CALL FOR SPEAKERS. 3. Reel It In You ve been trolling the waters using all the right strategies now it s time to strike! Which school of fish do

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1 CALL FOR SPEAKERS For more information What makes you stand out and inspires you to think outside the box? Join your colleagues in defining your differentiator at The WAVE: Rock the Boat SMPS Pacific Regional Conference! The WAVE: Rock the Boat will come rolling into Seattle, WA, on February 11th-13th, 2015 with the biggest session selection yet, including two workshops for attendees. Held at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Seattle, this year s conference emphasizes three dynamic tracks to help make sense of an ever-changing, often unpredictable AEC marketplace, and bring together the industries best tips, tricks, and knowledge in one comprehensive package. Last year, over 300 marketers and firm principals attend the three days of networking, learning, and development opportunities. Both SMPS CPSMs and AIA members will also be eligible to receive continuing education units (CEUs) by attending. The WAVE: Rock the Boat is being hosted by the SMPS Alaska, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Oregon, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle chapters. Visit for more information. The SMPS Pacific Regional Conference (PRC) committee is now accepting proposals for 90 minute presentations in the following tracks at this event. Each track will have five sessions, for a total of 15 sessions. Submissions are due September 5, 2014, no later than 5 PM Pacific Standard Time. TRACKS 1. The Tide is High Insights from industry navigators about their perspective on a broad spectrum of topics ranging from market sector projections, to how projects are getting financed, to personal leadership development that will enhance your career from Captain to Admiral. 2. Bait the Hook Creating the best strategies for positioning your firm in sometimes stormy and crowded seas. Learn from some of the most creative marketers from the AEC world and other industries about their seaworthy success stories and strategies that position their ships for effective seafaring. 3. Reel It In You ve been trolling the waters using all the right strategies now it s time to strike! Which school of fish do you target that will feed your crew s appetite for profits, firm growth and feeding their soles. WORKSHOPS The SMPS Pacific Regional Conference (PRC) committee is also accepting proposals for special session workshop presentations at this event. Two workshops, one 90 minute and one 120 minute workshop, will be offered to attendees. Submissions for workshops are also due September 5, 2014, no later than 5 PM Pacific Standard Time. AUDIENCE The PRC planning committee conducted a survey of Pacific Region Chapter members to find out what they were most interested in learning or hearing about. Responses from both SMPS members and anticipated PRC attendees indicate a preference for session content that targets the educational development needs and business growth concerns of owners, principals, directors, managers, business developers, and marketing staff across the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry with a wide range of experience from years.

2 SPEAKER BENEFITS Speakers (and panelists) who are selected to present during The WAVE: ROCK THE BOAT will enjoy: The reputation as an industry expert in their respective specialty areas Increased exposure through the conference website and promotional materials Networking opportunities with a prospective attendance of 200+ A/E/C leaders A full conference registration, valued at $450 for SMPS Members and $550 for non-members A $250 stipend per speaker [Note: Stipend will not be issued in advance and will be given to the speaker(s) when they arrive at the conference. No expense receipts will be accepted. Transportation and hotel will be the responsibility of the speaker(s)]. All conference meals (Thursday breakfast, lunch; Friday breakfast, lunch) Two beverage tickets to the opening reception on Wednesday evening Inclusion of a flyer, SWAG, or other promotional material in the conference goodie bag [speaker provides] Lasting brand recognition and repeated reference through session handouts provided to attendees An evaluation summary from conference participants An unmanned table at the front of the presentation room for speaker s promotional materials The opportunity to find potential speaking opportunities with SMPS chapters or regional conferences EXPECTED SPEAKER ATTENDANCE Selected speakers are expected to provide ample time between their arrival to and departure from the conference in order to accommodate their respective presentation time. We recommend arriving to the conference the day/night before the designated presentation time and leaving late in the day following the presentation, or staying for the whole conference. CONTINUOUS LEARNING PHILOSOPHY The association s programs enable the membership and the A/E/C community at large to engage in a life-long learning process in which they are challenged, stimulated and respected for their professional and personal experiences. SMPS believes learning is an interaction, not just the transfer of information from an expert to another individual. To uphold this philosophy, SMPS actively seeks speakers who possess the following key qualities: Relevant Topic: Speaker s content should be relevant to the A/E/C industry emphasizing how to help people grow in their careers and also help companies strategize and plan for the future. Command of Subject Matter: Each speaker is chosen based on his or her expertise in a specific content area. Willingness to Teach: While command of the subject matter is essential, it is not the entire picture. Speakers should enjoy teaching and be willing to put forth effort to create a memorable learning experience for the participants. Effective Interpersonal Skills: The ability to read and react to audiences is a prerequisite for a good communicator. Effective speakers and moderators are most concerned with what the audience is learning. Effective Listening Skills: Good listeners use reflective listening techniques before responding to a question from the audience. This ensures that the speaker or moderator understands what is being asked and is validating to the learners that they are being heard. Use of Sound Instructional Methods: People learn more when they are actively involved. SMPS asks that all speakers and instructors find ways to increase learner involvement. The WAVE: Rock the Boat Call for Speakers 2015 Page 2

