Vendor Showcase

SMPS Twin Cities Vendor Showcase: A Simple, Powerful Event

I just attended my favorite event in memory, and I want to thank SMPS Twin Cities for putting on what I thought was an absolutely elegant and simple event. It was called the Vendor Showcase, and the design of this event was brilliantly straightforward. It created a genuine opportunity for AEC vendors to meet marketing professionals from the local architecture, engineering, and construction community.

About a hundred people attended, and maybe fifteen vendors had tables. My company, Sage Presence, was one of those vendors. The setup was simple — some breakfast, a little coffee, and a lot of conversation. Everyone who came was there to connect, to network, and to discover new partners who could provide real value to their firms. The atmosphere was friendly, authentic, and productive — people were simply showing up to talk, learn, and exchange ideas.

Why Every Professional Organization Should Try This

I want to suggest that every professional services organization consider something this straightforward. It’s a simple way to help professionals meet the vendors and partners who can truly benefit them. There doesn’t need to be any complex programming or games — just honest, relationship-building conversation. Everyone can show up ready to connect, chat, and learn about the resources available to them.

I suspect I started half a dozen really valuable conversations today — the kind that feel mutually beneficial and genuinely human. Time will tell how they play out, but in the moment, they felt like exactly the kind of conversations I want to have. If you’re a board member or leader in a professional services organization like SMPS, I strongly encourage you to consider hosting an event like this. It’s simple, straightforward, and deeply valuable for everyone involved.