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

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.