Roundtables

If you're searching for a more intimate setting to connect with your SMPS peers, join one of our many roundtables! The SMPS Oregon Chapter offers members a valuable opportunity to connect with other chapter members in small group settings—through the roundtable program.
 
Roundtables are groups of up to 15 members around the state who meet regularly to discuss topics of interest, issues they face in their jobs, and best practices. Facilitated by experienced marketing/business development professionals, these groups provide a unique opportunity to learn from each other and cultivate relationships with others in our field. Roundtables create an opportunity to participate in a committed mentoring environment that nurtures openness and trust. Want to join, but still have questions? Check out these frequently asked questions. 
 

How to join a roundtable. Email the facilitator(s) of the roundtable you are interested in (see below) or contact Christina Blaser.

Current SMPS Oregon Chapter Roundtables

Balancing Act

The Balancing Act Roundtable is designed for marketers who wear many hats, often working solo or as part of a very small team. Whether you’re the only marketer in your firm or one of a few juggling multiple responsibilities, this roundtable provides a supportive space to share strategies, tools, and tips for managing it all. Discussions focus on time management, prioritization, creative problem-solving, and finding balance while handling the wide range of marketing tasks common in smaller teams. Participants come together to exchange ideas, gain encouragement, and learn practical ways to thrive in the “do-it-all” world of AEC marketing.

Who should sign up for this roundtable: Open to marketers of any experience level who handle a wide range of marketing tasks, especially those working solo or on small teams. Perfect for anyone seeking support, ideas, and strategies to balance the many demands of AEC marketing.

How often does this group meet? Monthly on the third Tuesday at 12:00–1:00 PM virtually.

To learn more, contact Maggie Thornton and Scott Coers

FACILITATOR

Scott Coers
Marketing Coordinator
Essex General Construction
 
FACILITATOR

Maggie Thornton
Associate, Business Development Manager
Westlake Consultants, Inc.
 
Coordinator's Corner

Designed for marketing coordinators, senior coordinators, and proposal coordinators, this roundtable dives into the multifaceted world of AEC marketing. Discussions cover everything from proposal production including strategy, storyboarding, infographics, and working with technical content to other common marketing tasks for coordinators such as social media management, photography, corporate branding, event planning, and promotional item coordination. This is a collaborative space to tackle common challenges, share best practices, and gain insights into leading successful marketing and proposal efforts across the board.

Who should sign up for this roundtable? Marketing Coordinators, Senior Coordinators, and Proposal Coordinators with 0-5 years of experience in marketing or a related industry.

How often does this group meet? Monthly virtual meetings. Twice a year, this group will meet in-person for a happy hour celebration.

Learn more, contact: Arden Tobey

FACILITATOR

Arden Tobey
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company
 
Leader's Unite

Designed for marketing managers, directors, CMOs, principals, and anyone overseeing marketing or business development efforts, this roundtable addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of leadership within the AEC industry. Discussion topics include strategic marketing and business planning, team development and management, performance metrics, internal communications, leadership transitions, and strategies for driving sustainable growth. This is a collaborative forum for leaders to share experiences, explore innovative approaches, and gain insights to strengthen their teams, elevate their firm’s marketing vision, and lead with purpose in an ever-evolving industry.

Who should sign up for this roundtable: Senior level leaders in a marketing or business development role at their company.

How often does this group meet? Monthly on the first Wednesday 12:00-1:15 pm. Meetings are a mix of in-person and virtual.

Learn more, contact: Angie Cole and Alexi Meuwissen

FACILITATOR

Angie Cole, MBA, NALP
Director of Marketing and Business Development
S&F Land Services
 
FACILITATOR

Alexi Meuwissen
Associate Principal, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Scott Edwards Architecture
 
Marketing & Communications Strategy

MACS focuses on the “other side” of marketing—the creative, strategic, and operational aspects that go beyond proposals. This roundtable explores topics such as branding, content creation (including social media, websites, and videos), event planning, and internal and external communications, as well as career development and other essential non-proposal areas that keep marketing strategies sharp, balanced, and impactful. In 2025, discussions will include a book club session where participants read an industry-related book and share key takeaways “book report” style; 1–2 meetings on AI in marketing; a CRM deep dive; a conversation on stress and burnout in marketing roles (planned for October 2025); a session on photography and Adobe Photoshop tips and tricks; and a discussion on streamlining project profiles.

