THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS
Elevating People, Perspectives, and Purpose
Research shows that organizations that embrace a range of experiences, perspectives, and voices are more innovative and more profitable. That’s why SMPS is committed to cultivating professionals with a broad spectrum of expertise—because a thriving industry depends on it.
The SMPS Human Experience in Business Committee advises the board of directors and staff on initiatives and strategic goals that enhance awareness and foster an inclusive, people-centered culture—within our membership, the marketing profession, and the firms we serve.
SMPS aspires to lead by example—for our members, our peer organizations, and the broader professional community. We are building a leadership structure, staff, and membership that reflect a wide range of lived experiences. We are creating spaces where all individuals—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—feel supported, seen, and empowered. And we are equipping our community with the tools to drive meaningful change across our organization, profession, and industry.
Through these efforts, SMPS is redefining what it means to center the human experience in business—and we’re just getting started.
Upcoming HXB town halls
Creating Space for Every Voice at the Table
Explore the tools, guidance, and insights SMPS offers to help you foster a more people-centered culture in your firm. From actionable resources to real conversations, we’re here to support your journey. Don’t miss our complimentary Human Experience in Business Town Hall—an open dialogue on how we can shape more inclusive, connected workplaces together.
- June 25, 2025 | Pride Talk for AEC Marketers: Marketing, Integrity, and Allyship (**Recording available to SMPS members only for 30 days)
- May 7, 2025 | HXB Town Hall : The Power of Resilience (**Recording available to SMPS members only)
- December 3, 2024 | DEI +A/E/C: Moving Beyond Workshops: Creating Authentic Action in a Shifting Landscape
- August 20, 2024 | DEI + A/E/C: Accessibility in the Built Environment and Beyond
- June 18, 2024 |DEI + A/E/C: Pride Talk for A/E/C Marketers: Communicating Beyond ‘Reference Man’
- December 5, 2023 | DEI+ A/E/C: DEI Focus Group
- October 10, 2023 | DEI+ A/E/C: Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace
- March 27, 2023 | DEI+ A/E/C: Mental Health in the Workplace – Part II
- January 30, 2023 | DEI+ A/E/C: Mental Health in the Workplace
- 2022 DEI + A/E/C Townhalls
SMPS is dedicated to strengthening equitable and inclusive practices, and through the DEI Task Force and Society leadership, we will:
- Develop and provide proper training materials, toolkits, and guides to encourage DEI, allyship, and relevant conversations for our chapters and members.
- Provide resources and references from diverse individuals who can provide a different and profound perspective, especially in panels or speaking events, allowing others the chance to speak and engage audiences of their peers.
- Cultivate exposure opportunities to enhance awareness of professional services marketing career paths for K-12, community colleges, and higher education institutions, targeting underrepresented groups.
- Broaden recruitment, participation, retention, and involvement efforts to build a more engaged and inclusive network.
- Identify research opportunities for the SMPS Foundation that support DEI competencies among professionals and firms.
- Through the SMPS Foundation, provide $25,000 in scholarships to students from across the country attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide awareness and accessibility to the A/E/C industries. Scholarship recipients will receive mentorship, support, and access to SMPS programming through a student membership included as part of the scholarship award package.
- Expand strategic partnerships with other A/E/C organizations and DEI entities that support this mission allowing us to fight in strength and numbers.
We recognize this effort is ongoing and that we are just beginning our journey to transformational change.
A Diversity Education Unit (DEU) is a vital measure of ongoing diversity education programs, aiding A/E/C professionals in skill building and fostering diversity and inclusion in their firms. The A/E/C industries are responsible for designing and building the world’s infrastructure. With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) integrated strategically, A/E/C firms gain a competitive advantage in attracting talent, encouraging innovation, and growing their bottom line. A critical component of success when it comes to diversity and inclusion is continued learning.
- Diverse perspectives foster the ability to meet the changing needs of the industry
- Diversity allows us to think through challenges differently
- Diversity is not just desirable; it is imperative to business
DEUs are awarded to those who complete training and education in DEI through the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) or their approved providers.
DEUs are essential to helping professionals stay current in DEI practices, and provide a standardized measurement of a professional’s engagement with an ongoing education program. Professionals that participate in these ongoing diversity education programs can expect to:
- Improve problem-solving capabilities
- Develop essential professional skills
- Gain a competitive advantage for career advancement
- Stay current on changing policies and laws
- Embody the skills to improve team dynamics
- Contribute to organizational success
*Diversity education units (DEUs) can be combined with continuing education units (CEUs) for professionals pursuing or maintaining their CPSM certification.
Approved providers
Interested in offering CEUs and DEUs that support the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program? Visit the SMPS Approved Provider Program webpage to apply today.
- Business Case of DEI in AEC, a white paper by SMPS HXB Research
- DEI Focus Group Report
- DEI Starter Toolkit
- DEI Starter Checklist
- The Human Experience in Business Marketer Article
- Leading DEI Efforts in Significant Times Marketer Article
- 2025 Diversity Calendar
- Crucial DEI Conversation Starters
- Inclusive Language Glossary
- Three Major Steps Toward Inclusion and Racial Equality in A/E/C, by Asheya L. Warren, CPSM (published in the August 2021 Marketer)
- SMPS Foundation Zinsmeyer Scholarship
- February 2021 Marketer: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
- SMPS Member Voices
- Board Diversity Matrix
If you’re an SMPS member, join the discussions on MySMPS and to get additional member and chapter resources.
- Kanarys’ Resources Center
- AAPI Heritage Month | Keeping Commitments: Going Beyond APAHM and Mental Health Awareness Months in the Workplace
- The National Organization of Minority Architects
- American Institute of Architects
- Perkins&Will and AIA Best Practices
- Associated General Contractors of America
The Human Experience in Business at SMPS
SMPS recognizes, respects, and values the dignity of all people. We are committed to fostering a workplace and industry that embraces the full spectrum of the human experience in business, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging—within our organization, the fi rms we represent, the communities we serve, and the A/E/C industry.
