Signature Events

For decades, our chapter has championed the growth of A/E/C marketing and business development professionals. While tools, trends, and market forces evolve, the value of connection, learning, and leadership remains constant. Our signature events bring these essentials together, pairing education with community, and inspiration with practical insight, so you can advance your skills, expand your network, and elevate your career at every stage.

Canstruction

An annual charity event that combines design, creativity, and social responsibility, Canstruction has become a beloved tradition in the A/E/C industry since its inception in 1995. The event centers around the construction of impressive sculptures made entirely from canned food, which are then displayed and later donated to local food banks. The structures are built by teams of architects, engineers, designers, and students, showcasing their skills in service of a truly worthy cause. All proceeds from the event, and the canned goods themselves, have benefited the Merrimack Valley Food Bank since 2011. 

The event not only raises awareness about hunger and food insecurity, but also fosters a sense of community engagement as participants collaborate to craft remarkable works of architecture, engineering, and construction from an everyday item. Over the past three decades, Canstruction Boston has been a showcase of talent, dedication, and compassion, tapping into the power of creative collaboration for a meaningful cause.

View the Canstruction Rules and Guidelines here.

  

Left: Happy Little Cans, by Goody Clancy, 2024 Best Original Design and Most Cans   | Right: Fluffin’ Fantastic: A Recipe to End Hunger, by SGH, 2023 Structural Ingenuity

Summer Social

Find familiar faces and make new connections: Summer Social is an opportunity for the SMPS Boston community to gather outdoors and enjoy fresh air and great conversation. This midyear celebration gives us a chance to take a pause from our busy schedules, unwind, and catch up with fellow AEC marketers. Admission includes an open bar, bites, and raffle tickets for fun prizes.

Marketing Boot Camp

Marketing Boot Camp is a full-day, high-energy learning experience designed for entry-level marketers and business developers in the A/E/C industry. Packed with interactive sessions covering everything from research and planning to proposals, business development, and visual content, Boot Camp delivers the tools and inspiration you need to grow. Connect with industry peers, learn from seasoned pros, and walk away energized with fresh perspectives. And since every year brings a completely new lineup, there's always something new to discover. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, Boot Camp is the one-day event you won't want to miss.  

Holiday Party 

The SMPS Holiday Party is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with the SMPS Boston community. The event brings together members and friends from across the AEC industry for a night of connection, laughter, and holiday cheer. We enjoy festive food and drinks all the while connecting and unwinding with colleagues and peers as we toast to another successful year. It’s the perfect way to network in a relaxed, spirited atmosphere and celebrate the holiday season with friends.

Annual Awards Gala

Every Spring, the SMPS Boston Awards Gala honors the best and brightest in marketing and business development in the Boston AEC industry. This is a signature event that gives us the opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements in marketing excellence, firm innovation, and individual leadership. It’s more than a celebration, it’s a chance to be inspired by the creativity and dedication that define SMPS Boston. 

Brew & Build

SMPS Boston’s Brew & Build networking series for marketing and business development professionals is focused on casual, after-hours gatherings designed to mix business with brews—offering local drinks, food, and relaxed conversation to help attendees build relationships, share insights, and explore collaboration opportunities without formal panels or pitches.