Are you newer to the AEC industry and ready to level up your AEC marketing knowledge? This full-day training session will equip you to better understand and excel in your marketing role. From grasping the project pursuit process to crafting a winning proposal and supporting the win, you will leave with practical tips to immediately implement into your workflow. 

Session One | Bread & Butter: The Project Pursuit Process
All AEC marketing efforts boil down to one thing - winning work. This session will walk attendees through the project pursuit process from project tracking to the release of public and private RFQs/RFPs, the go/no go process, team building and positioning. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to support their firms’ pursuit efforts, before even submitting a proposal. 

Attendees will learn: 
1. How to identify potential RFQs/RFPs
2. Why different project delivery methods might be selected 
3. How to support and expedite the go/no go process
4. How to select project team members
5. The power of positioning 

Tricia Williamson, CPSM
Associate | Kimley Horn

Tricia Williamson, CPSM, has been in the A/E/C industry for over 26 years and has worn various sales hats throughout her career, including proposal manager, sales leadership, business development, seller doer trainer, interview coach, and business owner - which brings extensive knowledge and insight into the marketing and sales process. A finance major with a marketing minor, she brings a balance of analytical, process-focus and creative thinking. Her career in Austin began as marketing manager at Bury+Partners. She opened and successful ran her own consulting firm for six years before moving into regional sales leadership role at Jacobs, a Fortune 500 company. She joined Kimley-Horn in 2023 and is currently serving as Associate to help with strategic sales and marketing team development. Tricia has also served in nearly every role within SMPS board leadership, including past President from 2012-2013.

Session Two | How to Win A Proposal in 10 Days: Creating Winning Submissions 
This rom-com themed presentation will guide attendees through the proposal creation process. From early strategy discussions, to mapping out a delivery schedule, and identifying differentiators, attendees will learn how to set their proposals apart from the competition and foster a smooth process. 

Attendees will learn: 
1. How to create and leverage a proposal checklist
2. How to create effective differentiators 
3. What areas of the proposal to prioritize on a tight schedule
4. How to effectively leverage images, margins and tabs
5. AI Tools to streamline the proposal creation process 

Allie Horne, CPSM
Partner | Meeks Marketing

Allie has more than 15 years of experience writing both firm-published and third-party published articles and marketing pieces. Prior to joining Meeks Marketing, Allie was the Communications Manager at Kirksey Architecture where she developed both electronic and print media and more than tripled the firm's press mentions during her tenure. Additionally, Allie has written over 75 published articles for Bisnow Commercial Real Estate News in markets nationally, and served as the technical editor for a Fortune 500 company. A proud University of Texas graduate, Allie resides in Austin and can often be found hiking, reading, playing tennis, and convincing her children she has superpowers. 

Session Three | The BD-Marketing Power Duo: Getting Shortlisted & Supporting the Win
Marketing and Business Development go hand-in-hand, but the day-to-day roles can look different. For many coordinators focused on proposals, the primary goal is simple: get your firm to the shortlist. This session will break down the business development sales cycle at a high level and show how marketing professionals play a strategic role in positioning the firm to win. We will walk through how project pursuits move from identification to shortlisting to the interview stage, and how marketing and BD collaborate at each step.

Attendees will learn: 
1. The AEC sales cycle and how firms build relationships before the RFQ ever comes out
2. How marketing supports positioning efforts
3. The handoff from BD to proposal coordination, and how to use pre-work to strengthen submissions
4. How to support interview prep using storyboarding, coaching presenters, slide development, and narrative alignment
5. What happens after the win: a high-level look at the project delivery process and how client experience drives repeat work

Brittany Hendrickson, CPSM
Director of Business Development & Strategy | Kitchell 

Brittany is the Director of Business Development at Kitchell focused on Project and Construction Management in Central Texas. Her role involves building and maintaining strategic relationships with clients and developing strategies to increase revenue and market share for Kitchell. Since Kitchell's inception, the firm has completed over $52 billion in public sector construction across multiple market types including education facilities, courthouses, municipal office buildings, parking structures, civic centers, detention and criminal justice centers, healthcare facilities, police/fire stations and performing arts centers. Focusing on the public sector has allowed Kitchell to develop management and project control techniques targeted to its specific needs. For the last 9 years, she has been an active member of the Austin chapter of SMPS. Starting from a committee member, moving up to her first board position as Education Director, then President for the 2024-2025 board year. She is the current Past President of the Austin chapter. Brittany is also a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM). When she is not focusing on all things business development, you can find her chasing around toddlers, traveling or playing golf.