Who should sign up for this roundtable: Marketing Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, Senior Marketing Coordinator, Marketing Managers with 0-10 years of experience in marketing or a related industry.

How often does this group meet? Monthly on the second Wednesday, 12:00-1:15 pm. Meetings are mostly virtual with a quarterly effort to meet in-person.

Learn more, contact: Alina Houston and Leah Lukrofka

FACILITATOR

Alina Houston
Marketing Manager
R&H Construction
 
FACILITATOR

Leah Lukrofka
Website and Digital Content Specialist
MacKay Sposito
 
Mentorship

The Mentorship Roundtable is designed to create an inclusive, engaging, and flexible space where SMPS Oregon members at all career stages can connect, learn, and grow. This reimagined program aims to help mentees gain guidance on the topics and situations most relevant to their professional and personal development—whether they’re just starting out, navigating a transition, or stepping into leadership. Our approach emphasizes open discussion and meaningful connection. Each meeting will include space for participants to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss challenges in real time. While guest speakers and industry experts will introduce key topics, the focus will remain on creating a collaborative environment where members can learn from one another. A recurring theme throughout the year will be “Finding Your Place”—how to shape your career path intentionally, identify fulfillment in your work, and move toward roles that align with your goals and values. Core Focus Areas include: Industry & Professional Practice, Career Development & Navigation, Personal Growth & Emerging Trends, Resources & Continued Learning.

Who should sign up for this roundtable: The Mentorship Roundtable is open to all SMPS Oregon members, regardless of title or years of experience. It’s especially valuable for: Emerging professionals seeking career guidance, clarity, and connections within the AEC industry. Mid-career marketers or business developers looking to refine their leadership approach, navigate transitions, or re-energize their professional path. Senior professionals and firm leaders who want to share their knowledge, mentor the next generation, and gain new perspectives from rising talent. Whether you’re exploring where you fit in the AEC landscape, seeking tools to advance your career, or hoping to give back through mentorship, this roundtable provides a collaborative, flexible, and supportive environment to learn, connect, and grow.

How often does this group meet? The Mentorship Roundtable meets monthly (dates/times TBD), with both in-person and virtual (hybrid) attendance options to support flexibility and accessibility. Each session includes time for open discussion, Q&A, and small-group interactions. In addition to monthly group meetings, mentor–mentee pairs are encouraged to meet individually at their own pace, whether in person or virtually, to maintain ongoing connection and support. The program kicks off in January 2026 with an interactive networking event, an opportunity for participants to meet potential mentors, indicate pairing preferences, and shape their experience for the year. Occasional informal gatherings or topic-specific breakout sessions may also be scheduled throughout the year based on participant interests and feedback.

Learn more, contact: Kendall Garcia-Gordon and Patrick Keller

FACILITATOR

Kendall Garcia-Gordon
Marketing Assistant
AKS Engineering & Forestry
 
FACILITATOR

Patrick Keller
Proposal Manager
DOWL
 
Senior Marketers

Geared towards marketing and business development leaders responsible for implementing the bigger picture, developing leadership skills essential for driving team performance and aligning departmental goals with broader business strategy. Topics include team and self-development, strategic planning and budgeting, cross-functional collaboration, brand stewardship, and best practices for winning work through proposals and communication.

Who should sign up for this roundtable: Experienced marketing and business development professionals, generally with 5+ years of experience, who hold manager or leadership roles and are responsible for driving their firm’s strategic goals. Participants are typically those who oversee teams, guide marketing initiatives, and want to strengthen their leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills. This group is perfect for professionals ready to move beyond execution and focus on big-picture strategy, team development, and firmwide impact.

How often does this group meet? Monthly on the third Tuesday at 12:00–1:00 PM virtually.

Learn more, contact: Theresa Palid and Danielle Ridgeway

FACILITATOR

Theresa Palid
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Apex Companies, LLC
 
FACILITATOR

Danielle Ridgeway
Corporate Public Relations Manager
Swinerton
 

We hope that there is a roundtable for everyone. Members may join throughout the year if space is available. If you have ideas for future roundtables or if groups are so full that we need to consider a second group, let’s chat. Contact Christina Blaser.