Amplify A|E|C 2026
Stambaugh Ness is proud to announce our participation as a Bronze Sponsor at Amplify A|E|C 2026, the premier marketing, business development, and leadership conference for design and building industry professionals. Hosted by the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), this event is where the AEC industry’s brightest minds gather to learn, connect, and drive the future of our firms.
Across three impactful days, Amplify A|E|C delivers a powerful mix of future-focused education, hands-on strategy, and meaningful networking, all designed to help you grow your career and your firm.
We are especially excited to partner with the SMPS Foundation this year to reveal new research on the shifting dynamics of the industry. Be sure to visit the Stambaugh Ness booth! Along with our session speakers, SN’s Director of Business Development (and past SMPS Society President) Kevin Hebblethwaite, FSMPS, will be on-site to connect, swap ideas, and discuss how we can help your firm accelerate success.
SN Featured Sessions:
Pre-Conference Roundtable: Uncover What’s Next for the AEC Industry
Monday, July 27 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
Facilitator: Josh Miles (Founder, Bold Brand LLC)
Back for its second year, the SMPS Foundation’s Emerging Trends Roundtable returns as a must-attend pre-conference experience. This interactive working session previews upcoming research developed in collaboration with Stambaugh Ness.
The AEC industry is facing massive shifts, from a tightening workforce to a wave of AI-driven buyers, meaning human relationships matter more than ever. This is a hands-on, facilitated working session rather than a lecture. SMPS Foundation President Sarah Kinard, along with Stambaugh Ness’s own Scott Butcher and Barbi Stiles, will be participating in the room as we break into small-group discussions to pressure-test the findings, compare notes, and outline actionable ideas to take back to your firm.
Breakout session: SMPS Foundation Emerging Trends
Tuesday, July 28 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM PDT
Speakers: Sarah Kinard (SMPS Foundation President), Scott Butcher, FSMPS, CPSM, & Barbara Stiles, FSMPS, CPSM
What are the latest emerging trends transforming marketing and business development? In this breakout session, we explore new findings from the SMPS Foundation research impacting AEC professionals. Firms that succeed tomorrow will be those that understand these shifts today. This program includes a comprehensive overview of the data, real-world case studies, and actionable intelligence you can take back to your firm to accelerate growth.
Workshop: Level-Up Your Leadership: Building Your Business Acumen
Wednesday, July 29 | 10:00 – 11:15 am PDT
Speakers: Adam B. Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM (Tec inc. Engineering & Design President), Kevin Hebblethwaite, FSMPS
This session examines the core business functions that underpin successful AEC firms and the leadership insight marketing and business development professionals need to advance into executive or ownership roles. Designed for professionals looking to deepen their business acumen, the session explores how finance, accounting, HR, risk management, and operations influence strategy, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
Are you ready to position your firm for the future? Stop by our booth at Amplify A|E|C 2026 to meet Kevin, Scott, and Barbi, and let’s explore how we can collaborate to accelerate success for your AEC business.
