Ever wonder why your firm wasn’t selected for an award? Been confused about how to answer the entry questions? Wanted to know how jurors score them? Well, wonder no more! Learn award submittal best practices and lessons learned from those who’ve developed them and those who’ve scored them, so you can better maximize your score on your next—hopefully winning—Philadelphia MCA (Marketing Communications Awards).    

To learn more about our Philadelphia MCAs, visit our webpage by clicking here.

BONUS: Receive a $15 off code for one SMPS Philadelphia MCA entry, which begins December 1.

Speakers

Laura Frein, CPSM
Director of Business Development
Michael Baker

Laura is the current Immediate Past-President of the SMPS Philadelphia Chapter. She has 20 years of A/E/C marketing, business development and communication experience and currently serves as the Director of Business Development for Michael Baker's Philadelphia operation. Laura is a previous winner of a SMPS National Marketing Communication Award (2021, Trade Show Marketing). She has also had two other finalist entries at the national level. At the SMPS Philadelphia MCA competition, Laura's entries have won Best in Show, and 1st Place in their respective categories.  

Dorothy Verdon, CPSM
Principal
Bright Bunny Communications

Dorothy is an information synthesizer who has provided writing, editing, market research, business development, graphic design, photography, photo editing, and strategic planning services to A/E/C employers and clients since 1978. Her special skill is combining words and images to produce brand-strengthening content and effective marketing communications of all types across the media spectrum. She holds a BFA from Moore College of Art where she majored in printmaking, with significant involvement in photography and technical production processes.

Rebecca Custer, CPSM
Business Development Manager
AD Marble

Rebecca is the Business Development Manager for A.D. Marble. She is responsible for overseeing business development company-wide as well as leading marketing and proposal efforts. After spending years in the non-profit and political fields, she started her career in AEC eight years ago with A.D. Marble as the Marketing Coordinator. Her collaboration with A.D. Marble’s talented graphic designer, the company has won two SMPS Philly Marketing Communications Awards, as well as one National award. She has served on the SMPS board for over 6 years, both as a committee person, former Education Director, and is currently the Program Director. Outside of the professional realm, Rebecca is a member of the Bucks County Women’s History Month Award committee.

Bridget Shane, CPSM
Senior Communications Manager
Pennoni

Bridget serves as senior communications manager at Pennoni. She drives the strategy for branding efforts, writing guidelines, and Deltek Vantagepoint standards. With over 15 years in the AEC industry, Bridget is an expert in proposal and people management and is a marketing thought leader.  Last year, Pennoni received 1st place winner in the Project Pursuit Marketing Category.