SMPS South Florida PALM Awards
Recognizing Excellence in AEC Marketing & Communications
OVERVIEW
The SMPS South Florida PALM Awards recognize excellence in marketing strategy, creativity, execution, and measurable results across the A/E/C industry.
Inspired by the SMPS National Marketing Communication Awards (MCAs), this program is designed to celebrate exceptional work while preparing members to compete on the national stage. Submission requirements intentionally mirror the National MCA program, allowing entrants to build upon their chapter submissions for future national award consideration.
Download complete
Awards Submission Packet
ELIGIBILITY
- Entries must be submitted by a current SMPS South Florida member or by a firm with at least one active SMPS South Florida member.
- Work must have been completed between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
- Entries may be submitted by an individual or team and may include work developed in collaboration with consultants or outside partners.
- Multiple entries are permitted.
- Judges reserve the right to withhold an award if submissions do not meet the standards of excellence.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Download the complete award submission package, including full judging criteria.
Digital Experience
Recognizes outstanding digital marketing efforts that leverage online platforms to engage audiences, strengthen brands, educate clients, recruit talent, or support business development.
Examples include:
- Corporate or project websites
- Landing pages
- Interactive presentations
- Digital presentations
- Email marketing campaigns
- Video campaigns
- Social media campaigns
Brand & Communications
Recognizes exceptional internal/external print or integrated communication materials that strengthen a firm’s brand, communicate value, and/or support client pursuits.
Examples include:
- Statements of Qualifications/pursuit materials
- Brochures and corporate collateral
- Annual reports and publications
- Brand refreshs and brand campaigns
- Recruiting materials
- Internal communications
- Project sheets
Events & Experiences
Recognizes marketing created to promote or enhance an event, conference, trade show, client event, milestone celebration, or community engagement initiative.
Examples include:
- Trade show marketing
- Conference promotions
- Client appreciation events
- Groundbreakings
- Grand openings
- Anniversary celebrations
- Community events
- Sponsorship activations
INDIVIDUAL CHAPTER AWARDS
Vanguard of the Year — PUBLIC NOMINATIONS Digital Experience
This award recognizes a senior AEC professional who champions the value of marketing, business development, and strategic communications within their organization and throughout the industry. The recipient demonstrates exceptional leadership by fostering a culture of collaboration, empowering marketing and business development professionals, and advancing the strategic vision and long- term success of their firm.
Through their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to professional excellence, the recipient serves as a true champion of the marketing and business development profession.
Eligibility
- Must have 15 or more years of experience in the AEC industry
- Must serve in a senior leadership role with the authority to influence organizational strategy and decision-making
- Must be a current SMPS South Florida member in good standing
Marketing/Business Development Professional of the Year — PUBLIC NOMINATIONS
This award recognizes an outstanding marketing or business development professional who demonstrates excellence in strategy, leadership, collaboration, and measurable contributions to their firm and the AEC industry.
Nominees exemplify the value of professional marketing and business development through innovation, client service, mentorship, and a commitment to advancing the profession.
Eligibility
- Must have 5–15 years of experience in the AEC industry
Must be a current SMPS South Florida member in good standing
Rising Star of the Year — PUBLIC NOMINATIONS
Recognizes an emerging marketing or business development professional with five (5) or fewer years of experience in the AEC industry who has demonstrated exceptional initiative, leadership potential, and engagement within SMPS South Florida. This award celebrates the next generation of industry leaders and their early contributions to both the profession and the chapter.
SUBMISSION NARRATIVE FOR RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
- Professional Biography (150 words maximum) — 10 points
Provide a brief overview of the nominee’s professional background, including their current role, responsibilities, and career progression within the AEC industr - Leadership & Initiative (250 words maximum) — 35 points
Describe how the nominee has demonstrated initiative, leadership potential, and a commitment to professional growth early in their career
Examples may include:
- Leadership opportunities
- Taking initiative
- Innovation
- Problem-solving
- Contributions beyond their primary responsibilities
