Award Application
Applications are evaluated strictly on the quality of the content and thoroughness of the responses to the criteria. Narratives must be expressed in a concise yet compelling manner.
The application consists of four sections:
- Section 1: Candidate information
- Section 2: Candidate Questionnaire
- Section 3: Candidate Endorsement Letters and Signature
- Section 4: Media relations information. The information provided in this section is not accessible to the jury. It will only be published if the nominee is selected as the SMPS Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year Award recipient.
Award Criteria
Candidate's Essay
Provide a brief essay on what receiving the SMPS Emerging Leader of the Year award would mean to the candidate and why they are passionate about AEC. (Limit: 500 words)
Leadership Attributes
Provide a summary, with specific examples of significant leadership ability among peers and colleagues that be supported by measurable results. Candidate should demonstrate how these abilities provided value to their firm and/or the profession using examples related to at least one of the following areas:
- Marketing leadership
- Communications leadership
- Business development leadership
- HR leadership
- Finance leadership
- Peer association leadership (outside SMPS)
- Client organization involvement
Examples:
- Leadership strategy or strategic relationships that the candidate has developed that demonstrate their leadership skills.
- Leadership progress made in the firm and toward the profession
- Leadership opportunities in A/E/C industries beyond SMPS (peer or client organizations)
- Impact of leadership attributes
- Individual leadership accomplishment as opposed to member of a team or committee
Summary of leadership attributes (Limit: 500 words)
Professional Successes
Provide a summary, with specific examples, of how the candidate has developed new or improved processes /approaches (tactics) that are demonstrated by measurable results. Description of actions and results are required, The candidate should demonstrate how these tactics provided value to their firm and/or the profession using examples related to at least one of the following areas:
- Plans
- Campaigns
- Programs
- Education
Examples:
- Give an example of a successful innovative process or approach that the candidate created and led at their firm that pushed boundaries and exhibited thought leadership.
- Examples of team/group collaboration such as interdepartmental projects that the candidate has led. Such as working with the firm's HR team on a recruitment and retention plan.
- Submit a sample marketing plan developed and led by the candidate from start to finish with objectives and results from the project and how it benefited the firm
- Provide an example and explanation of a successful project the candidate led within the A/E/C industry or peer organization (outside SMPS)
- Give an example of an individual accomplishment achieved by the candidate as opposed to a member of a team or committee
- List any writing or speaking opportunities the candidate has had both in and outside their firm.
Summary of professional successes. (Limit: 500 words)
Career Aspirations
Provide a summary, with specific examples to demonstrate excellence in their work and potential to advance further in their career. They are not required to have a current leadership position at their firm (i.e., supervisor or manager.)
Example:
- Describe the candidate's intended career path and goals.
Summary of career aspirations. (Limit: 500 words)
SMPS Engagement
Provide a summary of any volunteer roles and responsibilities at the chapter, regional, and/or Society level or programs that the candidate has participated in as an attendee or presenter. Please distinguish between Society, regional, and chapter-level positions, programs, and awards.
Considerations:
- Education program speaking or writing opportunities
- committee or leadership role (i.e., president vs. committee member)
- Awards and recognition (MCA, chapter awards, etc.)
Summary of SMPS engagement. (Limit: 500 words)
Professional/Personal Development
Provide a summary of the candidate's professional/personal development. Opportunities both within the AEC profession and/or other organizations are accepted.
Examples:
- Mentorship with a business professional. Meeting regularly with an advisor, coach, or SMPS member that the candidate (mentee) looked to for guidance on their professional development. Mentorship should have been established within the last 3 years. During the mentorship, the mentor may not be a co-worker or direct supervisor of the candidate.
- Participation in volunteer organizations (ie. local charities, business/professional groups, educational institutions, etc.)
Summary of professional/personal development (Limit: 500 words)