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Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Celebrate with Us!

In 2023, the Society celebrates a huge milestone—we turned 50! The organization formed in 1973, and we’ve come a long way since then. SMPS began with just a few members and now we’re 7,300+ strong. With 58 chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada, the Society has grown and expanded to help transform business through marketing leadership.

As we look forward to our 50th anniversary, we’ll also look back! Join us this year as we celebrate and plan some fun events—many of which happened at our annual conference, Amplify A|E|C, in August.

Keep an eye on this page as we continue to add more details and events!

Want to stay in the know? Make sure you’re signed up for our emails and follow us on social media!

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HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR HISTORY

1973
  • Group organizes as the “Society for Bird Doggers (SOBs)” and months later changes name to “National Society for Marketing Professional Services.”
  • Lou Zickler elected as the first president. Andy Zinsmeyer appointed first employee (part time).
  • Andy Zinsmeyer registered as first member.
1974
  • First national conference held in Washington, DC.
  • SMPS incorporates as nonprofit corporation.
1975
SMPSnews debuts.
1976
  • First Southeast Regional Conference held in Atlanta, GA.
  • National office opens in St. Louis, MO.
1977
Annual achievement award competition is launched.
1978
  • First Marketing Information Report published, “The Marketing Coordinator.”
  • First full-time employee hired.
1979
National office moves to Washington, DC.
1980
  • First issue of Marketer published.
  • First salary and expense survey of members conducted.
1981
  • Convention held outside of the U.S. in Toronto, ON.
  • First chapter is chartered (Michigan).
1987
Diane Creel is the recipient of the first Marketing Achievement Award.
1988
Annual budget exceeds $1 million.
1992
SMPS Foundation is formed.
1993
First chapter president of the year honored (Ruth Higley, Nashville Chapter).
1994
  • Society for Marketing Professional Services Handbook published.
  • Testing and certification program offered.
1996
Website www.smps.org launched.
1998
Fellows Recognition Program established.
1999
Certified Professional Marketing Services program introduced.
2004
SMPS National Conference renamed Build Business.
2011
SMPS University: Leadership Advancement Program (SMPS U) takes off.
2018
Inaugural The Pinnacle Experience event is organized.
2020
Formal DEI programs initiated.
2022
The annual conference is renamed Amplify A|E|C.
2023
SMPS celebrates its golden anniversary.

SMPS Thanks Our 50th Anniversary Sponsors

50th Gala Sponsors

Wine Sponsors

50th Anniversary Memories Sponsor
FLIP THE SCRIPT, JOIN SMPS TODAY.

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Alexandria, VA 22314-1936

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