Attend one of our events to explore how other professional services firms are tackling the business challenges you and your colleagues face every day. You will return to the office with innovative solutions and fresh ideas your company can put to work immediately. Our programs are also a great way to network and make local, regional, and national A/E/C business contacts. For more information, please contact our Events Committee at [email protected]
Proposal Best Practices: How to Sell – Not Just Submit

February 03, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Add to Calendar
Coffman Engineers, Inc. Raleigh Office | 701 Corporate Center Drive, Training Room on 1st Floor
RALEIGH, NC 27607
Venue website
Directions
Due to the forecasted weather conditions, we have made the decision to move the date of our upcoming A/E/C Workshop to ensure the safety of all attendees. Our event will now take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. If you are unable to attend the new date, please reach out by 1/30/2026 to [email protected] for options on transferring credit or a refund. Thank you everyone for your understanding - please keep safe and warm.
SOLD OUT
This event is sold out, but if you would like to add your name to the waitlist please proceed through registration.
Proposals shouldn’t just meet the requirements - they should tell a story that sells. This fast-paced, interactive workshop dives into what makes proposals compelling, compliant, and client-focused. You’ll learn how to transform your submissions from technical documents into persuasive tools that connect with decision-makers.
Then, put your learning to work in a live “Proposal Round Robin” exercise where participants will score, critique, and learn from real examples. Proposal examples will be provided for participants.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to evaluate proposals through the client’s eyes
- Discover quick-win techniques to strengthen your next submittal
- Walk away with a practical scorecard for internal QC reviews
Speaker Bio:

Kelly Jo Jefferis, CPSM, LEED Green Associate | Threaded Marketing Group
Named one of Charlotte’s Most Admired CEOs by the Charlotte Business Journal, Kelly Jo is a highly motivated entrepreneur eager to put her 23+ years of industry know-how to good use. She infuses energy and enthusiasm into every project and understands what it takes for clients to stand out and achieve key business success. Kelly Jo founded Threaded Marketing Group (TMG) in 2015 after being frequently approached by industry peers for marketing support. What started at her kitchen table quickly gained momentum, and within six months, the firm experienced exponential growth, growing into a nationwide team that serves as an extension of each client’s in-house marketing department
She has served on multiple boards for professional organizations, including SMPS, and is an active member of CarolinaBUILT. Kelly Jo is a graduate of the Grinnell Leadership Decathlon and a past participant in the Community Building Initiative’s Leaders Under 40 program. She earned her CPSM certification in 2008 and passed her LEED Green Associate exam in 2014. Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly Jo dedicates time and resources to her community. She actively supports local school programs, contributes to a scholarship fund for student veterans, and provides monthly support to families through nokidhungry.org. Under her leadership, TMG has also committed significant time to the Racial Equality Institute.
Breakfast will be provided at this event.
Parking and Access:
- Parking is free around the building
- A/E/C Workshop will be held in the Training Room on 1st floor (near the 701 Café)
- Building has multiple entrance as shown in picture below
- Signage will be placed to guide attendees to the Training Room

Items of Note:
- Space is limited - please register early. Once registration limits have been met, a waitlist will be created.
- Online registration will end on Thursday, January 22 at 5:00 pm.
- Member of SMPS, but not the Research Triangle Chapter? Proceed through registration as a GUEST to see the discount ticket available to all members of SMPS.
-
Cancellation Policy for all SMPS Triangle Events:
No refunds will be offered for any events; however, two options are available if you are unable to attend an event:- A registrant transfer of equal or lesser value can be made. Transfers include "Member to Member", "Non-Member to Non-Member", or "Non-Member to Member". If you would like to transfer from a Member to a Non-Member, additional fees will apply. Please email [email protected] to request a transfer.
- A registrant may request a credit in the amount of their cancelled ticket price toward one future SMPS Research Triangle event. Eligible events must take place between September 1, 2025-December 31, 2026. Requests for credits must be made prior to the event registration cutoff date listed on the event page. No credits will be given for no-shows or requests made after the registration cut-off date. A credit is non-transferrable. Please email [email protected] to request a credit.
- A registrant transfer of equal or lesser value can be made. Transfers include "Member to Member", "Non-Member to Non-Member", or "Non-Member to Member". If you would like to transfer from a Member to a Non-Member, additional fees will apply. Please email [email protected] to request a transfer.
- If you are an annual sponsor, event sponsor, or would like to become an event sponsor, please reach out to [email protected] for registration.
- If you have any questions about this event, please contact [email protected].
- SMPS Research Triangle reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by SMPS Research Triangle, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video.
- By registering and attending this event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree that SMPS Research Triangle is not responsible for any health-related issues regarding the event.
Tickets
$30.00 Member Registration
$20.00 Earlybird rate before December 16
$30.00 SMPS Members of Other Chapters
$20.00 Earlybird rate before December 16
$50.00 Non-Member Registration
$40.00 Earlybird rate before December 16
We Love Our Sponsors!
Gain exposure to key potential business partners and decision makers through one of our dynamic sponsorship opportunities...