Benefits of Membership
SMPS is more than a membership organization. It’s where like-minded marketers, business developers, and firm leaders go to make a positive impact on their careers and help build business for their firms.
We're dedicated to assisting you and your firm in navigating the complexities of today's business environment. Our goal is to support the growth of your firm and the advancement of your career. Maximize the benefits of your membership by remaining actively involved and leveraging the valuable resources and expertise that SMPS has to offer.
SMPS Upstate New York welcomes marketing and business development professionals from diverse backgrounds. As a member of SMPS, you’ll have access to all the educational and networking benefits available in our local chapter, as well as the resources offered by SMPS at the national level. Here are just some of the fantastic membership benefits we offer:
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Establish meaningful connections within the A/E/C industry at the local, regional, and national levels to enhance the growth of your business. Whether you're embarking on a new venture or have a seasoned presence in the industry, your fellow members in SMPS Upstate New York serve as invaluable resources for exchanging ideas, receiving advice, and exploring business prospects. Engage with our vibrant community through local chapter events, conferences, and the SMPS National Membership Directory, enabling you to cultivate a remarkable network comprising clients, peers, and allied firms. With 94 members in Upstate New York and a databank boasting over 650 local industry professionals involved in our chapter, you'll be seamlessly integrated into a dynamic and supportive professional network.
EDUCATION
Participate in programs, workshops, online webinars, and conferences to delve into how fellow professional services firms are addressing the everyday challenges you and your colleagues encounter. Come back to the office armed with innovative solutions and fresh ideas that your company can implement right away. The Upstate New York chapter plans more than a dozen in-person and virtual events throughout the year that give you an opportunity to gain exclusive industry knowledge. Membership also includes complimentary learning labs each month.
In addition to local educational programs, SMPS offers regional and national conferences. Join our SMPS Upstate New York crew at the annual Northeast Regional Conference (NERC) and the national conference, Amplify AEC. The society also hosts the Pinnacle Experience, dedicated to seasoned professionals who lead their firm’s marketing and business development strategies.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
In an industry that values certification and credentials, the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program will help build your personal brand and knowledge in marketing and business development, increasing your credibility with employers, coworkers, and peers. As you continue to climb the ladder in your career, a CPSM designation helps you distinguish yourself as a proven leader. Only 9% of SMPS Upstate New York members are CPSMs. Opportunity is knocking: are you ready to stand out from the crowd?
Our Empire State CPSM Boot Camp will get you ready to tackle the CPSM test in no time! The study group is a joint program organized by SMPS Upstate New York and SMPS New York to elevate the marketing profession for our members. Our study groups are designed to foster both confidence and comfort, while expert guidance ensures you stay organized and motivated throughout your educational journey.
PUBLICATIONS
The foundation of professional services marketing is MARKENDIUM, the SMPS Body of Knowledge. Through this knowledge base, read up on trends, best practices, and relevant issues impacting A/E/C marketing and business development. SMPS membership includes subscriptions to the award-winning journal Marketer and Marketer QuickLook, the SMPS National weekly e-newsletter; access to research and white papers; and discounts on industry publications from SMPS. You’ll also get access to Upstate Update, our chapter’s quarterly newsletter. Hear from our president, learn about local industry news, meet our monthly member spotlights, and get information about upcoming events.
MARKETING RESOURCE CENTER
Take networking to another level with MySMPS, the online community designed exclusively for SMPS members. The mission of MySMPS is simple: To connect you online with people, information, and opportunities to make building business easier. Visit the Marketing Resource Center to access industry and career-related information, such as sample plans and checklists, articles, research, and reports.
CAREER RESOURCES
Plan your career, gain access to advancement tools, and search for job opportunities through the SMPS Career Center or post and review a position on our chapter’s job bank – free to members! Don’t forget to also check out our local job bank. Need to fill a marketing or business development position? A member from SMPS Upstate New York could be just what you're looking for.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Develop and perfect your leadership skills by getting involved in SMPS. Volunteer to serve on our board of directors, join a chapter committee, present programs, or help with regional conference planning initiatives. Opportunities to write articles and white papers and conduct funded research are also available at the regional and national levels of SMPS.
SMPS APP
The new SMPS app has launched! The app is available for both iOS and Android and will serve as SMPS’ hub for content, collaboration and events all year round. Members will have access to dedicated news feeds and forums, and a member directory with in-app messaging – all the possible tools you could need in one great app. Be sure to have your SMPS login credentials ready to access the full bandwidth of the app.
