Winning new AEC business requires more than just being the best at what you do; it demands a full-funnel approach that aligns your brand, BD, and marketing efforts seamlessly. This keynote will challenge the outdated notions of the sales funnel and present a modern, holistic strategy for driving growth. We'll explore how AEC firms can create a synchronized ecosystem that moves prospects from awareness to advocacy with precision, making your marketing and sales efforts not just complementary, but symbiotic.

• Understand the importance of a full-funnel approach in today's AEC market.
• Learn how to align BD and marketing strategies for increased win rates..
• Discover practical tactics to integrate into your existing processes to drive better outcomes.

Chris Nordfors, Chief Marketing Officer, GeoEngineers, Inc.  ▼ 

AI is here to stay and is rapidly transforming the AEC industry. Join Carrie Gonzáles, Director of Marketing at SSOE Group, and Katie Cash, Sr. Vice President of Strategy at Smartegies, for a practical session that takes you behind the scenes of AI implementation within marketing and communications departments companywide at SSOE. We'll walk you through how we trained our team and the tools and policies we put in place, and share real-world use cases that have changed how we are working more efficiently as a team to demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI. In this session you:

• Discover the essential tools and policies needed for successful AI integration.
• Explore real-world use cases and practical examples of AI implementation in AEC.
• Gain actionable advice on overcoming common challenges and maximizing the benefits of AI.

As the AEC industry continues to evolve, the relationships between marketing, business development, and operational leadership are undergoing significant shifts. In this engaging panel discussion, Judy Sparks, CEO of Smartegies, will lead a conversation with three industry leaders who are driving this change from distinct perspectives. Join us as Sarah Keane, Marketing Principal from HOK, Kyle Peterson, Principal Business Leader at Nelson Worldwide, and Damian Lee, General Manager, Texas at H. J. Russell & Co., share their insights on the future of AEC marketing. Each panelist brings a unique point of view on how their roles intersect with marketing, sales, and operations, offering a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape. We’ll explore how these leaders are navigating the challenges of aligning marketing with business objectives, the critical investments in technology that are shaping their strategies, and their visions for the future of AEC marketing. Whether you’re in marketing, business development, or operations, this discussion will provide valuable insights to help you stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

In the architecture industry, aligning financial success with design excellence is often a complex challenge. However, by viewing design and business as interconnected rather than opposing forces, architects can unlock new avenues for innovation and growth. Embracing design thinking allows businesses to identify fresh opportunities and tap into markets beyond traditional design. On the other hand, when architects integrate business acumen into their practice, they deliver greater value to clients, using architecture as a powerful tool to enhance both form and function. This session will explore how the seamless fusion of artistic vision and strategic business planning can drive profitability while ensuring designs that are both beautiful and practical, ultimately creating lasting value for clients.

Leading a growing architecture firm is like herding mustangs—each department and team member brings unique strengths and challenges. In this session, Desta Kimmel will delve into the strategies she employs to lead Powers Brown Architecture toward continued success. From managing business operations and IT to driving marketing and employee engagement, Desta will offer valuable perspectives on how to lead with vision and adaptability in the ever-evolving AEC industry.

• Lead with Vision and Adaptability: Learn how to lead your firm with a strategic vision that accommodates growth while being adaptable to change
• Integrate Business Functions for Success: Discover how to integrate business operations, marketing, and IT to create a cohesive strategy that drives firm-wide success
• Foster a Culture of Engagement and Innovation: Gain insights into building a firm culture that encourages employee engagement and innovation, supporting both growth and retention.
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If your firm is looking to extend its story beyond local events, collateral pieces and website, it’s time to look to your internal colleagues as a resource. Those internal ‘doers’ are also potential thought leaders, and their experiences can help you win more work. That said, turning doers into thought leaders is no easy task, especially when they are faced with client demands, and you have a steady stream of proposals, presentations, and other critical tasks piled up in your email. And, let’s face it – marketing teammates aren’t the technical experts. The architects/engineers/site superintendents are. You can’t write content without them and it’s hard to get their attention because the phrase ‘thought leadership’ is intimidating to those on the technical side. They might ask you: ‘you want me to write what, exactly?’ And, once you’ve written it, it’s time to promote it over and over again. That said, by adding thought leadership and content marketing to your strategy, you have the power to shift client perspectives and elevate your firm’s stature. Repurposing all of that content means you’re a good steward of your company’s resources. Through these strategies your firm becomes a trusted resource for information and a place where clients can receive additional insights, without being ‘sold’ at the same time.

• Streamline ways to create content.
• Create content that resonates with your potential clients.
• Your best methods for engaging technical staff.
• Firsthand insights from an AEC "doer" now actively positioned as a thought leader.

In an industry where stakes are high and decisions must be made swiftly, AEC leaders often grapple with finding the right balance between thorough consideration and analysis paralysis. "Think it Over but Don’t Overthink It" helps you navigate this challenge by striking the perfect balance between strategic thinking and decisive action. Led by Vickie Oshima, VP of Marketing at architecture and design firm AO, we explore the art of making strategic marketing decisions without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. Vickie will share practical insights on how to align your marketing strategies with your firm’s operational goals, ensuring that your efforts drive tangible results. With twenty years of experience leading marketing initiatives for top design firms, Vickie will share strategies for guiding team consensus, collaborating effectively with leadership, and streamlining your marketing approach. Whether you’re looking to refine your marketing strategy or enhance collaboration between marketing and operations, this session will provide the tools and frameworks you need to move forward with confidence.

YArtificial Intelligence is more than the business buzzword de jour -- it's radically transforming how work is getting done. For the AEC marketing and business development executive wondering where and how to start using it, the path can seem daunting. Join recognized AEC AI expert and marketing executive Scott Steiding for a practical plan for implementing AI and advanced technologies in 100 days. Whether you are new to a firm or a decades long veteran, exploring your business through a new technology lens can open a world of opportunity. Scott provides a clear roadmap for how to effectively assess your current technological landscape, identify key areas for improvement, and strategically roll out AI initiatives that drive measurable business growth. We’ll discuss how to engage and support different types of staff, from early adopters to those who may be more cautious, ensuring a smooth transition and widespread acceptance of new tools and work styles. Plus, you learn how to build a culture that embraces innovation, optimizes operational processes, and leverages AI to enhance productivity and client services. Whether you’re experienced in technology integration or just beginning, this keynote will equip you with actionable insights to lead your AEC organization confidently into the future. Key takeaways:

• What’s reasonable to accomplish in 100 days.
• Getting buy-in from your firm’s AEC marketers fearful of the AI “job-killer” label.
• How AI is being used by smart AEC marketing teams to win more profitable projects, while reducing the cost of sale.