3 Willingness to Improve: Speakers will receive feedback based on evaluations from the participants, audience comments, and observation. PROGRAM FORMATS The educational programs for The WAVE: Rock the Boat will include approximately 15 sessions running 90 minutes each, one workshop at 90 minutes and one workshop at 120 minutes, regardless of format (subject to change). There will be between attendees per 90 minute session and a range of attendees per workshop. Acceptable program formats include the following: Lecture - While lectures typically consist of a speaker providing the learners with information, this format should incorporate a 10- to 15-minute question-and-answer segment to actively engage learners. Panel Discussion - Panel discussions give attendees the opportunity to hear three to four viewpoints on a specific topic. Concluding with an extensive question-and-answer session, this format gives attendees direct access to experts. Panels are limited in size to no more than one moderator and three panelists. Roundtable Discussion - Roundtable discussions focus around a particular topic. This format enables attendees to digest new concepts and share personal experiences with peers. Workshop - Workshops are hands-on learning experiences that use group discussion, exercises, demonstrations, and case studies. Best Practices - Best practice sessions provide concrete examples of successful plans implemented in some of today s most respected companies. Attendees gain industry and outside perspectives on a variety of issues. Many times these types of programs use case studies. *Please note that special audio/visual, technology, room set-up, or format requests may not be accommodated. CONFERENCE RECORDING In order to make the valuable information from Pacific Regional Conference accessible to members who cannot attend the conference, Pacific Regional Conference education sessions may be audio recorded and made available for purchase on CD- ROM and/or via the Web after the conference. This is an excellent opportunity for our presenters, as it expands their exposure to a greater audience. Submission of a proposal in response to this RFP requires your acceptance of this requirement and conveys your permission to record your session if selected by the Conference Committee. SUBMITTAL DUE DATE All proposals for the Pacific Regional Conference must be submitted electronically by to programs@smps-prc.org by September 5, 2014, no later than 5 PM Pacific. Proposals will NOT be considered after this date. Applicants will be notified of their selection status in early October. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Expand your reach by becoming a sponsor for The WAVE: Rock the Boat SMPS Pacific Regional Conference. Sponsorship opportunities can be found on The WAVE: Rock the Boat website: QUESTIONS? Please contact the Pacific Region Conference Programs Committee with any questions about this process, the benefits, and the conference. programs@smps-prc.org The WAVE: Rock the Boat Call for Speakers 2015 Page 3

