**THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT**

In an era of accelerating disruption, marketing and business development professionals are no longer simply supporting growth—they are driving it. This inaugural SMPS Foundation / FMI research reveals the emerging trends reshaping the way A/E/C firms communicate, compete, and connect with clients across the United States and Canada.

Through a mix of surveys and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, and analysis of transformative trends from sectors like tech, finance, and consumer marketing, this study answers critical questions: How are client expectations evolving? What strategies are helping firms win work in tighter markets? How should teams be structured for the future? And what innovations from outside the industry deserve our attention now?

This session will share findings from the SMPS Foundation report, activate the research through roundtable discussions and a client panel.  Attendees will gain practical, future-focused insights into how firms are adapting to change—both inside and out—and walk away with fresh ideas to elevate their strategy, storytelling, and client engagement in the months and years ahead.

Event Timeline:

8:30-9:00 | Registration & Networking

9:00-11:00 | Program

11:00-11:30 | Client Panel

11:30 -12:00 | Networking

CEU Credits: 2.5           Domain: Research

Speakers:

Sarah Kinard | Founder & Head Bird | The Flamingo Project

Sarah Kinard is the Head Bird of The Flamingo Project, a consultancy helping AEC firms grow with clarity and confidence. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a research-first mindset and a refreshing approach to strategy and planning. She’s known for simplifying the complex and helping firms turn big ideas into clear next steps. A frequent speaker at national AEC events, including Zweig Elevate and industry podcasts, Sarah currently serves as the President of the SMPS Foundation and was inducted into the SMPS North Texas Hall of Fame. Sarah is also a proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program (Dallas).

Dana Galvin Lancour | Vice President, Branding + Communications | Barton Malow

Dana Galvin Lancour is a recognized marketing and communications executive with deep expertise in brand strategy, executive communications, and storytelling within the A/E/C industry. As Vice President of Branding and Communications at Barton Malow, she leads a talented marketing and communications team and provides creative and strategic direction for the firm’s brand, positioning, and enterprise-wide communications. Throughout her 19-year tenure, Dana has reimagined Barton Malow’s marketing and communications strategy, helping modernize the organization and elevate its presence across the industry. She played a foundational role in establishing the firm’s social media presence in 2008, expanded in-house video storytelling capabilities, strengthened internal communications platforms, and serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on strategic messaging and crisis communication. Dana’s leadership was especially evident in Barton Malow’s 100th Anniversary celebration in 2024. She led the development and execution of a comprehensive, multi-channel centennial program that blended archival storytelling, digital engagement, video, and experiential elements—honoring the firm’s legacy while reinforcing its forward-looking vision. A lifelong Michigan native, Dana is a graduate of Leadership Detroit Class XXXVII and an active member of the Detroit Economic Club. In 2023, Crain’s Detroit Business recognized her as a Notable Leader in Marketing.

Jeff Ringvelski | Director of Infrastructure Planning and Design | Henry Ford Health

Jeff Ringvelski is the Director of Infrastructure Planning and Design for Henry Ford Health. With over 50,000 team members and 550 sites of care across Michigan, Henry Ford Health is a major employer in metro Detroit and among the most diverse. It is comprised of 13 hospitals including flagship 877-bed Henry Ford Hospital, numerous medical centers, and one of the nation’s largest group practices in over 40 specialties. Jeff holds a degree in Architecture and has focused entirely on healthcare design and construction for over 30 years.

Tom Dillenbeck, AIA, EDAC | Executive Vice President | Hobbs+Black Architects

Tom Dillenbeck, AIA, EDAC, is Executive Vice President of Hobbs+Black Architects, where he oversees firmwide operations and leads the technical delivery of the firm’s healthcare portfolio. With over 20 years in leadership, Tom directs a 40-person technical team supporting complex, highly regulated projects across Michigan and Arizona, with a focus on performance, resiliency, and operational excellence. His recent work includes leading the technical delivery of the State of Michigan’s 304,800-square-foot Public Health & Environmental Science Laboratory, an innovative cross-laminated timber and steel facility consolidating four state agencies into a next-generation research environment, as well as overseeing the University of Michigan Health Troy Center for Specialty Care. Tom brings deep experience in aligning owners, designers, and builders through early collaboration, alternative delivery pressures, and technology-driven project demands, key themes shaping how A/E/C firms win and deliver work today. He was also named one of Crain’s 2025 Notable Leaders in Healthcare Technology.

Nick Rao | Senior Manager, Acquisitions | Bedrock

Nick Rao is the Senior Manager on the Transactions Team at Bedrock and has been with the company for over 7 years.  The Transactions Team leads all aspects of acquisitions and dispositions, including deal sourcing, valuation, and due diligence for all property types including multifamily, office, retail, industrial, hospitality, and mixed-use.

Prior to Bedrock, Nick began his career at ValStone Partners in Birmingham, MI.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a ULI Member.