SMPS Foundation Think Tank: “The Upside to a Down Market”

SAVE THE DATES: February 19-20, 2009 at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA
Attendance is limited! Registration deadline: January 15, 2009

As an attendee of this exciting senior-level event, you will interact with today's business leaders; discuss how to navigate the current economy and position your firm for success; enjoy a keynote address by Joseph Powell, author of "The New Competitiveness in Design and Construction;" view the archaelogical wonder "The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” exhibit; receive a copy of the report summarizing the Think Tank findings; and more.

This program is open to all SMPS members as well as other industry leaders. Forward this message to your colleagues who would benefit from attending this senior-level program and interacting with our distinguished panel on navigating the economy and positioning A/E/C firms to  succeed.

“The Upside to a Down Market” will bring together presidents, CEOs, CMOs, and CFOs of nationally-recognized firms in the design and building, government, finance, and corporate worlds for a dynamic exchange of ideas on positioning our firms to thrive in today’s economy.

These influential leaders will share with you their business knowledge and insights on leading in these uncertain times as they tackle solutions to current issues facing our companies including:

   • Navigation of the credit crunch
   • Globalization of markets
  

Firm leaders and senior-level marketers and business developers are encouraged to attend and to participate through panel discussions and Q&A sessions.

The key findings of this Think Tank will be summarized in a final report and distributed to participants.

Photo from “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” exhibit provided courtesy of Kristi Odom.

Photo from “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” exhibit provided courtesy of The High Museum.

DISTINGUISHED PANELISTS

• Ramin Assa, Chief Knowledge Officer, Urban Land Institute
• M. J. Beebe, Chief Learning Officer (Retired), CB Richard Ellis
• James P. Cramer, Hon AIA, Hon IIDA, Publisher and Founding Editor of DesignIntelligence
• Diane C. Creel, FSMPS, Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ecovation
• Art Gensler, FAIA, FIIDA, Chairman, Gensler
• Tom Gilbane, Chief Executive Officer, Gilbane Building Company
• Robert Mathews, CEO/President of Colliers Spectrum Cauble
• Laurin McCracken, AIA, FSMPS, Chief Marketing Officer, Jacobs Global Buildings NA
• Joseph Powell, Executive Director, Rice Building Institute
• Thomas Smith, Jr., AICP, FSMPS, CPSM, President, BonTerra Consulting

MODERATORS

• Jan Tuchman, Editor-in-Chief, Engineering News-­­­Record 
• William C. Viehman, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Perkins + Will

AGENDA
Subject to change.

Location: The High Museum of Art
              1280 Peachtree Street
              Atlanta, GA 30309

Thursday, February 19 

5:30 – 7 pm Registration
5:30 – 7 pm Cocktail Reception 
 “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” exhibit will be open until 8 pm.

Friday, February 20

7:30 – 8:30 am     Registration
8:30 – 8:40 am     Welcome
8:40 – 9:10 am     Keynote Address:“The New Competitiveness in Design and Construction,” Joseph Powell, Executive Director of the Rice Building Institute
9:10 – 10:30 am    Panelists’ Discussion (Topics TBA)
10:30 – 10:45 am  Break
10:45 am – Noon   Panelists’ Discussion (Topics TBA)
Noon – 1:30 pm     Networking Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 pm     Panelists’ Discussion (Topics TBA)
2:45 – 3 pm          Break
3 – 4 pm               Wrap Up

REGISTRATION
Deadline: January 15, 2009

To register, please print this registration form and fax or mail your completed form with payment to:

SMPS Foundation Think Tank
44 Canal Center Plaza, #444
Alexandria, VA 22314
Fax: 703.549.2498, attn: Dan Reilly

Full Program Registration Fee: $295
Registration includes admission to the February 19 reception and a ticket to the High Museum’s “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” exhibit; admission to the full-day Think Tank with networking lunch, a keynote address, and a copy of the report summarizing the Think Tank findings. Attendance is limited. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reception-Only Registration: $60
Reception-Only registration includes admission to the February 19 reception and a ticket to the High Museum’s “The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” exhibit.

Cancellation Policy
The registration fee will be refunded if cancellation is received by January 31, 2009. Cancellations must be submitted in writing and sent to Earl Klinger at earl@smps.org; SMPS Foundation, 44 Canal Center Plaza, #444, Alexandria, VA, 22314; fax 703.549.2498. No refunds will be processed after January 31; substitutions are encouraged.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
These hotels are located within walking distance of the High Museum. Rates are subject to change. Attendees are responsible for their own reservations and hotel charges.

Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown
35 14th Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
P: 404.876.8888

The W Atlanta Midtown
188 14th Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30361
P: 404.733.6946 

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
75 14th Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
P: 404.881.9898

Questions? Call 800.292.7677, x223.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Download the Sponsorship Prospectus to find out about available opportunities.


THINK TANK SPONSORS

Signature Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsor:

Bronze Sponsors:

Dennis M. Schrag, Ed.D., FSMPS, CPSM

Rhodes B. White, FSMPS, CPSM