Chapter Leadership Symposium
The Chapter Leadership Symposium
For more than 20 years, SMPS HQ has hosted the annual Chapter Leadership Symposium (CLS) for incoming chapter presidents. This premier program is designed to strengthen leadership skills and build awareness of the services and resources available to SMPS chapters.
CLS offers an interactive, focused experience where chapter leaders connect, learn, and prepare for the year ahead. Through workshops, peer discussions, and strategic planning, participants gain practical tools, fresh ideas, and a strong network of support to guide their leadership journey.
Whether you’re stepping into a new role or continuing your service, CLS equips you to lead with confidence and make a meaningful impact in your chapter.
Event dates
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – Friday, April 17, 2026
Hotel:
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Booking deadline: Details to come regarding hotel
Day 1: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Registration & Welcome
- 5:00 PM | Welcome to CLS
- 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM | Leader-to-Leader Panel
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Welcome Reception
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Dinner & Networking (provided)
Day 2: Thursday, April 16, 2026
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Breakfast & Peer Connection
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Icebreaker + State of SMPS
- 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Opening Keynote
- 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Workshop
- 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking
- 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Keynote
- 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Workshop
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Peer Roundtables
- 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM | Wrap-Up
- 6:00 PM | Dinner on Your Own
Day 3: Friday, April 17, 2026
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Breakfast
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Recap & Highlights
- 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Workshop
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Keynote
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Action Planning for 2025–2026
- 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Final recap
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Closing Ceremony & Farewell
Remember, you may also submit for a stipend (up to $600) from SMPS HQ after CLS to help offset your hotel and travel expenses. Be sure to confirm your chapter has included a budget line item to support your participation in this pivotal program.
SMPS HQ Staff
Board Liaison

Kai Wright
Associate Director, Volunteer Relations

Devin Stubbs
Manager, Digital Marketing

Marci D. Thompson
Chief Executive Officer

Erin Krieger, CEM DES
Director of Event Logistics

Benjamin Sawa, FSMPS, CPSM, PMP
Chief Development Officer
GEI Consultants, Inc.
SMPS President-Elect
“Attending CLS 2022 was one of the best experiences in my professional career to date. Representing a newer chapter, I wanted to absorb as much as possible to be a resource when I returned home for the rest of our board and membership. In a short time frame, I learned many valuable resources from experts in their fields and met amazing future chapter leaders from across the country to make an immediate network of fellow presidents-elect! My chapter and my firm will benefit for years to come because of my opportunity to attend CLS as a result of the diverse information shared. I can’t thank the SMPS HQ team and volunteers enough for providing this experience and hope all incoming presidents can have the same experience as I did!” –Duncan Robertson, SMPS Idaho president-elect, Business Development & Marketing Manager, Tamarack Grove
“I left Chapter Leadership Symposium (CLS) energized and confident that the SMPS Board of Directors, SMPS Headquarters Staff, past presidents, and other volunteers are committed to and rooting for my Chapter’s success. I met other presidents-elect and heard from several experts that I can now call on for support and guidance. I am excited to begin my board year and only wish I could attend CLS every year!” — Erika Booker, SMPS Central Florida president-elect, Marketing and Communications Director, Barge Design Solutions, Inc.
Questions? Contact Kai Wright, SMPS HQ Associate Director, Volunteer Relations at kai@smps.org.