A Layout League of Our Own: From AEC InDesign Rookies to Heavy Hitters
May 20, 2026
8:30 AM EDT - 5:00 PM EDT
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Urban Engineers
530 Walnut Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Directions
"There's no cryin' in marketing! Learn to layout like a pro and win more proposals." - Julie Shaffer
Whether you’re a graphic design rookie or an established marketing whiz, you won’t want to miss this day of hands-on training. SMPS Philadelphia is hosting two training sessions with the InDesign Expert herself, Julie Shaffer, FSMPS, CPSM, Adobe Community Expert. Sign-up for one or attend the full-day.
Morning Session Spotlight (Beginners)
8:30 a.m. - noon
New to InDesign? Start here and build your confidence.
The morning session covers InDesign basics, designed for AEC marketers with less than a year of experience or those who are self-taught (or just need a refresher) and know they have some holes in their understanding.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Navigate the interface with confidence
- Set up proposal-ready documents easily
- Apply paragraph and character styles quickly
- Build consistent, clean layouts
Prerequisites:
- Understanding of AC marketing materials
- A licensed version of Adobe InDesign installed on your laptop
- Experience with creating AEC marketing materials
Afternoon Session Spotlight (Intermediate/Advanced)
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Looking to take your workflow to the next level?
The afternoon session covers automation and efficiency strategies for intermediate and advanced AEC marketers. You’ll gain real AEC proposal workflows, production strategies, and layout techniques to help you work faster and smarter.
Topics include:
- Story First: Using InDesign for proposal storyboarding and visual flow
- AI in the Mix: Using AI for content drafting, styling, and visuals
- Design, Not Just Production: Using InDesign as a true creative tool
- Better Together: InDesign + Adobe Express for faster, smarter visuals
- Data Merge Magic: Turning spreadsheets into polished, repeatable layouts
- Fix It Fast: Solving common AEC formatting headaches without unraveling your file
- Work Smarter: Workflow optimization that cuts hours, not corners
- Organized for Sanity: File and asset management for complex, team-driven proposals
Prerequisites:
- Familiarity with intermediate Indesign Functions, including creating and using paragraph and character styles
- A licensed version of Adobe InDesign installed on your laptop
- Experience with creating AEC marketing materials
Still need convincing? Consider who on your team would benefit from:
- Stronger proposal layout foundations
- More consistent formatting
- Automated resume and project page production
- Improved efficiency under deadline pressure
There is a $100 savings for SMPS Members and $50 savings for non-members who sign-up for both classes.
- Bring your laptop for hands-on training
- Wear your favorite baseball team jersey
- Lunch will be provided for both sessions at noon
- CPSMs can earn up to 7 credits towards their continuing education!
Speaker
Julie Shaffer, FSMPS, CPSM
Owner | Creative Director of Shaffer Creative
After 11 years as an in-house professional services marketer, Julie Shaffer, FSMPS, CPSM, founded Shaffer Creative in 2012 to offer consulting, training, and creative design services, empowering firms to secure new work and thrive in the competitive landscape. But her passion extends beyond providing deliverables. As an Adobe Community Expert, an Adobe Certified Professional in Print & Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign, a certified instructor, and an award-winning designer, Julie strives to inspire AEC marketers to balance creativity, efficiency, and functionality for polished, impactful submittals, equipping this generation of marketing coordinators to become the next generation of marketing leaders.
Tickets
$399.00 Member - Both Classes
$249.00 Member - Beginner - AM
$249.00 Member - Intermediate - PM
$549.00 Non-Member - Both Classes
$299.00 Non-member - Beginner - AM
$299.00 Non-member - Intermediate - PM
$399.00 Other Chapter Member - Both Classes
$249.00 Other Chapter Member - Beginner - AM
$249.00 Other Chapter Member
Refund Policy
Refunds for cancellations made two business days (48 hours) in advance of an event will be provided and are subject to a $5.00 processing fee. Contact Treasurer via email with requests.
