Clarity, creativity, and connection with SMPS SERC
- Kayla McCause, LSSGB, CPSM
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Last week at the SMPS Southeast Regional Conference reminded me (yet again) why this community matters. It was two days of learning, reconnecting, meeting new people, and watching the power of a network unfold in real time. Some connections happen because we intentionally make space for them. Others sneak up on us in the hallway between sessions. Both are magic, and BOTH are why I keep showing up.
I had the chance to present on agents/GPTs, and even with a few technical hiccups, it was an absolute blast. The room was curious, engaged, ready to dig in! Their excitement made it clear that our industry is hungry for practical, accessible AI training. It left me thinking (even more) about how Dragonfly might bring more of this work to the broader AEC community. The appetite is real.
One of my favorite parts of any regional conference is always the people. I got to reconnect with longtime friends who have shaped so much of my SMPS journey (looking at you Adam Kilbourne, Melissa Lutz, Donna Corlew, Courtney Neston, Courtney Van Ostram, Julie Huval, Julie Shaffer, Tim Asimos, Rohan Jawali) and others I’m surely forgetting.
And then there were new-to-me faces who made a real impression—Jason East, Mim Hall, Garrett Conrad, Aliana Corey, Josh Priddy, Jennifer Hubbard, and I’ll never forget Ms. AnnaMaria Jacob, who, by the way, showed up to her first SERC and networked like an absolute rock star. Watching her work a room was a masterclass in confidence and connection.
These moments, both planned and unplanned, are the heartbeat of this profession. They remind me that a network isn’t something you HAVE. It’s something you CULTIVATE, tend, and grow every time you show up.
A few sessions really stuck with me:
Katelyn Litalien (Enarche) reignited my love for storytelling. Her reminder to speak the language of the people you’re trying to reach (not just the language we’re fluent in) was exactly the nudge I needed.
Dianne Richardson (Dewberry) reinforced the importance of learning the many “languages” of our technical teams. Connection requires fluency, not assumption.
And Jessica Bronzert’s keynote was a standout. Her framing of leadership as the shift from “human doing” to “human being” is something I’m still sitting with.
I couldn’t have been prouder of Annie Colpitts—conference chair, Barton Malow marketer, friend, and all‑around powerhouse. She and the SMPS SERC team delivered a memorable, well‑run, high‑energy conference. Watching her lead with such clarity and calm was a highlight all on its own.
There were so many moments that reminded me why I love this work:
Seeing new faces and fresh session topics that pushed us as marketers, BDers, and leaders.
Being reminded (ahem…twice) of the importance of being present. Especially when I missed out on two SERC registrations because I stepped out for a call.
Finding the green lucky duck, which felt like a tiny but mighty victory.
Feeling energized by the collective curiosity and generosity of this community.
The best part? I get to do it all again next week, but this time alongside my colleague Lizette at the SMPS Northeast Regional Conference under the direction of the am-ah-zing Amy Cuddy. Another room, another region, another chance to learn, connect, and watch the power of this network in action. I can’t wait.
