SMPS Wichita

Networking Sucks!
2022-03-09 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | HFG Architecture, 330 N Mead, Wichita, KS, 67202, United States
Networking is a naughty word in the construction industry. No one seems to enjoy it. Networking should be fun and can be fun regardless of your position or title in your company. Networking can be challenging to some and natural to others. Come learn from the presenters the steps to effectively network and build long, lasting relationships with people.
During this presentation you will learn:

The true meaning of networking.
Tips on networking and questions to ask during a networking event.
How you can bring more business to your firm.
Best practices for networking

About the speakers:
Tim Pile, Building Controls and Services
When Tim boards a plane, rather than hoping for extra elbow room, he hopes the person next to him likes to talk. He loves sharing stories back and forth and getting to know new people. Tim’s wife, Amy, of 9 years also hopes for him to find a stranger to talk to on the plane, so she can get some quiet time during the flight. Tim is highly motivated and energetic with over 7 years of experience growing his firm’s customer base by building and preserving trusting relationships. He has worked for contractors and engineering firms in business development and client relations roles. Tim brings knowledge and excitement to the business development topic.
Lindsay Young, MBA, CPSM, Chief Difference Maker, nu marketing
Lindsay loves all things PINK, spending time at the lake, is a red dirt country music junkie and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She’s been married to her best friend and husband, Aaron, for fifteen years. Chief Difference Maker of nu marketing, Lindsay consults with small to medium sized design and construction firm with their marketing and business development plans. Through effective strategies, she helps businesses increase their profits and build their businesses. With over fifteen years of experience, she helps companies with marketing strategies, brand perception surveys, trade show implementation, customer and employee events, presentations, social media presence, employee training, and project management of branding and website redevelopment.

SMPS 101: Learning How to Maximize Your SMPS Membership
2022-02-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Chicken N Pickle, 1240 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67206, Wichita, KS, 67206, US
Join SMPS Wichita on Wednesday, January 19 for SMPS 101: Learning How to Maximize Your SMPS Membership

Join SMPS Wichita on Wednesday, February 9, at Chicken N Pickle for SMPS 101. We’ll be in ‘The Roost’ room located on the main level.
SMPS 101: Learning how to maximize your SMPS membership as part of a strong community of A/E/C professionals through marketing leadership.
As your professional community, SMPS provides support to you and your firm to help navigate today’s environment. We’re here to help you grow your firm and advance your career. Make the most of your membership by staying engaged and taking advantage of the resources and expertise SMPS has to offer.
Join us for a panel and open discussion about how SMPS can most benefit your firm and maximize your career.
We encourage you to bring a guest! Appetizers and drinks will be provided.
Social to follow

Practical Application of Storytelling in A/E/C Firms
2021-11-10 07:30 - 11:30 | Eby Construction, 2525 E 36th Cir N, Wichita, KS 67219, Wichita, KS, 67219, US
A workshop sharing storytelling, aka “narrative,” principles and examples proven to engage clients, prospects, and colleagues.

Join SMPS Wichita for our half-day workshop on storytelling, hosted by Eby Construction! Registration/breakfast is 7:30 am-8:00 am, with the workshop starting at 8 am.
SMPS Member pricing for this event is good for members of any SMPS chapter who wants to attend, so feel free to join us!
Practical Application of Storytelling in A/E/C Firms
by Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM | Everest Marketing Services, LLC
People love clarity. If you confuse, you lose. It’s all about surviving and thriving…. and conserving calories.
If you’re like most architecture, engineering, or construction marketing/business development professionals, you’re frustrated that developing your company’s story is one of the hardest tasks on your long to-do list. If you knew what to do differently, you would—but you don’t, and so you feel stuck. Meanwhile, your revenue is lagging. Technical colleagues are confused. Your hit rate isn’t budging. And worst of all, you feel discouraged. Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way.
In this workshop for SMPS Wichita members and guests, Everest Marketing Services President, Barbara Shuck —a StoryBrand Certified Guide— will share storytelling, aka “narrative,” principles and examples proven to engage clients, prospects, and colleagues. Attendees will walk away knowing how to capture your audience’s attention and compel them to respond.

Learning Objectives
1. Share experiences with A/E/C communications and storytelling.
2. Identify seven storytelling steps that organize information, so audiences listen and engage.
3. Use storytelling steps to improve readability and memorability of A/E/C marketing pieces, including websites, proposals, brochures, and other communications that impact business development and marketing.

