Seize the opportunity to step inside the decision-making process and learn what truly sets winning proposals apart. Join four prominent members of the Massachusetts building community, alongside your SMPS peers, for an interactive program featuring a candid panel discussion, hands-on small-group proposal reviews, and valuable networking.

Gain direct feedback from the people who evaluate submissions every day, uncover what influences selection decisions, and walk away with actionable strategies to elevate your firm’s approach. Whether you’re refining your messaging, sharpening your visuals, or looking at standing out in a crowded field, this session is designed to help you win more work.

Please note our speaker from MassPort is no longer able to attend.

Key Takeaways

Rules of Engagement

Agenda

8:30AM – Sign In, Breakfast, Meet the Panelists
9:00AM – Panel Discussion 
9:30AM – Breakout Groups 
10:30AM – Additional Networking

Speakers

Sarah Felton, Deputy Director, DCAMM 

Sarah (she/her) is an Architect with leadership experience in strategic visioning, capital planning, architectural design, and construction management. Since 2015, Sarah has served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Office of Planning for the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). She oversees strategic assessment of the Commonwealth’s building portfolio, capital investment prioritization, and management of capital planning projects for multiple state agencies with a focus on Higher Education and Public Safety Facilities. While her background spans the full design and construction lifecycle across the public and private sectors, her work at DCAMM has allowed her to participate in the foundational planning stages of state-wide assets. Sarah holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard University and a B.A. from Hamilton College.

Jim Kolb, GGP, MCPPO, Senior Vice President and District Manager for the New England OPM group, STV

Jim has more than 35 years of experience managing complex construction projects, with a strong background serving as an Owner’s Project Manager. He has successfully guided projects of varying size and complexity through all phases of planning, design, and construction, and has in-depth knowledge of public construction laws and multiple project delivery methods, including construction manager at-risk, design-build, and design-bid-build. Jim has played a key role in the procurement and management of designers and contractors on projects across the Life Science, Higher Education, Corporate Commercial, and Public Sector markets, and his hands-on leadership and collaborative approach have enabled him to serve as a trusted advisor to clients across New England.

Lisa Hynes, Executive Director for Campus Planning, Boston University

Lisa Hynes is Executive Director for Campus Planning at Boston University, where the Planning, Design, and Construction team is integrated with Facilities Management and Operations. Lisa takes pride in her role in bridging long-range stewardship initiatives and day-to-day space management decisions. Prior to coming to BU, Lisa practiced architecture, working primarily on adaptive reuse and historic preservation projects. She geeks out at all scales of the built environment, from millwork details to urban design. 

Registration for this event closes at the end of the day on May 11^th. 

This event offers 1 CEU. Domains covered include Proposals. 

Who should attend this event? Early Career, Mid-Level, and Senior-Level Marketers and Business Developers, Technical Staff, Firm Leadership

Transportation

Event Organizers

Jennifer Clark, Strategic Pursuit Lead, Stantec, Chair of Professional Development Committee
Katherine Lesko, Marketing Manager, Chapman Construction/Design, Director of Professional Development Committee

View List of Attendees Here  (Remember to select the event you are interested in attending, and then click View!)

Cancellation Policy: If you can no longer attend an event, we encourage you to find a substitution; substitutions are welcome at any time. Full refunds will be granted if cancellation is made 72 hours before the event’s start time. No refunds will be made for no-shows. Email [email protected] for substitution or refund requests.