4 Deadline: Proposals must be received by September 5, 2014, no later than 5 PM Pacific. Please review the potential topics information, and complete the application on the following pages. Feel free to expand the form as needed to accommodate your responses. Note that the application requires supplemental information to be included as well. Incomplete applications may not be considered. POTENTIAL TOPICS Members suggested topics as part of their evaluations of the previous conferences. Topics they are most interested in include, but are not limited to: The Tide is High Professional Development Career development/career path Positioning oneself for an executive leadership role Confidence building seminar Public speaking/becoming a speaker Time management How to communicate marketing/bd activity in a language that demonstrates value (to tech staff, to leadership) Technical How to encourage project managers to market Mentoring technical staff Communicating with the technical team How to motivate the technical team for marketing What if doing is the strength, not BD? Finance Private sector project finance and the potential role for marketing and BD Federal/government contracting basics/best practices Working as a small business in the federal government Contracts, rates, multipliers, etc. in marketing and BD Liability/risk in marketing and BD Creativity Creative writing skills Proposal design/writing for high impact In-depth interview discussion/how-to prep How do firms play /how to build culture Bait the Hook Economy Helping firms survive the downturn International opportunities/markets Public/Private clients, partnerships, changes Indicators, growth opportunities, new markets Trends The latest in marketing programs/technology The way we compete is changing Trends in the A/E/C industry New approaches to procurement, positioning, etc. Economic and business trends Integrated Project Delivery understanding it and how it is done Strategic teaming The WAVE: Rock the Boat Call for Speakers 2015 Page 4

5 Research Market assessments Client assessments/satisfaction Surveys types, uses, best practices Reel It In Business Development Developing value for BD within the company Differences in BD strategy between A/E, contractors, and consultants BD for small/medium/large firms BD for public/private clients Effective strategies for marketing prime consultants BD strategies outside the A/E/C industry and how they apply Pursuing and winning federal and government projects/contracts Understanding technical jargon in the A/E/C industry C-Suite Level BD strategies; how principals and senior executives can make a difference How to build meaningful, productive relationships (in company, with clients, etc.) Developing meaningful relationships with your colleagues to enhance the environment in your own office Strategy Strategic planning developing the best, most implementable, most stretching strategic plan? Finance for marketing/bd professionals what do you need to know? Client research strategies that work When to leave a market/client; exit strategy Public Relations Working with the press, working with an ad agency, getting friendly with your local journalists, out-of-the-box ways to be top of mind to potential clients, SEO and HTML International media Strategies for public relations and PR campaigns; how to increase media exposure Advertising and promotion with reduced budgets Media influence Alternative/new media Employee/Employment/Relationships Generational differences in the workplace Generational differences with clients Retention Succession planning Recruiting Opportunities/Leads Researching and presenting markets and new business sectors to your firm Effective networking how to turn a networking opportunity into a potential lead opportunity Thank you and good luck! 2015 Pacific Regional Conference Planning Committee 2015 Pacific Regional Conference Programs Committee The WAVE: Rock the Boat Call for Speakers 2015 Page 5

6 SPEAKER Application Part 1 For more information programs@smps-prc.org Session Title: Proposed Track or Workshop: Session Description: (Max 150 words) Session Outline: Please attach your presentation outline demonstrating key presentation messages. Please limit to one 8.5 x 11 page, 11 pt font. Desired Learning Outcomes: (provide three) Target Audience: (entry level, mid level, senior level. *Please note that this may be included in the conference materials to assist attendees in selecting their sessions) Program Format: (see page 2 for list): Handouts: (Our audience expects handouts will be available prior to the conference. Please describe what your handouts will include.) Number of Attendees: (if the session requires a minimum/maximum number of attendees please describe) Presented Previously: (has this program been presented/submitted at other conferences, please indicate where and when and how it was received): The WAVE: Rock the Boat Call for Speakers 2015 Page 6

7 SPEAKER Application Part 2 For more information programs@smps-prc.org Speaker Information: (Repeat as needed for each speaker/panelist) Speaker/Panelist Name: Suffix: Title: Company / Affiliation: Address: City/State/Zip: Tel: Cell: Fax: SMPS Member: (Y or N) Photo: Please provide speaker/panelist photo(s). Send a JPG or TIFF file to programs@smps-prc.org Speaker/Panelist Bio: (Max 100 words): Past Speaking Experience: Applicants will be notified in October. The WAVE: Rock the Boat Call for Speakers 2015 Page 7