Audience
Marketing and Business Development professionals, technical staff (all levels)

Program Setup – Wednesday, November 10, 2021
7:30 – 8:00 Registration & Breakfast
8:00 Announcements
8:05 – 11:30 am Program (with 10 minute break)
We will start with an introduction of the storytelling framework so the audience will understand how to develop their firm’s stories in many types of marketing and business development pieces. Then we will take a deeper dive into storytelling for architecture, engineering, and construction firms for the full benefit of storytelling applications. Attendees will bring their own examples of proposals or collateral, and will apply insights learned as they consider rewriting and refreshing content. We may work in small groups, depending on the audience size. Full group sharing and discussion opens up the opportunity for broad learning, as well.
About Our Speaker:
Creating clear marketing in the fiercely competitive design and construction industry is hard enough. And creating compelling messages and professional communications can feel daunting. Not only that – how are you supposed to respond when leaders ask for you to develop the company story?
Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM, gets marketing and management for professional services firms. It IS a lot to think about, and you shouldn’t have to worry about it. It’s why she uses more than 25+ years of architectural/engineering/construction (A/E/C) marketing expertise to help companies focus on what it takes to win work, attract employees, and grow their firms.
Barbara has extensive experience collaborating with small and large firms, building strong marketing and communications programs, and crafting successful strategies and tactics. She assists clients with marketing research and strategic planning; project pursuit strategy, development, and writing; communications planning; award submittals; public speaking and presentation skills; customized leadership, marketing and business development training; marketing collateral, websites; and more.
Barbara has worked for general contracting, engineering, construction management, and architectural firms. Having presented to more than 200 audiences in-person and virtually, Barbara knows how to connect with audiences and provide engaging, interactive learning experiences. Audiences include Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) chapter, regional, and national programs. In addition, she has taught workshops for numerous design and construction associations, (ACEC, AIA, SAME, ENR, PSMJ, APWA, and SWE), and in college classrooms and online. She is a Past President of SMPS, Fellow and Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM), and is a Trustee for the SMPS Foundation.
Our Host:
Eby Construction – Online at https://www.ebycorp.com/

NetApp at WSU Construction Site Tour With Social
2021-10-13 16:00 - 18:00 | NetApp at the WSU Innovation Campus, 1850 Innovation Blvd., Wichita, KS 67260, Wichita, KS, 67260, US
Join SMPS Wichita as we tour the new NetApp building being constructed at WSU, with a social at the Social Tap afterwards.

NetApp is having a complex built in the southeast quadrant of the WSU Innovation Campus, near 17th and Oliver. Join SMPS as we tour this construction site, and after the tour, we will gather at the Social Tap Drinkery for a social.
The tour will be free for SMPS Members and $15 for non-members.
We’ll begin at 4:00 pm. More information is to come about where to park and meet.
ALERT: Attendees will be required to wear closed toe shoes and hard hats. If you do not have a hard hat, please let us know and we will bring one for you.
Social: We’ll be at the Social Tap Drinkery, 4510 E. 19th St. N, Suite 101 immediately afterwards. You do not need to attend the tour to attend the social!

SMPS Wichita Night at the Ballpark -Cancelled
2021-09-16 18:00 - 22:00 | Riverfront Stadium, 275 South McLean Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67213, Wichita, KS, 67213, US
UPDATE: This event has been cancelled…we didn’t receive the minimum number of signups to get the group hospitality option. We will be scheduling an alternative social event soon.

Join SMPS Wichita on September 16 for a Wichita WindSurge baseball game at Riverfront Stadium!

Join SMPS Wichita for a night out at the ballpark for a game between the Wichita WindSurge and the Arkansas Travelers on Thursday September 16. We’ll be on the Dillons Picnic Patio.
Bring yourself or bring a guest! Your purchase includes include game tickets plus a buffet dinner, soda and water throughout the game. There will be a cash bar for alcohol purchases nearby as well.

Purchase your ticket(s) today!

Making Photography Work for You
2021-08-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Larkspur | Bistro & Bar, 904 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202, Wichita, KS, 67202, US
Learn more about the best practices of photography, from what makes a good photo to maximizing a photo shoot, photo licenses and more.

We all use images in our marketing materials and websites, but what are some best practices when it comes to professional photography? Milt Mounts of Essential Images Photography will discuss how to make professional photography work for you, including the following topics:

What Makes a Good Photo?
People vs. No People and Do I Need a Release Form?
Maximizing a Photo Shoot — What Should You Do? What Should Your Photographer Do?
Final Output, Including File Format and Resolution
Understanding Photo Licenses

Agenda:
11 am-11:30 Networking
11:30-Noon Lunch
Noon-1 pm Program

About the Presenter:

Milt Mounts
Essential Images Photography
Milt is an architectural photographer and owner of Essential Images Photography based out of Wichita. He brings over 25 years of experience, with the last 10 specializing in architecture.
He is an SMPS Wichita member, Allied Member with AIA Kansas, a member of the Association of Independent Architectural Photographers and Professional Photographers of America. Milt is also a certified FFA license drone pilot and a member of Aerial Drone Photographers of America. Milt also has a background in marketing and combines this with his passion for photography and architecture.

