prospects, please email the list of names to membership@smps.org. HQ will instruct on next steps.

SMPS HQ Comp Membership: Each year, chapters are given one free membership ($449 value) to provide to a new or renewing member. For a new member with no previous membership history (or record), they would need to begin at smps.org, click “login” in the upper right-hand corner, and “create an account.”  Once they’ve done this step, the chapter should email HQ at membership@smps.org so that we can apply the chapter’s complimentary membership accordingly.

That’s for this month’s Membership Corner. See you next month!

]]> https://smps.org/2026/04/06/membership-corner-april-2026/feed/ 0 SMPS Member Spotlight: Amber Burke https://smps.org/2026/03/06/smps-member-spotlight-amber-burke/ https://smps.org/2026/03/06/smps-member-spotlight-amber-burke/#respond Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:15:20 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=55098

In our member spotlight, Amber Burke sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS HQ. Amber, who’s marketing manager for Engineering Economics, Inc. (EEI), has been in the AEC industry for 30 years and an SMPS member for just as long!

Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. Since joining EEI, I’ve had the opportunity to support key initiatives at a pivotal growth stage for the company. Recent highlights include contributing to a successful brand refresh, leading the Deltek CRM conversion, and helping build a strong, collaborative marketing and business development team. I’m currently leading an open asset integration initiative to streamline and accelerate proposal development, improving efficiency, consistency, and speed to market. Alongside this work, I continue to source new leads and assist with business development to support EEI’s continued growth and expansion.

Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. Giving back to my community is important to me, which is why I volunteer my time and marketing expertise with my local woman’s club. Through fundraising, scholarships, and service initiatives, we work to strengthen families and create lasting impact.

What has been one of your most meaningful projects? One of my most meaningful experiences has been working on projects where I’m involved from the ground floor, bringing the right team together, guiding the effort through proposal and interview, and ultimately seeing the engineering services bring the vision to life. Renovation projects are equally rewarding, especially when existing spaces are thoughtfully reimagined and given new purpose. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch both new and renovated projects progress from concept to completion and to know they’re making a real, positive impact on the community. A great example is the Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI. Being part of that project was especially thrilling, seeing the arena open in 2018 and later watching the Bucks win the NBA Championship in 2021 made it even more meaningful.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? Everything in marketing is perception. Every touchpoint shapes how clients see your firm, projects, people, responsiveness, and consistency. Strong marketing builds confidence in your ability to deliver long before a conversation ever happens. It’s all in the details. If it’s visible, it matters. Paying attention to details means being intentional at every touchpoint.

What the best professional advice you’ve given? Commit to continuous improvement and lifelong learning. In AEC marketing, change is constant, tools, platforms, and client expectations evolve rapidly. Sustainable success requires professionals to be proactive in expanding their knowledge through industry thought leadership, business literature (books), SMPS engagement, and ongoing professional development. This approach builds careers that are not only relevant today, but adaptable, resilient, and positioned for long-term impact.

Why is SMPS membership important to you? It’s important to me because it connects marketing professionals who truly understand the unique challenges of the AEC industry. Through SMPS, I’ve gained access to industry-specific education, best practices, and a strong professional network. It’s helped me grow my skills, stay current on trends, and approach my work more strategically. For my firm, SMPS has provided valuable insights into positioning, pursuit strategy, and client-focused marketing, ultimately strengthening how we tell our story and compete in the market.

Which SMPS member benefits or resources have helped you? The most important SMPS benefit to my career, both professionally and personally, has been the nationwide network of marketers. Having access to peers across the country who are willing to collaborate, support business development efforts, and serve as trusted resources has been invaluable. Just as meaningful are the friendships built through SMPS, which have become one of the greatest resources in my professional career.

If you’re a CPSM, how has the designation benefited you and your firm? While I’m not currently a CPSM, it’s a designation I fully intend to pursue. I actively invest in my own professional education, along with my employer. I believe continuous learning is essential in marketing where strategies, tools, and client expectations evolve constantly. I make it a priority to stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and emerging approaches, so I can bring fresh, relevant ideas to my firm. The CPSM designation aligns well with how I already approach my role, focused on strategic thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What would you still like to accomplish in your career? I’ve always been drawn to international business, and one of my long-term goals is to help expand my firm’s presence globally, whether that’s through international partnerships, new markets, or cross-border collaboration. Being part of that kind of growth, and helping my company scale beyond its current footprint, is something I’d find incredibly rewarding.

