A Message from Your President: January 2026
Posted by [email protected] on Jan. 14, 2026 / Subscribe 0
Dear SMPS Tampa Bay Members,
As we regain focus after the holidays, our chapter’s energy remains inspiring. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our board of directors and committee volunteers. Your passion and collaboration are what drive SMPS Tampa Bay forward. Every meeting, every event, and every connection has reinforced how powerful our community is when we show up for one another.
Our theme and focus this year is Learn More. Win More. With SMPS. That promise is coming to life in every program and networking event we launch. I encourage everyone reading this to follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on all the latest news from our growing chapter. Speaking of events...
Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for two of our biggest 2026 events!
March 5: Transportation Event
This annual program brings together industry leaders for a dynamic panel conversation on The Road Ahead: Strategic Funding Solutions and the Rise of Alternate Delivery. You’ll hear directly from regional transportation leaders who are shaping the future of our cities and state.
Featured Panelists include:
• Justin Hall, Secretary, FDOT District 7
• Greg Slater, Executive Director and CEO, THEA
• Nikesh Patel, Director of Public Works, City of Sarasota
Moderator:
• Steve Cona III, President and CEO, ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
This annual event is a must for A/E/C firm leaders, marketers, and business developers who want to understand where infrastructure investment and delivery are heading in our region and state.
This full-day, hands-on event is designed for marketing professionals who want to learn or sharpen their skills across the entire marketing and business development lifecycle. Sessions will be taught by three former SMPS Tampa Bay presidents and our current President-Elect.
Here’s a sample of some key takeaways you can expect:
• Research-driven pursuit strategies
• Writing stronger, more successful proposals
• Delivering winning interviews
• Building and maintaining long-term client relationships
This will be a go to professional development experience for anyone looking to sharpen their practice and contribute to their firm’s success.
Registration for both events is now open, and sponsorship opportunities are available for firms that want to reach these engaged audiences.
But wait...
We’re also gearing up to announce the Save the Date for the 16th Annual SMPS AIA Tampa Bay Healthcare Event, the most anticipated signature healthcare program that has sold out for the past three years! More details will be coming soon, so keep an eye on your inbox and the chapter calendar.
Our Coffee & Connections series continues across the region, with meetups in Tampa, St. Pete, Lakeland, and Sarasota. These informal gatherings remain an easy and fantastic way to build meaningful relationships and stay connected with fellow members and prospective members alike.
One more thing...
With so much happening in our industry, at our firms, and in our daily lives, finding the time to attend an event or volunteer on a committee can feel like too much. So, the fact that we have such an engaged board and membership base is truly remarkable. I can’t thank you enough for being part of this chapter and for the energy, curiosity, and commitment you bring to everything we do. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event and to all we will accomplish together as we continue to Learn More. Win More. With SMPS.
See you soon!
Jonathan Santiago
President, SMPS Tampa Bay (2025–2026)
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