2021 Social Media Strategy for the Modern Marketer
2021-07-14 07:30 - 11:30 | GLMV Architecture, 1525 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67211, Wichita, KS, 67211, US
A workshop for tips, tricks, and tools to help build your brand on three social platforms; Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram

Join SMPS Wichita for our half-day workshop on social media branding, hosted by GLMV Architecture! Registration/breakfast is 7:30 am-8:00 am, with the workshop starting at 8 am.
SMPS Member pricing for this event is good for members of any SMPS chapter who wants to attend, so feel free to join us!
Early registration rates last until the end of the day July 6: $75 member/$125 non-member. Starting July 7, tickets will be $100 member/$150 non-member.
2021 Social Media Strategy for the Modern Marketer
It is crucial now more than ever to keep your company visible on social media! This course reveals tips, tricks, and tools to help build your brand on three social platforms; Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. The series is ideal for A/E/C marketers who aim to build brand awareness, recruit people to their organization and need to keep up with industry trends, news and information.
What you’ll walk away with:
A 90-day social media plan for each platform to help you get started or improve your strategy right away!
Facebook:
Learn how to take your Facebook Page to the next level through Facebook Ads. Walk away with a good understanding of how to create campaigns.
LinkedIn:
Learn how to establish credibility, network with your target audience, and build your personal and company brands.
Instagram:
Gain a deeper understanding of the platform. Learn how to use engagement tools, interact with your audience, find relevant hashtags, and build a visually compelling brand.
YouTube:
Incorporate YouTube as part of your recruitment strategy. Learn the best ways to share your brand story, showcase your company culture, and highlight positions that are hard-to- fill. Explore the importance of titles, descriptions, thumbnails, and a call-to-action.
About Our Speaker, Stacey Holsinger:
As a digital marketing leader in the A/E/C industry and owner of Steel Toe Communications, LLC, Stacey Holsinger has over 15+ years of experience helping small and medium contractors compete with larger regional and national firms. In the complex and highly competitive world of construction, she creates compelling campaigns that help establish thought leadership and credibility while cultivating company culture. Stacey aims to inspire you to build a brand that showcases the work you are proud of and recruits suitable candidates for your organization. She writes and speaks about how contractors can escape marketing mediocrity to achieve tangible results through public relations, email, video, and social media marketing.
Previous clients include Orleans Home Builders, K.C. Construction, Shapiro & Duncan, Inc., Henley Construction, B.F. Joy, American Subcontractors Association, Associated Builders and Contractors Metro Washington, and Washington Building Congress.
Awards

2020 SMPS Marketing Communication Merit Award: Build the Lifestyle Your Deserve
2018 CMA Corporate Video SuperStar Award
2018 CMA Star Award for Internal E-Newsletter and Testimonial Video
2018 PMA 1st Place Video: Company Culture
2018 PMA Recruitment Campaign- Social Media
2016 CMA Star Award Employee Communications
2016 CMA Star Award Quarterly Client E-Newsletter and Employee Monthly E-Newsletter

Our Host:

Sedgwick County Zoo New Entry Tour with Social
2021-06-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 West Zoo Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67212, Wichita, KS, 67212, US
Join SMPS Wichita as we tour the new entrance to the Sedgwick County Zoo, with a social at the Zoo afterwards.

After 40 years, the entrance to the Sedgwick County Zoo was completely redesigned to incorporate a gift shop, ticket sales, administrative offices and more. Join SMPS as we tour the new entrance, and after the tour, we will gather in the zoo’s Beastro for a social.
The tour will be free for SMPS Members and $15 for non-members.
We’ll begin at 4:00 pm. More information is to come about where to meet.

Sunny Side Up Webinar: Subconscious Communications Skills
2021-05-20 08:00 - 09:30 | Eby Construction, 2525 E. 36th Circle N, Wichita, KS 67219, Wichita, KS, 67219, US
Join SMPS Wichita for our Sunny Side Up webinar at Eby Construction, covering Subconscious Communications Skills.

Join SMPS for our Sunny Side Up webinar series! We’re meeting in-person for this one at Eby Construction. Registration begins at 7:30 am and we’ll start at 8 am.
This event is free for SMPS Members and $15 for non-members.
Develop Your Talent & Bottom Line: Subconscious Communications Skills
by Natalie Bradshaw
This session will cover the importance of having a fluid communication platform among marketing, proposal, and business development staff. The reality is many firms have poor intercommunication and are misaligned. This discussion will use actual case studies to help communicate how firms can transform from a state of misalignment and information silos to where staff are better connected and sharing best practices. Ultimately, the session will rely upon the case study, audience participation, and discussion about formidable steps to build a strong capture and communication network. This overarching concept of an aligned capture and communication network between Marketing, Proposals, and Business Development staff will help signify the concept of the M/P/BD Triad of business success. Ideally, the audience will connect the pain points of sales misalignment and ineffective communication platforms while attaining new perspectives on how to become agents of change for capture and communication success.
About the Presenter:
Natalie Bradshaw is a sought after speaker on communication, business, and personal development. After acting in over 3,000 performances on Broadway, she pursued graduate school to study the neural substrates of cognitive-communication. As a clinical scientist, she has been published in national and international journals and has practiced in top medical institutions specializing in brain injury and polytrauma. As a consultant, she began her career in New York City where she worked with Wall Street executives and corporate leaders at prominent institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Sloan Kettering, and Yahoo. Her communication work has grown from there, starting Full Cadence Consulting to help AEC professionals, attorneys, executives, and thought leaders reach their full potential. Evidence-based, with Broadway pizzazz – she quantifies the human side of communication.

Thank you to our host!

Riverfront Stadium Tour & Social
2021-04-14 16:00 - 18:00 | 300 S Sycamore St, 300 South Sycamore Street, Wichita, KS 67213, Wichita, KS, 67213, US
Join SMPS Wichita as we tour the new Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita!