What’s on your bucket list? I’m excited to continue progressing in my career by taking on increasingly complex challenges, expanding my leadership responsibilities, and making a meaningful impact through my work. Long term, I’m motivated by opportunities to help shape strategy, mentor others, and contribute at a senior leadership level to EEI’s success.

Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? Spin class at 5 a.m.; I can’t live without it.

]]> https://smps.org/2026/03/06/smps-member-spotlight-amber-burke/feed/ 0 Membership Corner: March 2026 https://smps.org/2026/02/27/membership-corner-march-2026/ https://smps.org/2026/02/27/membership-corner-march-2026/#respond Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:44:37 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=55015

Welcome to March, chapter leaders! Below are a few membership-related resources and updates that may come in handy. But first, SMPS HQ has a new staff member! Please help us welcome Isaiah Carpizo, coordinator of membership and chapter support, who joined SMPS in January. In his role, Isaiah will support members and chapter leaders with day-to-day membership and chapter operations.

Bylaws Office Hours

 

Have questions about the Model Bylaws that are specific to your chapter? Curious how other chapters are navigating the adoption process?


Join us for Bylaws Office Hours every Wednesday starting March 11 through April 8, from 1:30-2 p.m. ET. This is an informal drop-in session. Come anytime within the 30-minute window to ask questions, talk through scenarios, and hear what other chapters are doing.


We look forward to supporting you through the process! 


We’ll be using Zoom, so please keep this link handy!


Chapter Membership Activity: Have a new or reinstating member? As we speak, we are testing the new functionality where chapters will be notified within 24 hours of new and reinstated members joining. In addition, at the beginning of each month, chapters will receive a list of the members due to expire at the end of that same month, and a list of members who have 10 days remaining before being dropped (expiration date + 70-day grace period).  In the interim, these members can be found within your chapter queries.

Foundation-donate: Now during the membership online renewal process, there’s an option to donate to the SMPS Foundation. Donations help the Foundation provide research, publications, and resources that drive industry growth and innovation for SMPS members and their firms.

2026 Membership Policy Changes and Clarifications: Membership Transfers and Refer a Member:

Membership Transfers

Transferring an SMPS membership, from one colleague to another, supports members whose role has changed. As a result, the remaining time of the current membership may be passed on to another person/colleague at no additional cost. Previously, SMPS was liberal in its transfer administration. However, due to select cases, we revisited the policy. Effective January 2026, a firm may only transfer a membership once per calendar year and/or renewal cycle. 

To facilitate a transfer, please encourage the active/departing member to email membership@smps.org with the name, firm name, and email of the person who should receive the remaining membership time. In turn, HQ will conduct outreach and complete the transfer. For chapter leaders, the active member roster query denotes transferred-in members.

Refer a member

Active members are granted a three-month membership extension for referring a new member. To receive the extension, referred member must provide the name of the referrer within their smps.org account at the time of joining. Or, the referrer may share the same details by emailing membership@smps.org. Either action must take place within 30 days of the new member joining.

Group Membership discount: SMPS will offer firms that have a minimum of five new members, all joining at the same time, a 10% overall discount. Once a firm (or chapter) identifies the prospects, please email the list of names to membership@smps.org. HQ will instruct on next steps.

SMPS HQ Comp Membership: Each year, chapters are afforded one free membership ($449 value) to provide to a new or renewing member. For the new member with no previous history (or record), they would need to begin at smps.org, click “login” in the upper right-hand corner, and “create an account.”  Once they’ve done this step, the chapter should email HQ at membership@smps.org so that we can apply the chapter comp membership accordingly.

Dropped (former) Member Survey Results: Below is a chart showing the results to a question from our dropped-member survey. You’ll see the top reason for not renewing is: I do not have the time to take advantage of membership. This information is valuable, and there may be some ways to address it at the chapter level and provide member value in various ways. For example:

  • Has your chapter considered offering programming on the same day(s) each month?
  • Does your chapter offer an events calendar in advance so your members can plan?
  • Have you considered programming organized by experience level, city, etc., and replicating it throughout?
  • Do you invite local AEC professionals to offer lunch and learn opportunities? The first 50 minutes could be educational and the remaining 10 could be used to pitch a company initiative.

That’s for this month’s Membership Corner. Thank you for your time and dedication as a chapter leader and volunteer! If you have any questions, please reach out to membership@smps.org.