Career Paths Lunch Panel 
This panel of rockstar AEC marketers will provide attendees with career path guidance by sharing their stories and industry insight focused on their own career paths, lessons learned, and advice for growth and advancement.

Debby Williams, Guerra Engineering & SMPS Austin President Moderator
Amanda Greenfield, Walker Consultants
Amy Jones, O'Connell Robertson
Joe Reyes, Waterloo MEP

AEC Marketing AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel
This interactive session is driven by the questions that matter most to you. Throughout the event, attendees can submit topics on table cards, from AI strategies and emerging tools to proposal best practices and career growth advice. Our moderator will guide an open and candid discussion with experienced AEC marketing leaders, followed by live audience Q&A. Whether you are early in your career or leading a team, expect practical insight and honest perspective.

Rachel Gray, Miller Gray Moderator
Sarah Lukowski, Kimley Horn 
Brad Fanta, Perkins Eastman
Audrey Arellano, Beck Group

Schedule of Events

9:00 – 9:30AM | Light Breakfast + Networking  
9:30 – 10:30AM | Session 1 - Bread & Butter: The Project Pursuit Process
10:30 – 10:45AM | Break
10:45 – 11:45AM | Session 2 - How to Win a Proposal in 10 Days: Creating Winning Submissions
11:45 - 12:00 PM | Break
12:00 – 1:15PM | Lunch + Career Paths Panel
1:15 - 1:30PM | Break
1:30 – 2:30PM | Session 3 - The BD-Marketing Power Duo: Getting Shortlisted & Supporting the Win
2:30 – 2:45PM | Break
2:45 – 3:45PM | AEC Marketing AMA Panel 
4:00 - 5:00PM | Happy Hour + Light Bites 

PANELISTS

Debby Williams
Director of Marketing & Business Development | Guerra Engineering

Debby Williams is the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Guerra Engineering, where she helps drive strategic growth and strengthen the firm’s presence across Texas. With over 20 years of experience in the AEC industry, she brings a relationship-focused, results-driven approach to client success. Her career began in the San Francisco Bay Area with a Premier General Contractor. Her personal life led her to Austin in 2011, where she expanded her expertise in commercial interiors, and consulting engineering. Debby is an active member of SMPS Austin, currently serving on the Board of Directors and as President 2025 - 2026. She also brings 15 years of involvement with CREW, including serving as President of Silicon Valley CREW in 2007.

Amy Jones
President | O'Connell Robertson

Amy Jones is the President and CEO of O’Connell Robertson, a mission driven architecture, engineering, and interior design firm based in Austin that serves communities across Texas. She became the firm’s fourth president, and the first woman in that role, in 2016 after more than 25 years with the company and over two decades as a Principal and Shareholder. Amy leads corporate strategy, talent development, finance, and operations while also drawing on extensive experience in marketing, business development, client relations, and community engagement to support the firm’s growth. She remains actively involved in regional organizations focused on youth and education, serving on the Austin Chamber Board and Executive Committee, Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Council, the AARO Board, and the Ann Richards School Foundation Board, along with co chairing the PAC fundraising committee for the successful $2 billion Austin ISD bond in 2022. A University of Texas at Austin alum with a Bachelor of Journalism and a UT Continuing Education Marketing Certificate, Amy and her husband, Ken, are proud parents of two sons who have pursued careers in basketball coaching at the collegiate and middle school levels.