Join SMPS as we tour the new Riverfront Stadium, home of the Wichita Wind Surge baseball team. After the tour, we will gather in the stadium’s bar area for a social.
The tour will be free for SMPS Members and $15 for non-members.
We’ll begin at 4:00 pm. More information is to come about where to meet and any mask or social distancing requirements.

2021 Local and State Economic Outlook
2021-03-31 11:30 - 13:30
A virtual event on the economic outlook for Kansas and the Wichita metro area, sponsored by DBIA-KS, WSPE and SMPS Wichita.

Join the Design Build Institute of America’s Kansas Chapter (DBIA-KS), the Wichita Society of Professional Engineers (WSPE) and the Wichita Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS Wichita) for a joint meeting regarding our region’s 2021 economic outlook!
This event is FREE for members of DBIA-KS, WSPE or SMPS Wichita, and $15 for non-members.
2021 Local and State Economic Outlook
Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University, will talk about the current economic conditions, economic drivers for the Wichita and Kansas economies, and general expectations over the coming months.
Topics to be included are construction and manufacturing outlook for Kansas and the Wichita metro area, state and municipal government, impact of COVID, labor issues, expected costs, and wages.
Learning objectives:

Employment expectations
Key drivers for the Wichita MSA
State and local economic outlook for construction and manufacturing
Understanding the impact of COVID on the regional economy

About Our Speaker:
Jeremy Hill is the director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research. He came to Wichita State University from Georgia Southern University, where he was the director of the Coastal Rivers Water Planning and Policy Center. Hill has over twenty years of experience of applied business and economic research, and is often quoted by local and state media across Kansas.
In 2014, Jeremy was recognized by the Wichita Business Journal with the honor of “40 under 40”, and in 2016 was named as one of “50 Kansans You Should Know” by Ingram’s, a Kansas City’s business magazine. Hill has served in a number of leadership capacities, including past director and past-president of the Association for University Business and Economic Research, a national professional organization of regional centers across the United States.
Jeremy leads the CEDBR in its mission to provide accurate, reliable information and analysis to inform decision-making in the public and private sectors. The center provides market research, fiscal and impact analyses, and employment forecasts for the regional and state economies. Jeremy has also contributed to innovative research, analysis and planning in collaborative ventures across Kansas. His research focus has been on business analysis, community development, as well as workforce, tourism and retirement dynamics.
Sponsored by:
Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) – Kansas Chapter
Wichita Society of Professional Engineers (KSPE) – Wichita Chapter
Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) – Wichita Chapter

Virtual Program: How to Spread the Word Without Being Annoying
2021-03-10 11:30 - 13:30
SMPS Wichita Virtual Event from the Master Content Marketing Webinar Series. Module 2, the Guide to Content Promotion

(Free for SMPS Wichita Members)
This is the second in a series of webinars about content marketing. In this virtual event, we’ll show the approximately 90 minute webinar, and then we’ll have a 30 minute group discussion/wrap up afterwards.
The Guide to Content Promotion: How to Spread the Word Without Being Annoying
In the A/E/C industries, firms are concerned about being too annoying to their clients. How do they avoid it? By doing absolutely nothing! In this session, we’ll discuss how to promote client-focused content that feels like assistance rather than a nuisance. Social media, email campaigns, and content frequency will be the focus of this session.
During this 90 minute module, participants will:

Learn how to create a content calendar that aligns with your availability and user behavior
Gain tips on how to optimize social media to promote thought leadership
Learn how to develop email campaigns that promote content, projects, and people
Explore promotional best practices

SMPS Wichita Tour of Hutton Headquarters & Social
2021-02-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Hutton Headquarters, 111 N. Sycamore, Wichita, KS 67203, Wichita, KS, 67203, US
Tour of Hutton Headquarters, followed by happy hour social.

— This event is for SMPS members only. —
Tour
In December 2020, Hutton officially opened their new headquarters in Wichita’s Historic Delano District. Designed with the intention of serving the community and attracting the workforce of the future, the building is the first to be built using all timber-frame construction.
Join SMPS Wichita for a special MEMBERS ONLY tour of the building to learn how Hutton incorporated their work, purpose and values into the design while showcasing great design and leading-edge materials. The tour will be approximately 45 minutes long. Due to social distancing guidelines, we can only accommodate 15 people. Face masks will be required.
Location:
111 N. Sycamore
Wichita, KS 67203
Please enter the parking lot via the temporary entrance through the InSite Real Estate lot just off of Sycamore.
Social
Following the tour, we’ll be having a social event at The Monarch (579 W. Douglas Ave) at 5:00. If you cannot make it to the tour, you’re welcome to come to the social!
Join SMPS Wichita

Virtual Program: How to Create and Repurpose Content that Doesn't Suck
2021-02-10 11:30 - 13:30
An SMPS Wichita Virtual Event from the Master Content Marketing Webinar Series. This is Module 1 from the Guide to Content Development.