]]> https://smps.org/2026/02/27/membership-corner-march-2026/feed/ 0 Membership Corner: February 2026 https://smps.org/2026/01/28/membership-corner-february-2026/ https://smps.org/2026/01/28/membership-corner-february-2026/#respond Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:26:02 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=54682

Welcome to February, chapter leaders! Here are a few membership-related resources that may come in handy.

Membership Open Office Hours:

Every other Thursday, from 3:30-4:30pm, ET and HQ staff is available to answer your membership, re:Members, and Bill Highway questions. If you don’t see the invite on your calendar, please email membership@smps.org.

Membership Chapter Activity Notification Emails: We are working with re:Members on a custom solution where chapter presidents and chapter membership chairs would be notified by email within 24 hours of new and reinstating members joining. As of this writing, a scope of work has been signed, and we expect this work will be completed no later than the end of February.

As always, you have access to 11-chapter queries via smps.org (left hand margin > Start> Queries > Query Center > All Queries)

(Note: Your chapter demographics query lives there, too.)

Member Directory: If you haven’t noticed the new filters within Advance Search, please take a look. Additional filters have been made available:

2026 Membership Policy Changes and clarifications:

Membership Transfers

The transferring of SMPS membership, from one colleague to another, supports members whose work role has changed intentionally or beyond their control.  As a result, the remaining time of the current membership may be passed on to another person/colleague at no additional cost.

Previously, SMPS was liberal in its transfer administration. However, due to select cases, and out of fairness for all, we revisited the policy and will still permit the transfer as described. However, effective January 2026, a firm may only transfer a membership once per calendar year and/or renewal cycle. 

We should encourage members who elect to transfer the remaining time of their membership to do so with several factors in mind. First, we must make it clear to the recipient of the remaining time that a renewal payment, in some cases, as little as one month from receipt, may be due. Second, the recipient should be a person who is committed to leveraging membership.

To facilitate a transfer, please encourage the active/departing member to email membership@smps.org with the name, firm name, and email of the person who should receive the remaining membership time. In turn, HQ will conduct outreach and complete the transfer. For chapter leaders, the active member roster query denotes transferred-in members.

Refer a member

Active members are granted a three-month membership extension (a gesture of appreciation) for referring to a new member. To receive the extension, referred member must provide the name of the referrer within their smps.org account at the time of joining. Or, if the referred member does not provide the referrer’s name, the referrer may share the same details by emailing membership@smps.org. Either action, by the referred or referrer, must take place within 30 days of the new member joining. One may refer endless new members (thank you!) but will receive only one three-month extension per calendar/renewal cycle.

Group Membership discount

Does a local firm finally want to get on board with SMPS? Wonderful! We will offer firms who have a minimum of five new members, all joining at the same time, a 10% overall discount. If they have more than five, that 10% still applies, assuming criteria are met.

Once a firm (or chapter) identifies the prospects, please email the list of names/contacts to membership@smps.org. HQ will instruct on next steps.

For less than $500 per year, members have access to resources and a network committed to their individual and firm success. An investment that is well worth it!

SMPS HQ Comp Membership: Each year, chapters are afforded one free membership ($449 value) to provide to a new or renewing member.  For the new member, with no previous history (or record), they would need to begin at smps.org, click Login in the upper right-hand corner, and “create an account.”  Once they’ve done so, the chapter should inform HQ via membership@smps.org and we will apply the chapter comp membership accordingly.

Membership Referrals: If a current member wants to partner with HQ to recruit new members, we will extend our appreciation to the referrer with a three-month membership extension. This appreciation will be recognized within 30 days of the new member joining.  Please encourage the new member/referred to provide the referrer’s details within their smps.org Account > Personal Info section.

Dropped (former) Member Survey Results: Below is a chart showing the results to a question from our dropped-member survey. You’ll see the top reason for not renewing is: I do not have the time to take advantage of membership. This information is quite valuable, and there may be some ways to address it at the chapter level. For example:

  • Has your chapter considered offering programming on the same day(s) each month?
  • Does your chapter offer an events calendar in advance so your members can plan?
  • Have you considered programming organized by experience level, city, etc., and replicating it throughout?
  • Do you invite local AECs to offer lunch and learn opportunities? The first 50 minutes could be educational and the remaining 10 could be used to pitch a company initiative.

These are just a few ways to teach and provide value to members in various ways.

