Events
Best practices, networking, industry education – our carefully crafted events check more boxes than an SF 330.
Never off-the-shelf, always custom-made, our events are designed for immediate implementation, maximum impact, and lasting effect. We offer our members opportunities to learn from the best in the business in an intimate setting. Scroll through the list of upcoming events to find out how we can help you do work, better.
The Ascent: Business Development for Emerging Professionals
May 13, 2025
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
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GHT Office
1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
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Join SMPS DC for The Ascent: Business Development for Emerging Professionals—a dynamic networking event designed to empower marketers and early-career professionals in the AEC industry. This engaging session will focus on the fundamentals of business development and offer practical advice for those new to BD and networking. From stepping outside your comfort zone to building meaningful connections with senior leaders, attendees will hear personal stories, gain actionable insights, and walk away with tools to grow their confidence and their professional networks.
What you’ll learn:
- How to network with Senior Leaders
- The importance of building a network in the AEC Industry
- How to push yourself outside your comfort zone for the better!!
- Networking Tips and Tricks
- 4:00 pm: Check-in & Networking
- 4:30 - 5:30 pm: Panel Discussion/Questions
- 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Happy Hour/Networking
Speakers Info:
Lauren Young
Regional Business Development Director
KTGY
Lauren Young leads business development efforts for KTGY’s high density, low density and interior design across the Washington, D.C. Metro and throughout the east coast. With almost 30 years of experience in business development, marketing, and strategic planning in the AEC industry, her focus is strengthening current client relationships and forming new ones, implementing studio-level growth strategies within the residential space. An active industry leader, Lauren serves on ULI Washington’s Housing Initiative Council and actively participates in Capital BUILT, NVBIA, DCBIA, as well as several other organizations. A past president of SMPS Washington, D.C., she was honored with the 2016 Ginny Solomon Golden Tuba Award for her contributions to professional services marketing.
Social media handles: Lauren Myers Young | LinkedIn
Mike Newman
Business Development Manager
Timmons Group
Mike Newman is the Business Development Manager for the DC and Baltimore offices at Timmons Group, a civil engineering firm based in Richmond. His role is all about building strong connections—whether that means growing the Timmons Group brand, teaming up with architects and developers, or opening doors in the municipal and federal markets. With over 20 years of experience in the DC region (starting out as a concrete sales engineer and evolving into design consulting), Mike brings extensive industry know-how and a passion for long-term partnerships. He’s also an active voice in the AEC community, serving on committees and boards for NAIOP Northern VA, Washington Building Congress, SMPS, and SAME. Outside of work, you can catch Mike hiking, swimming, or perfecting his strike in his local bowling league.
Social media handles: Mike Newman | LinkedIn
Anya Walker, CPSM
Growth Manager
GHT
As Growth Manager, Anya Walker drives corporate market sector and revenue growth by partnering with practice leaders to identify new opportunities, manage growth initiatives, and expand GHT’s reach in new and existing practice areas. Given her insight and research into market trends, Anya works with each practice leader to cultivate partnerships that result in new connections, opportunities, and campaigns. In her role on the Corporate team, she collaborates with firm leaders to drive the strategy of GHT’s market and client growth.
Social media handles: Anya Walker, CPSM | LinkedIn
Suzanne Swistak, CPSM
Director of Business Development
ECS Limited
Suzanne is an experienced marketing and business development professional with a proven track record across the commercial real estate, property management, financial/banking, and construction industries. She thrives on driving strategic, goal-focused growth through her expertise in marketing management, advertising, public relations, event planning, and business development. Suzanne currently serves as President of the SMPS DC Chapter, where she continues to champion innovation and connection within the AEC marketing community.
Social media handles: Suzanne (Willauer) Swistak, CPSM | LinkedIn
What it costs:
- Registration deadline: 5/12/2025 EOD
- Walk-ins welcome? Yes
- Member cost (If your firm has at least 1 SMPS Member, you can attend!): $30
- Walk-in Member: $35
- Refunds are available on a case by case basis – contact [email protected]
Additional details:
- Agenda / timeframe: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- Closest metro: Ballston–MU station, Orange & Silver Line
- Parking: 1110 N Glebe Road Garage (Parking garage is under the building location)
- Alternatively: The Ballston Plaza Garage, located at 1051 N Wakefield Street, Arlington, VA 22201, is approximately a 3- to 4-minute walk from the event location.
- Questions contact: Maria Castro-Rodriguez, 203-450-7360, [email protected]
- Dress code: Business Casual
- Refunds may be requested 24-hours prior to event and will be considered on a case-by-case basis