Join SMPS Wichita for our first official event of 2021!
This event is FREE for SMPS Wichita Members.
This is the first in a series of webinars about content marketing. In this virtual event, we’ll show the approximately 90 minute webinar, and then we’ll have a 30 minute group discussion/wrap up afterwards.
The Guide to Content Development: How to Create and Repurpose Content That Doesn’t Suck
There’s content all around you. You just have to find it—and then develop, polish, and repurpose it. In this session, we’ll discuss best practices on how to create client-focused content that educates your readers while establishing thought leadership. There’s enough sucky content in our industries, so let’s clean it up.
During this 90 minute module, participants will:

Establish methods of finding content while juggling other tasks
Identify five ways to repurpose old content to save time
Explore how to design and layout content readers can effectively scan
Learn to create content that resonates with your audience

SMPS Wichita 2020 Virtual Holiday Social
2020-12-10 16:30 - 18:00
Join us virtually on Thursday, December 10 for mingling and holiday wishes with your friends from SMPS.

Grab a festive drink and a snack and join us on Thursday, December 10 for some holiday mingling. We’ll meet virtually 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. This is a free event for all SMPS Wichita members. Attendance links and details will be sent to registered individuals at a later date.

Virtual Selling: How to Build Relationships Online
2020-11-12 12:00 - 13:00
This event is FREE for members, $25 for non-members

Join us for a 60-minute session on how to build relationships online. This is a collaboration between SMPS Wichita and SMPS Ozarks!

There are unique challenges that people face when they conduct a virtual sales call. People are fearful, lack adequate preparation and need more effective customer engagement skills. In this LIVE Online program, you will learn how to keep selling while your customers are distancing.
The old sales approach will no longer work in the new virtual environment. Sellers must learn to be more concise, communicate value and accentuate the most important points for their prospects while keeping them engaged.
We know that your success is critical during these times and we have designed a brand new program using Dale Carnegie’s proven principles to help you engage your customers online.
Key Focus Areas:
• Create Stronger Relationships Virtually
• The old way of selling will no longer work
• How to set up your virtual environment for success
Improvement in these critical areas will help you quickly engage buyers, build stronger trust, and ultimately improve the bottom line of your organization.
Presenter: Jessie Wilson
| VP, Client Engagement & Senior Trainer

Memory Power
2020-07-16 12:00 - 13:00
An SMPS Wichita virtual event on techniques for boosting the power of your memory.

Memory Power by Paul Mellor
Join SMPS Wichita for our July event, an online Zoom presentation on Memory Power by Paul Mellor.
In today’s business world, having the ability to remember names and faces, beat absent-mindedness, and recall facts and figures puts you at the head of the pack. In this fun-filled session you’ll learn time-tested techniques for recalling names, speaking without notes, and gaining control of your day without the fear of forgetting. When you’re skilled in memory all your other skills get better. This program shows how.
Each attendee will receive a copy of Paul’s book Finding the Keys for Remembering Anything.
The event is FREE for SMPS Wichita members, $25 for non-members and SMPS members from other chapters.
About Our Presenter
Paul Mellor, author of Finding the Keys, was a finalist in the USA Memory Championship, where he recalled the names of over 90 people in less than 15 minutes, remembered in exact order over 100 single-digit numbers after a five-minute study, and recalled the exact order of a shuffled deck of playing cards after less than a three-and-a-half minute review. His fun and energetic programs have been delivered to audiences nationwide.
A Communications graduate of Western Carolina University, Mr. Mellor is also the author of You’re Almost There, chronicling his journey as having run a marathon (26.2 miles) in all 50 states.

Grow Your Business with Digital Marketing
2020-03-11 11:00 - 13:00 | PEC, 303 S. Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202, Wichita, KS, 67202
Grow Your Business with Digital Marketing
Learn tips and tricks on how to gain more exposure with:
• Search Engine Marketing
• Local Business Listings
• Search Engine Optimization
• Social Media Marketing
Agenda:
11 am-11:30 Networking
11:30-Noon Lunch
Noon-1 pm Program
About the Presenter:

Cassandra Bryan
Founder and Creative Director of Cassandra Bryan Design
Cassandra Bryan is responsible for business development and creative direction at her namesake firm, Cassandra Bryan Design, which is also known as cb{d}. Specializing in branding, website design and development, and digital marketing services, the firm serves small to large businesses both locally and nationally. Cassandra regularly consults and speaks on the importance of online presence in the digital age, as well as how to both create and maintain that presence effectively.
Thank you to our host, PEC!

Master Content Marketing Webinar Series (Module 1): The Guide to Content Development – How to Create and Repurpose Content That Doesn't Suck
2020-02-20 07:30 - 09:30 | Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), 303 South Topeka Street, Wichita, KS 67202, Wichita, KS, 67202, US
Join SMPS Wichita for breakfast, networking and a webinar sunny side up. This event is FREE for MEMBERS and $15 for non-members.
[Breakfast/registration starts at 7:30 am, webinar begins at 8:00 am.]
We’re offering a 3-module webinar series for content marketing. Our first module starts this month, on Feburary 20.
The Guide to Content Development: How to Create and Repurpose Content That Doesn’t Suck
There’s content all around you. You just have to find it—and then develop, polish, and repurpose it. In this session, we’ll discuss best practices on how to create client-focused content that educates your readers while establishing thought leadership. There’s enough sucky content in our industries, so let’s clean it up.
During this 90 minute module, participants will:

Establish methods of finding content while juggling other tasks
Identify five ways to repurpose old content to save time
Explore how to design and layout content readers can effectively scan
Learn to create content that resonates with your audience

Thank you to our sponsor!

