In 2026, the construction industry has shifted its focus to data centers and the infrastructure needed to support them. Meanwhile, sustainable building materials like mass timber continue to remain a hot topic. The question is: how do we handle the pressure to build sustainably while also constructing some of the most energy-intensive projects in history?

The Use of Mass Timber

How to Create Memorable Networking Experiences

You attend a networking event, happy hour, or client gathering with a stack of business cards in hand, but weeks later those connections rarely turn into meaningful relationships. The issue is not effort. It is follow-through.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a “someday” conversation for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. It is already showing up in the tools, workflows, and conversations shaping how AEC professionals work.

As part of a graduate research project through the University of Oklahoma, my research group surveyed professionals across the AEC industry with the help and support of the SMPS Colorado Board and other amazing members of the local AEC community. The goal was to better understand how employees are using AI, what they need from leadership, and what communication strategies may help organizations adopt AI more effectively.

In a world driven by convenience: automation tools, proposal boilerplates, and ever-tightening deadlines, an essential element of neuromarketing is quietly slipping through the cracks—human connection.

The built environment may be shaped by data, systems, and structures, but it’s still run by people. And people, at their core, want to work with those they know, like, and trust. As marketers in professional services, our role goes beyond simply submitting a polished proposal. We are responsible for conveying, clearly and convincingly, that our team is the right fit. The most effective way to do that? Add one intentional step to your process: find the connection.

As we move into summer, things sometimes feel a little lighter in the marketing world (I say this now, but don’t blame me if you get slammed). Summer construction work is in progress, inboxes slow down (slightly), and many teams shift into a different rhythm. But before we fully settle into that seasonal pace, June offers something even more valuable: a natural pause point.

The halfway mark of the year is one of the best opportunities we have to step back, evaluate, and reset our marketing and business development efforts with intention.

I joined SMPS Colorado in 2019, shortly after starting at Saunders Construction and entering the AEC industry. Within about six months of joining and attending a handful of events, I started hearing from both SMPS members I had met, and my team at Saunders about the opportunity to take the next step and join a committee.

At the time, I was a young marketing graduate with very little real-world experience. I knew if I was going to grow, I needed more than just exposure. I needed opportunities to contribute, build skills, and learn from people who were already doing the work at a high level. I chose the Communications Committee intentionally. I had a background in graphic design but knew I needed exposure in professional writing — especially when it came to email campaigns, newsletters, or social media strategy.

The SMPS Southwest Regional Conference is coming to Denver September 16–18, 2026, and it is shaping up to be a valuable few days for A/E/C marketers, business developers, and firm leaders.

This year’s conference theme is Uncharted, which feels fitting. So much of our work right now involves navigating change, from AI and data to pursuit strategy, storytelling, leadership, and how we show the value of marketing inside our firms. SWRC offers time to step away from the day-to-day, hear how others are approaching similar challenges, and bring fresh ideas back to your team.