Amanda Greenfield, CPSM
National Director of Business Development - Forensics, Restoration & Building Envelope | Walker Consultants

Amanda Greenfield serves as the National Director of Business Development at Walker Consultants, where she spearheads strategic growth initiatives across the firm’s Forensics, Restoration, Vertical Transportation, and Building Envelope service lines. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and business development within the A/E/C industry, Amanda blends deep sector knowledge with a passion for building authentic relationships and driving impactful growth.

Amanda is a CPSM and an active leader in SMPS. She currently serves as President Elect of the SMPS Austin Chapter and previously held the role of Treasurer for two consecutive terms. Additionally, she has contributed to the SMPS Southern Regional Conference as a member of the Programs Committee for the past three years. Amanda holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas State University and earned her Bachelor of Arts with Honors from The University of Texas at Austin.

Sarah Lukowski
Marketing Coordinator | Kimley Horn

Sarah Lukowski is a Marketing Coordinator at Kimley-Horn, a leading multi-disciplinary planning and design firm. After graduating from Suffolk University (Boston) in 2022 with a degree in journalism, Sarah fell into AEC marketing and quickly immersed herself in the industry. In her role supporting public-sector pursuits, Sarah collaborates with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to craft compelling proposals and qualification packages for clients such as TxDOT and Central Texas municipalities/agencies. She is dedicated to producing high-quality marketing materials and enjoys learning the technical components. Sarah joined SMPS Austin in January 2023 to build connections within the industry and has served as Communications Director since September 2024. Outside of work, she loves reading, keeping up with the latest movies at Alamo Drafthouse, spending time with her rabbit Millie, and embracing her inner Swiftie. 

Brad Fanta, CPSM
Senior Living Marketing & Business Development | Perkins Eastman

Brad Fanta is a marketing and business development leader with more than 30 years of experience in the AEC industry. As marketing lead for Perkins Eastman's national Senior Living practice, he collaborates with more than 20 principals across the U.S., championing a people-first approach to storytelling, strategy, and client engagement. Brad specializes in translating complex design ideas into clear, compelling narratives that highlight how architecture strengthens community and enhances well-being. A trained classical musician, he brings a unique perspective to communication, blending creativity with disciplined craft. He is also a committed mentor, helping emerging marketers build confidence, capability, and a deeper understanding of the profession. 

Audrey Arellano
Senior Marketing Manager | Beck Group

Audrey Arellano is a Senior Marketing Manager at The Beck Group, where she supports business development and marketing efforts across architecture, construction, and integrated design-build pursuits. With 10+ years of experience in the AEC industry, Audrey specializes in proposal strategy, pursuit positioning, and translating complex project teams and technical requirements into clear, compelling stories. She enjoys sharing practical, real-world advice on what it takes to win in today’s AEC market.

Rachel Gray, MA, CFM
President/CEO | Miller Gray LLC

Rachel Gray, MA, CFM has over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, operations, business development, marketing, and public relations. After a career spent in the public and nonprofit sector, Rachel joined the private sector as President/CEO of Miller Gray LLC, a local civil engineering firm serving clients in Central Texas.

Joe Reyes, PE, LEED AP
Managing Principal | Waterloo MEP

Joe S. Reyes, PE, is a mechanical engineering graduate of Texas A&M University with more than 30 years of experience in the AEC industry. Over the course of his career, he has developed deep technical expertise in the design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with a strong understanding of architecture and engineering firm operations. Early on, Joe recognized his entrepreneurial interests and went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington. In 2010, he transitioned into a doer/seller role, where he began building and refining skills in marketing and business development, grounded in AEC industry best practices.

Joe values strong, lasting relationships with clients and industry partners. His doer/seller experience provides a dual perspective—an understanding of the challenges clients face during project delivery, paired with an aesthetic and strategic appreciation for the impact of well-crafted proposals and consistent brand standards. He is also a committed mentor to both engineers and marketing/business development professionals, generously sharing his knowledge to support the growth of the next generation of industry leaders.

Sponsorship OpportUNITIES

QUESTIONS?

Please reach out to Brittany Hendrickson - [email protected] with any questions or if your firm is interested in sponsoring this event! We look forward to seeing you on March 27th!

Event Sponsors