Podcasting 101...and 102, 103 & 104
2020-02-12 11:00 - 13:00 | KMUW, 121 N. Mead, Ste. 200, Wichita, KS 67202, Wichita, KS, 67202, US
From conception to planning to production and distribution, Beth Golay will explain various aspects of podcasting. We’ll look at the studios, and talk about good sound, and there will be plenty of time for questions.
Location:
KMUW
121 N. Mead, Ste. 200
Wichita, KS 67202
Agenda:
11 am-11:30 Networking
11:30-Noon Lunch
Noon-1 pm Program
About Our Presenter:

Beth Golay
KMUW Wichita Public Radio
Beth is the Director of Marketing, Digital Content and Podcasts for KMUW, Wichita Public Radio. She is creator and host of “Marginalin”, creator of “You’re Saying It Wrong,” creator and producer of “Cooking With Fire,” and NPR StoryLab. She’s also a team member of the award-winning podcast “My Fellow Kansans.”

SMPS Wichita Tour of WSU Tech City Center, with Social
2020-01-15 16:30 - 17:30 | WSU Tech City Center, 301 S. Grove, Wichita, KS 67211, Wichita, KS, 67211, US
— This tour is FREE for SMPS members, $20 for non-members. —
Tour
Jennifer Seymour, City Center campus dean, will lead us on a tour of WSU Tech, and share information about how they are developing future workforce in Wichita.
WSU Tech’s (formerly Wichita Area Technical College) history dates back to 1965 when the college started offering classes at “The Grove Campus” at 301 S. Grove. Now known as WSU Tech’s City Center campus, this location is home to some of the college’s fastest growing programs and the new Building Trades Registered Apprenticeship program. Lead faculty and staff of the programs listed below will give a behind-the-scenes look at how WSU Tech is fulfilling the mission of training Wichita’s workforce.
Programs at City Center:

Automotive Service Technology
Construction Science
Carpentry Introduction
Climate and Energy Control Technologies (HVAC)
Industrial Automation & Machine Maintenance (Industrial Machine Mechanic)
Alternative Fuel Maintenance & Advanced Electronics
Information Technology Systems
IT Essentials
High School Welding, Sheetmetal & Composites Programs

The tour begins at 4:30 pm. Please meet at Building A.
Social
Following the tour, we’ll be having a social event at Central Standard Brewing, from 5:30-6:30 pm. If you cannot make it to the tour, you’re welcome to come to the social!

SMPS Wichita 2019 Holiday Social
2019-12-12 16:30 - 18:30 | River City Brewing Company, 150 North Mosley Street, Wichita, KS 67202, Wichita, KS, 67202, US
Join us on Thursday, December 12 for some holiday mingling, appetizers and drinks while we collect donations for the Ronald McDonald House charity. We’ll be at River City Brewery from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The cost is free for members, $10 for non-members.
What’s Included: Appetizers and 2 drink tickets per person.
Charitable Participation: Bring a Donation!
As part of our event, we will be collecting donations for Ronald McDonald House. Please bring donations for this worthy cause!
Ronald McDonald House Wish List
Thank you for helping make many families’ lives a little bit easier!
Each year the organization helps over 1600 sick children and their families through two Ronald McDonald Houses and their Ronald McDonald Family Room. They rely on Wish List donations to help make lives a little bit easier. Thank you in advance for caring and sharing!
Priority Needs:

Gift cards for Walmart, Dillons, Target & Office Max for purchasing
Items needed for operations
Sandwich Bread (White & Wheat)
Individual Snacks, Crackers, Chips
Milk & Eggs
Crockpot Liners
Boxed Cereal
Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges

Other:

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit & Pudding Cups
Individual Juices (Juice Boxes)
Mac and Cheese (individual)
Cookie & Brownie Mixes
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Sandwich Pickles
Flavored Coffee Creamer (Powdered)
Individual Frozen Pizza and entrees
Paper Towels
Dryer Sheets
HE Laundry Detergent (Free and Clear)
Dreft Detergent (HE)
Clear Liquid Hand Soap

2019 Tacky Sweater Crawl
2019-12-06 18:00 - 21:00 | GLMV Architecture, 1525 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211, Wichita, KS, 67211

Generation Z in the Workplace
2019-11-12 11:00 - 13:00 | Larkspur | Bistro & Bar, 904 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202, Wichita, KS, 67202, US
What makes young employees, new hires and interns in Gen Z different than the Millennials who came before them? What are the most effective ways to communicate with Gen Z? What shapes their perspective? How can we best recruit, serve and retain Gen Z employees? Join Eric M. Wilson of Wichita State University’s Elliott School of Communication for an interactive discussion of best practices for engaging with this fascinating and fast-growing generation. Wilson will share insights on Gen Z from the 34th annual ACT Enrollment Management Summit in Dallas in July, as well as an overview of Gen Z trends based on national ACT data and best practices insights from media coverage.
Objectives:
1. Compare how Gen Z individuals are similar to and different from the Millennials that came before them.
2. Examine data, news coverage and trends to gain a clearer understanding of the characteristics, patterns and practices of Gen Z students.
3. Discuss best practices for communicating with, recruiting, retaining, and serving Gen Z employees and interns.
Agenda:
11 am-11:30 Networking
11:30-Noon Lunch
Noon-1 pm Program
About the Presenter:

