SMPS-NY's to host "Demystifying Owner's Reps" on March 21st

The New York Area Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS-NY) will host "Demystifying Owner's Reps" on March 21, 2012, from 8 to 10 a.m., at the CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Ave. Jane Felsen Gertler, FSMPS, CPSM, principal of The Marketing Resource, will be moderating the debate style panel discussion, which consists of both representatives and designers. The forum will investigate the unique niche that Owner's Representatives fill in the AEC industry, striving to expedite the project and be cost-effective with the owner's best interests in mind. "The relationship between owner's representatives and design consultants can be tenuous at times," said Andrew Abel, marketing manager at WSP Flack + Kurtz and SMPS-NY Chapter President. "We've assembled a high-octane panel of consultants and representatives to delve into this dynamic." Moderator: Jane Felsen Gertler, FSMPS, CPSM, principal, The Marketing Resource Panelists: Sam Spata, AIA, LEEP AP BD+C, executive vice president, Buildings & Facilities Division, STV Inc.; Kenneth Levien, AIA, Principal, Levien & Co.; Regis Gaughan, PE, Healthcare Leadership Group, AKF Group; Sarah Haga, AIA, LEED AP, senior vice president, Zubatkin Owner Representation; and Marc Chiapperino, PE, managing director of VVA. The event cost is $50 for SMPS members, $100 for non-members. Registration closes at 8 a.m. on March 19. Walk-in registration fee is $60 for SMPS members, $110 for non-members. About SMPS-NY: The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) is the premier source of educational and networking opportunities for marketing professionals employed by firms serving the built and natural environment. The New York Area Chapter, founded in 1984, serves marketing professionals who live or work in New York City, Northern New Jersey, Long Island and Westchester. The chapter has more than 250 members from more than 220 of the area's leading, architectural, engineering, and construction firms. For more information, please visit www.smpsny.org.