In an era of accelerating disruption, marketing and business development professionals are no longer simply supporting growth, they are driving it. This inaugural SMPS Foundation / FMI research reveals the emerging trends reshaping the way A/E/C firms communicate, compete, and connect with clients across the United States and Canada. Through a mix of surveys and in-depth interviews with industry leaders, and analysis of transformative trends from sectors like tech, finance, and consumer marketing, this study answers critical questions: How are client expectations evolving? What strategies are helping firms win work in tighter markets? How should teams be structured for the future? And what innovations from outside the industry deserve our attention now? In addition to the research, conference attendees will have an opportunity to weigh in on the trends, where they see their strategies aligning, where they see opportunity for innovation and where they might need a dose of truth. During the presentation, we will use tactics such as “Hot Take/Hard Truth” to get the audience engaged in the findings. After all trends are revealed, we will ask the attendees to write a Postcard to future you. We will have postcards and markers among other tactile items. Tables will share what they wrote and create one commitment as a table. These will be shared and the conference will have a commitment poll which gives a great engagement opportunity for the year.