Eric Wilson
Wichita State University
Eric M. Wilson is an associate public relations instructor and outreach director at Wichita
State University’s Elliott School of Communication, and president of media training and consulting firm V1
Communications. He was 2018 president of the Public Relations Society of America Kansas Chapter and currently chair-elect of the PRSA Southwest District. He has recently learned more about Generation Z students through a trends in higher education fellowship with the WSU Office of Academic Affairs.
Wilson has facilitated media training for hundreds of public relations students, communication professionals, managers, NCAA student-athletes and international government officials. He recently led sessions on crisis communication and change communication at the 2018 PRSA International Conference in Austin and 2019 conference in San Diego. Wilson has more than 10 years of teaching, media training and PR experience, including an internship at Southwest Airlines and two business journalism fellowships at the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism at Arizona State University.

Get Noticed: InDesign for Graphs and Charts – Sunny Side Up Webinar
2019-11-06 07:30 - 09:30 | Trane Mid-America, 120 S. Ida, Wichita, KS, 67211, United States
Join SMPS Wichita for breakfast, networking and a webinar sunny side up. This event is FREE for MEMBERS and $15 for non-members.
[Breakfast/registration starts at 7:30 am, webinar begins at 8:00 am.]
Want to explain a lot of information in a small amount of space? Need to convey a concept with a “pop of color”? Infographs are everywhere and, while they look cool, they also have to function well. Learn their elements, design processes, and how to create them in InDesign.
This webinar is designed for the beginning to intermediate InDesign user who works on proposals and promotional material regularly. Adding these design concepts to your skillset will allow you to make the most of your page space and entice your audience while visually conveying information.
A quick guide to InDesign tools used in the webinar and links to further resources will be provided ahead of time, as well as InDesign swatches created for this practice. Having InDesign open for following along and ease of practice is recommended but not required.
During this webinar, participants will:

Explore visual concepts and goals behind infograph design
Discover how to translate information into a visual story
Learn techniques for visually ordering information
Learn how to manipulate basic shapes in InDesign

Thank you to our sponsor, Trane Mid-America!

The Leadership Dilemma: Change, Complexity & Distraction in the Chaotic 4-Generation Workplace
2019-10-09 07:30 - 12:00 | GLMV Architecture, 1525 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211, Wichita, KS, 67211
[ Registration begins at 7:30 am., Program begins at 8 am ]
About the Workshop:
The workplace has changed dramatically in the past 20 years. Technology, and a technology-infused generation of employees, has radically impacted workplace culture and performance, which has resulted in sending most old-school Boomer managers into a rant about “these Millennials!!”
The truth is Millennials are NOT the problem. The real problem is CHANGE, and a stubborn refusal to move away from “the way we’ve always done it.”
Effective leadership has always been a challenge, but today’s workplace has tossed several additional variables into the equation, making it feel almost impossible to lead effectively. That is, unless you’re willing to learn, grow, and adapt. In this presentation, Kelly takes a hard look at the realities of the modern workplace and offers tangible solutions to creating what every leader strives for – a culture of accountability.
Learn more in this video message from Kelly: https://blkr.co/smpswichita. (best plays in Chrome browser)
Registration Includes:

Workshop, breakfast and a copy of Kelly’s book Counter Mentor Leadership: How to Unlock the Potential of the 4-Generation Workplace {Register by Sept. 30 to receive book}.
About the Presenter:
Kelly Riggs
BizLockerRoom
Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business performance coach for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada. Kelly’s background as a coach and entrepreneur has helped him to create a wildly successful track record of helping salespeople, executives, and business owners in companies ranging from $5 million in sales revenue to Fortune 500 companies.
Widely recognized as a dynamic thought leader, powerful speaker, and successful performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive and two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year with well over two decades of executive management and training experience.
He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t, and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.
His third book, co-written with his son, Robby Riggs, is entitled Counter Mentor Leadership: How to Unlock the Potential of the 4-Generation Workplace (Nicholas Brealey Hachette).
For more information, visit www.BizLockerRoom.com.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

SMPS Wichita Tour of Spaghetti Works and Social
2019-09-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Spaghetti Works, 600 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67201, Wichita, KS, 67201, US
— This event is FREE for SMPS members. —
Tour
The Spaghetti Works project is the starting point for a new development that city leaders and others see as a potential catalyst in a key area between Union Station and Intrust Bank Arena.
Developers Landmark Commercial, TGC Development Group and Sunflower Development Group have converted the 1894 Spaghetti Works building into 41 apartments. In front of the building will be parking and a 60,000-square-foot Class A office and retail complex. Also on the site will be a programmed urban park with lots of ammenities.
Tour the site including both the apartments and the commercial/business side, and learn more about the history and back story involved in its creation. Brett Harris from Landmark Commercial and Gary Garrett with Hutton will be our guides.
Social
Following the tour, we’ll be having a social event at nearby Pourhouse (711 E. Douglas)! If you cannot make it to the tour, you’re welcome to come to the social! Please let us know at contact@smpswichita.org.
Register today, this tour is limited to 30 participants.