Chapter Volunteer Preparedness Survey Results

At this point, chapter volunteers rate their preparedness to lead and fulfill responsibilities as 4.2 out of 5. If you would benefit from more training, please let us know. And it’s not too late to take the survey! Below are the results to one of the questions in the survey:

See you next time for the Membership Corner! Any questions? Reach out to SMPS membership at membership@smps.org.

]]> https://smps.org/2026/01/28/membership-corner-february-2026/feed/ 0 Membership Corner: December 2025 https://smps.org/2025/12/02/membership-corner-december-2025/ https://smps.org/2025/12/02/membership-corner-december-2025/#respond Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:08:19 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=54063

Welcome to December, chapter leaders! Here are a few membership-related resources that may come in handy.

Member Directory:  Thanks to our amazing community, the MySMPS Membership Directory is more powerful than ever. The directory has evolved and now you can search for members using several additional filters, including Fellow and CPSM designations. Please share the news with your chapter’s members!

The updated member directory was made possible in response to our request on October 17, when more than 1,300 members logged into smps.org and verified contact and/or firm demographics. Those who reviewed their information were entered for a chance to win a complimentary membership renewal or a complimentary on-demand webinar.

Congratulations to the following two members who were randomly chosen:

  • Eric Keens, SMPS Atlanta, who joined in 2008
  • Veronica Ritona, SMPS San Francisco, who joined in 2012

Membership and re:Members Office Hours: Most Thursdays, 3:30-4 p.m., ET. This is optional and available should you have any questions.

Membership Prospects: As a reminder, your non-member data should be sent to memberprospects@smps.org. Initially we’re focusing on the following data points. For example, does your chapter have a career center? Please share the non-members who use it, and SMPS HQ will take it from there.
1. Career Center
2. Education
3. Networking
4. Award submission
5. Bookstore
6. Website analytics
7. Sponsors
8. Foundation/donors
9. Student events

SMPS HQ Comp Membership: Each year, chapters are provided one free membership ($449 value) to bestow to a new or renewing member. For the new member, with no previous history (or record), they would need to begin at smps.org, click “Login” in the upper right-hand corner, and “create an account.”  Once that’s done, the chapter should inform HQ via membership@smps.org and we will apply the chapter comp membership accordingly.

SMPS Student Membership: Our students are our future! For $25 per year, students can gain access to a wealth of SMPS resources and network. The Society’s commitment to students is further evident in our partnership with the ACE Mentor Program. Active students/prospects may join online at smps.org. They will be required to confirm academic status, degree major, degree type, graduation year and upload a dated transcript or schedule.

Membership Referrals: Being connected within the AEC community has great benefits. In case you haven’t heard, we have Share SMPS: Refer a Friend program. Please let your chapter members know that if they refer a colleague who joins the Society as a new member, they’ll earn three additional months of membership. This appreciation will be recognized within 30 days of the new member joining.  Please encourage the new member/referred to provide the referrer’s details within their smps.org Account > Personal Info section.

Group Membership Discount: Does a local firm want to get on board with SMPS? Wonderful! If the firm has five new SMPS members, all joining at the same time, the firm will receive a 10% overall discount. If they have more than five joining,  that 10% still applies, assuming criteria are met. Once a firm (or chapter) identifies the prospects, please email the list of names/contacts to membership@smps.org. HQ will instruct them on next steps.

Why doesn’t one renew their membership? The top reason, at 24% is, “I do not have the time to take advantage of membership.”

See you next time for the Membership Corner! Any questions? Reach out to membership at membership@smps.org.

]]> https://smps.org/2025/12/02/membership-corner-december-2025/feed/ 0 Membership Corner: November 2025 https://smps.org/2025/10/31/membership-corner-november-2025/ https://smps.org/2025/10/31/membership-corner-november-2025/#respond Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:43:04 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=53701

Welcome to November, chapter leaders! Whether you’re the chapter membership chair or responsible for recruiting and retaining members and/or delivering membership value, this may be for you!

Membership and re:Members Office Hours: Most Thursdays, 3:30-4, ET. This is optional and available should you have any questions.

