When I decided to attend Amplify A|E|C in Las Vegas this year, one of my biggest goals was simple: I wanted to get to know my fellow SMPS Colorado members better.

Of course, the opportunity to learn from some of the best and brightest marketing and business development professionals in the A/E/C industry was a big draw. Amplify A|E|C brought together professionals from across the country for three days of education, inspiration, networking, and plenty of opportunities to share ideas. But for me, as this was my first Amplify conference, I was especially looking forward to experiencing it alongside the SMPS Colorado community.

And what a group we had!

More than 40 SMPS Colorado members made the trip to Las Vegas, making Colorado the largest chapter represented at the conference. Even more impressive, 10 members of our chapter board were there. Having so many Colorado members together in one place created a great opportunity to step away from our usual meetings and events and spend some real time together.

There were plenty of laughs, conversations over meals, hallway run-ins, and opportunities to connect outside of our normal chapter activities. Those informal moments ended up being one of my favorite parts of the conference. It reminded me that one of the greatest benefits of SMPS isn't just the information we gain—it's the relationships we build along the way.

Of course, the educational content didn't disappoint. The keynotes were excellent and offered plenty to think about as we navigate the changing landscape of A/E/C marketing and business development. The sessions throughout the conference provided new ideas, practical insights, and plenty of opportunities to look at the work we do from a different perspective.

For me, though, the closing keynote was particularly impactful. It was a fitting way to wrap up three days of learning and connection, and I found myself reflecting not only on what I had learned during the conference, but also on the importance of continuing to invest in the people and relationships that make our industry and our profession stronger.

That, ultimately, was my biggest takeaway from Amplify.

Yes, I came home with new ideas and a notebook full of things I want to explore. But I also came home with stronger relationships with people in our Colorado chapter and new connections with SMPS members from across the country. Those connections are what make conferences like Amplify so valuable.

If you’re an SMPS Colorado member who has never attended Amplify, I would highly recommend making the trip next year if you’re able. Go for the education. Go for the keynote speakers. Go to learn what other A/E/C marketing and business development professionals are doing.

But most importantly, go for the people.

You’ll have an opportunity to build deeper relationships with your fellow Colorado members, meet professionals from chapters across the country, and experience firsthand just how connected and generous the SMPS community can be.

And if this year was any indication, SMPS Colorado will be well represented again. I hope to see even more of our members there next time!