Writing to Win: Tactics that Turn Boring Text into Persuasive (and Readable) Messages
2019-08-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Larkspur | Bistro & Bar, 904 East Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202, Wichita, KS, 67202, US
Effective written communication is easy to read, well-organized, and in many cases, very persuasive. In this program, attendees will gain practical and relevant skills that produce strong content that is well-written and stands out from the crowd. We will evaluate 6 persuasive writing strategies that will undoubtedly help both marketing and technical professionals. The examples are amazing, and the take-aways will make a difference when you return to work. Invite your technical colleagues who are bound to get excited about tips and tricks. Yes, excited!
Agenda:
11 am-11:30 Networking
11:30-Noon Lunch
Noon-1 pm Program
About the Presenter:

Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM
Everest Marketing Services
Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM, helps people and companies get from here to there. She regularly shares her energy, passion and 35+ years’ experience to teach, challenge, motivate, and inspire others to achieve new heights. She has worked for general contracting, engineering, construction management, and architectural firms. As a consultant, she helps clients with internal communication and initiatives, and external efforts that win work through compelling and persuasive content and messaging. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and French from Washburn University in Topeka, and a master’s degree in Business, (marketing emphasis) from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. She also has expertise in sales, printing, publishing, and teaching.
Barbara has extensive experience working with small and large firms, building strong marketing and communications programs, and crafting successful strategies and tactics. She assists clients with marketing research and strategic planning; project pursuit strategy, development and writing; communications planning; award submittals; public speaking and presentation skills; customized leadership, marketing and business development training; marketing collateral, websites; and more.

Get the Most Out of Your CRM
2019-07-16 11:00 - 13:00 | iSi Environmental (Training Center), 215 S Laura, Wichita, KS 67211, Wichita, KS, 67211
Join SMPS Wichita for the webinar Get the Most Out of Your CRM, followed by a group roundtable discussion about CRMs with lunch! It’s FREE for members, only $20 for non-members.
[Webinar: 11 am-Noon, Lunch & Discussion: Noon-1 pm]
SMPS’s Lunchtime Learning Labs are free monthly webinars available for members only. SMPS Wichita is holding a group watch party for this webinar plus we’ll have a CRM roundtable discussion afterwards, with lunch. This event is free for members. Those who are not members yet can attend this sneak preview of membership benefits for $20.
Roundtable Discussion:
Following the webinar, we’ll have a roundtable group discussion and sharing session about our own experiences with CRMs, including…

Which ones do we use?
How do we use them?
Lessons learned
Handy and time-saving features we’ve found
Overall experiences and advice for others in the group

About the Webinar:
Are you happy with your client relationship management system (CRM) and processes? Are your coworkers using your CRM effectively? If you could benefit from increased data integrity and buy-in, join us for our July learning lab and discover ways to get the most out of your CRM.
During our complimentary lab for SMPS members, hear from industry thought leaders as they share the tactics and strategies. Our presenters have years of experience as marketers and can relate to the struggles of hunting down and gathering project data and fighting to figure out what information is correct. Discover ways to develop processes that will mitigate and reduce frustration and allow you to cut down on the proposal stress. We’ll also explore how to fully use a CRM system and make it the most powerful tool in your marketing toolbelt.
During this webinar, participants will:

Discover how to get the most out of your CRM system
Explore how to increase data integrity and user adoption
Gain tactics and strategies to get buy-in across all levels and departments
Learn how to make your CRM system a powerful marketing tool

Presenters
Courtney Kearney, CPSM | Founder & Owner, CKearney Consulting
Known for her love of data, Courtney Kearney, CPSM, owner of CKearney Consulting (CKC), brings her marketing skills and years of experience to a technical world of databases, processes, and numbers as a CRM thought leader. CKC is proud to provide CRM system evaluation, implementation, support, training, proposal automation, data analytics, and API integration services. Courtney has served in several leadership roles in SMPS Fort Worth including the role of past-president.
Julie Shaffer, CPSM | President, Shaffer Creative
As an award-winning designer and respected leader of creative teams and marketing departments, Julie exhibits the perfect mix of tact, tenacity, and industry knowledge to design and orchestrate creative marketing solutions. She is an Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign CC and is known for developing extensive style formatting for project efficiency and completion. Julie loves to share her knowledge through workshop-style trainings for clients and professional organizations across the United States.
Thank you to our host!

Garden Party Wichita
2019-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Revolutsia, 2721 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67214, Wichita, KS, 67214, US
The Wichita Design Community is back again with another networking event! Join us in the newly renovated Revolutsia to attend a Mix + Mingle Garden Party.
$20 gets you in the door, two drink tickets, heavy hors d’oeuvres + fun for the evening.
Bring cash to enter a raffle for a chance to win a gift basket from local vendors!
Revolutsia – 5:30 – 6:00 PM – Registration Open
Revolutsia – 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Event Starts
This event is sponsored by IIDA Mid America, AIA Wichita, SMPS Wichita, ASLA Prairie Getaway and SEAKM.