Membership Prospects: As a reminder, your non-member data should be sent to memberprospects@smps.org. Initially we’re focusing on the following data points. For example, does your chapter have a career center? Please share the non-members who use it, and SMPS HQ will take it from there.
1. Career Center
2. Education
3. Networking
4. Award submission
5. Bookstore
6. Website analytics
7. Sponsors
8. Foundation/donors
9. Student events

SMPS HQ Comp Membership: Each year, chapters are afforded one free membership ($449 value) to bestow to a new or renewing member. For the new member, with no previous history (or record), they would need to begin at smps.org, click “Login” in the upper right-hand corner, and “create an account.”  Once that’s done, the chapter should inform HQ via membership@smps.org and we will apply the chapter comp membership accordingly.

SMPS Student Membership: Our students are our future! For $25 per year, students can gain access to a wealth of SMPS resources and network. The Society’s commitment to students is further evident in our partnership with the ACE Mentor Program. Active students/prospects may join online at smps.org. They will be required to confirm academic status, degree major, degree type, graduation year and upload a dated transcript or schedule.

Membership Referrals: Being connected within the AEC community has great benefits. In case you haven’t heard, we have Share SMPS: Refer a Friend program. Please let your chapter members know that if they refer a colleague who joins the Society as a new member, they’ll earn three additional months of membership. This appreciation will be recognized within 30 days of the new member joining.  Please encourage the new member/referred to provide the referrer’s details within their smps.org Account > Personal Info section.

Group Membership Discount: Does a local firm want to get on board with SMPS? Wonderful! If the firm has five new SMPS members, all joining at the same time, the firm will receive a 10% overall discount. If they have more than five joining,  that 10% still applies, assuming criteria are met. Once a firm (or chapter) identifies the prospects, please email the list of names/contacts to membership@smps.org. HQ will instruct them on next steps.

Member Directory:  On October 17, a member eblast (Data!) encouraged all to log in to smps.org to verify one’s contact information and firm details. In November, this data will be leveraged when we expose additional Member Directory fields (services, discipline, facilities, etc.). Those who update their contact by the end of this month will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of two prizes!

Why doesn’t one renew their membership? The top reason, at 24% is, “I do not have the time to take advantage of membership.”

See you next time for the Membership Corner! Any questions? Reach out to membership at membership@smps.org.

]]> https://smps.org/2025/10/31/membership-corner-november-2025/feed/ 0 Membership Corner: October 2025 https://smps.org/2025/09/29/membership-corner-october-2025/ https://smps.org/2025/09/29/membership-corner-october-2025/#respond Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:57:32 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=53421

Welcome, chapter volunteer leaders! Whether you’re the chapter membership chair or responsible for recruiting and retaining members and/or delivering membership value, this may be for you!

Membership Fun Fact: What percentage of our members have at least 20 years with SMPS and what percentage have at least 16-20? The answer is 8% and 4%, respectively. How is your chapter recognizing our loyal members? Whether it be a featured article on your website, a chapter newsletter blurb, or a lunch, they deserve our thanks and acknowledgement!

Complimentary Membership and Webinars: Per calendar year, and to be used for a new/reinstating membership or a renewal, each chapter is afforded one complimentary membership ($449 value) and complimentary webinars ($518 value). To request, please email membership@smps.org and specify whether the recipient(s) have been identified, and we will further instruct. This is a recruitment tool intended to grow membership and to build loyalty. As you select the recipient or award it, please recognize those who join SMPS under the comp membership because they are less likely to renew after the first year than those others.  Investment into these members may require a little extra love and care.

Member Value Outreach (MVO):  In partnership with chapters, SMPS HQ is introducing MVO where HQ staff is placing outbound calls to renewing members, too. While our calls are important, outreach from the chapter due to your unique relationship with members may seal the deal. As a reminder, log into smps.org to access your expiring member query.  Stay tuned for a new query entitled “MVP Outreach” so that you can see HQ call outcomes in real time.

Membership Referrals:  While this program will be reviewed and refined, SMPS HQ is still honoring the membership referral program when an existing member who refers a first-time member will receive a complimentary extension of their own membership. Once the referred joins, please email us at membership@smps.org   and let us bestow extended membership to you as a thank you!

Membership Transfers:  There are a few scenarios and processes to be aware of.

  • If a member is with an employer and their role has changed or another employer would benefit more from membership, they can transfer the remaining portion of their membership to another colleague. At that point, the inheritor would receive the remaining portion of the membership by inheriting the expiration date of the previous member, and the previous member’s membership would be terminated/dropped.
  • If a paid member has left an employer who previously paid for their membership, the former employee would retain their membership through the original expiration date and a new person, identified by the employer, would receive free membership through the same expiration date as the former employee. To initiate, please email membership@smps.org.

