SMPS, Longview Group Offer "Introduction to A/E/C Essentials"

SMPS National and Dr. Dennis Schrag of The Longview Group have joined forces to create A/E/C Essentials: An Introduction to the Design and Construction Industry. This intensive, one-day seminar is designed for non-technical professionals who want to learn more about the building industry in order to become more valuable to their firms and to thrive in their careers.

Dr. Schrag will teach fundamental terminology and the concepts behind how a project emerges from a client’s need and progresses from a concept to a finished structure. Topics to be covered include:

• The roles of the architectural firm, engineering firm, and construction firm
• The roles of the architect, engineer, and contractor
• How clients select design/construction firms
• Project delivery systems and phases
• How projects are financed
• Project phases
• How technology impacts design and construction
• Broad trends and future issues of the industry
• Regulatory compliance and insurance issues
• Industry trends
• Clients: who they are, how they differ, what they value

A/E/C Essentials is appropriate for professionals working in marketing, business development, human resources, operations, information technology, and administration. Firms registering three or more employees for the program are eligible for discounts.

On the day after A/E/C Essentials, Schrag will offer a Day-2 Seminar focusing on either proposal development or business development skills (topic is dependent on location). Please refer to the schedule below and the SMPS web site for details about the Day-2 Seminar being offered in your location.

A/E/C Essentials and Day-2 Seminars each are approved for 6.5 hours of Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) continuing education units from SMPS. AIA LU Hours are also available for A/E/C Essentials.

Following is the A/E/C Essentials and Day-2 Seminar schedule for 2006-07:

Philadelphia, PA
October 5	A/E/C Essentials
October 6	Powerful, Persuasive Proposals
Los Angeles, CA
November 9	A/E/C Essentials
November 10	Powerful, Persuasive Proposals
Boston, MA
November 30	A/E/C Essentials
December 1	Powerful, Persuasive Proposals
Orlando, FL
February 22	A/E/C Essentials
February 23	Powerful, Persuasive Proposals
Phoenix, AZ
April 5	A/E/C Essentials
April 6	12 Persuasive Techniques for Marketing and Selling A/E/C Services
Seattle, WA
May 3	A/E/C Essentials
May 4	Powerful, Persuasive Proposals
New York, NY
May 31	A/E/C Essentials
June 1	Powerful, Persuasive Proposals
Washington, DC
August 22	A/E/C Essentials

For program details, specifics on the Day-2 Seminars, and registration fees and forms, visit www.smps.org/education/aecessentials.htm. Questions may be directed to the SMPS National Education staff at 800.292.7677, x228.

Dennis Schrag, Ed.D., FSMPS, CPSM, is the president of The Longview Group, a management consulting organization that provides training services nationally and internationally. Dr. Schrag is currently on the faculty of The Henry B. Tippie College of Business at The University of Iowa and teaches a variety of MBA-level courses. Prior to joining The University of Iowa, he was the corporate marketing manager for The Stanley Group, an ENR 100 firm. Dr. Schrag is a Fellow of SMPS and a Trustee of the SMPS Foundation. [ return to top ]