Expired Members: It’s not too late for July and August 2025 expirations to renew as both groups are still active and within the 70-day grace period.

Dropped Members: June expirations were dropped (query = ”Dropped members with termination date”). Moving forward, they would need to reinstate as a former member. At the end of this month, we will send each a survey asking them why they didn’t renew and to encourage them to reinstate today!

Membership Retention: Three things to focus on as they relate to retention:

  • Start tracking member engagement.
  • Conduct an internal member value inventory and ranking exercise.
  • Begin measuring membership satisfaction. Each are discussed in the most recent meetups, which have been recorded:  Retention Strategies That Work and Recruitment with Purpose

Chapter queries:  To access your chapter queries, log into smps.org and leverage the Start option in the left-hand margin. Need access? Please contact us at membership@smps.org.

See you next time for the Membership Corner! Any questions? Reach out to membership at membership@smps.org.

]]> https://smps.org/2025/09/29/membership-corner-october-2025/feed/ 0 Membership Corner: August 2025 https://smps.org/2025/08/19/membership-corner-august-2025/ https://smps.org/2025/08/19/membership-corner-august-2025/#respond Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:00:07 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52868

Within the SMPS Membership Corner, you’ll find information, resources, and tidbits all about, you guessed it, membership retention and recruitment! In this issue, get an update on StarChapter, membership outreach, and chapter queries.

Star Chapter Update: The development to upload your active member roster and regional conference list is underway. As part, you will eventually receive the following message:

Previously, we stated this work would be completed in 6-8 weeks. While this is still true, work is being done incrementally, and you’ll be notified and asked to review the changes before finalized. In the interim, you may manually add new members. If you need additional support, please submit a Star Chapter ticket.

Billhighway Payments: Due to the migration to re:Members, monthly dues distribution has experienced a delay. By the end of this week, funds for May will be available. For June and July, our goal is to make them available no later than the end of August. We regret any inconvenience.

Expired Members Outreach:  On August 6, both June and July expirations were reminded to renew. Outreach from your chapter may make the difference! Please use the “expire” query for those at-risk members. As a reminder, members have a grace period of 70 days after their expiration date before being dropped.

Membership Drops:  On August 11, former members with a May expiration date were dropped and are named in your “dropped member” query. During the week of August 18, these individuals will receive a survey asking them to name the primary reason for their departure and simultaneously affording them the opportunity to reconsider and reinstate their membership.

Re:Members Queries (formerly Extranet): Several queries are now available, with four more immediate to follow. Need access or have another query request that’s not mentioned below? Let us know by reaching out to membership@smps.org.

  • Queries currently available: active members; new members; expired members; dropped members; and regional conference
  • Queries in progress: transfer ins; Fellows; CPSMs; renewals

Chapter Leadership and Member Trainings:  For your planning, various learning opportunities will take place in September/October:

New Chapter Leadership Orientation: August 28, 2-3 p.m. ET: Register

Membership Recruitment: September 10, 1-2 p.m. ET: Register

Membership Retention: September 18, 1-2 p.m. ET: Register

BillHighway [two time offerings]:

September 23, 1-2 p.m. ET: Register
September 24, 1-2 p.m. ET: Register

StarChapter [two time offerings]:

September 4, 1-2 p.m. ET: Register
October 2, 1-2 p.m. ET: Register

]]> https://smps.org/2025/08/19/membership-corner-august-2025/feed/ 0 SMPS Membership Corner https://smps.org/2025/07/02/smps-membership-corner/ https://smps.org/2025/07/02/smps-membership-corner/#respond Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:24:18 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52463

Within the SMPS Membership Corner, you’ll find information, resources, and tidbits all about, you guessed it, membership retention and recruitment! In this issue, learn more about chapter queries, demographic reports, measuring member satisfaction, and sharing feedback with HQ.

Chapter queries: In case you missed the SMPS HQ email on July 1, chapter queries (formerly known as the Extranet) were made available again on July 1 for chapter presidents and membership chairs. As we speak, we are working with Star Chapter to refine the mapping so that you can upload the roster as you did previously. Thank you for the continued patience. If you have any questions, please email membership@smps.org.

Expiring members: Leverage the expired member chapter query to conduct outreach to recent or soon-to-expire members. A call from your chapter may make the difference! And for those who elect not to renew, we are asking for feedback.

Chapter demographics report: The migration from MemberMax to re:Members required us to reimagine the chapter demographics report. In the interim, the May 2025 report is the latest and should be referenced.

Member value and satisfaction:  In the future, SMPS HQ will take the lead in measuring member sentiment but at this point, we’re assessing the landscape. When did your chapter last measure member value and satisfaction? 

Membership Renewal Invoicing Pilot: This month a pilot kicks off in which we will not mail renewal paper invoices to everyone. Instead, renewing members who wish to pay by mail/check can print the invoice from the renewal eblast. Or one can renew online using the new e-check payment type (a re:members option not previously available with MemberMax). This pilot is driven by several factors, which include leaning into and further leveraging technology, streamlining how we service our members, and being more mindful of the impact we have on the environment. During this time, we will closely monitor renewals and will pivot if needed. Should you have any feedback or concerns, please reach out to membership@smps.org.

 
Membership Renewal Grace Period: In response to the hardship caused by COVID, SMSP extended the membership renewal grace period from 70 to 130 days. Effective this month and in line with the recent launch of our new database (re: members), we are returning to the previous grace period. Once the membership expiration date is reached, one will remain active during the grace period for an additional 70 days. Thereafter, one will be “lapsed” and would reinstate their membership as a “former” member. The original grace period aligns with association best practices and consumer expectations. This change may have an impact on your membership totals as the numbers previously benefited from the longer grace period. Members expressing hardship should reach out to membership@smps.org for further consideration.
 

Membership Number Update: In MemberMax, a member number and record number were associated with each person. In re:members, the old MemberMax record number is now the re:members member/record number. For records created 5/16/25 and after, the number was generated by re:members and can be seen in two places within the My Profile (Overview and Account tab) area.

Value proposition:  When was the last time your chapter assessed its value proposition? It can be as simple as a group exercise in which you establish an exhaustive inventory of benefits, each person votes on the top three, and each person justifies their votes. This exercise may highlight priorities, identify gaps or redundancies, encourage realignment, and inform your budget and strategic planning.

Star Chapter Training:  Are you new or preparing for a new role, or need a refresher?  Invite forthcoming. For now, save the dates!

Option 1: Wednesday, 7/30 at 3 p.m. ET
Option 2:  Thursday, 7/31 at 1 p.m. ET

Need general Star Chapter support? Please submit a ticket.

]]> https://smps.org/2025/07/02/smps-membership-corner/feed/ 0 Building Together Through Regional Collaboration https://smps.org/2025/07/02/building-together-through-regional-collaboration/ https://smps.org/2025/07/02/building-together-through-regional-collaboration/#respond Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:08:20 +0000 https://smps.org/?p=52452

In June, SMPS hosted its Regional Conferences Leadership Summit, our first in-person gathering of regional leaders since formally incorporating regional corporations in 2021. It was more than a meeting; it was a milestone.

Over two powerful days, more than a dozen leaders came together with SMPS HQ staff and Society leaders to listen, learn, and co-create the future of our regional conferences. We explored challenges, shared emerging practices, and aligned around a vision of consistency, impact, and excellence.

We were guided by thought leadership from SMPS Society President, Dr. Paula Raymond Stamp, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM, and past Society President, Chris Rickman, FSMPS, CPSM, who spoke about the why behind our work and the power of collaboration in shaping impactful experiences. SMPS HQ also shared the many resources available to regional leaders to support planning, programming, and volunteer engagement.

From brand cohesion and budgeting to speaker logistics and city selection, the summit offered a behind-the-scenes look at how we can elevate the member experience across all regions. Guest speaker Patty O’Dell of Marriott International also joined us to share insights on the future of meetings and events.

Did You Know? In 2026, SMPS will support seven regional conferences across the U.S.:

  • Southern Regional Conference (SRC) – January 28–30, 2026
  • Southeast Regional Conference (SERC) – March 17–19, 2026
  • Pacific Regional Conference (PRC) – March 18–20, 2026
  • Northeast Regional Conference (NERC) – March 30–April 1, 2026
  • Missouri Valley Regional Conference (MVRC) – April 8–10, 2026
  • Heartland Regional Conference (HRC) – September 30–October 2, 2026
  • Southwest Regional Conference (SWRC) – September/October 2026

Stay in the know by visiting our website’s regional conference page.

This summit will now be an annual touchpoint to ensure all conferences and volunteers have the tools, support, and connections they need to thrive.

Because we’re OneSMPS, and we’re not SMPS without you.

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