SMPS CT Blog

Cultivating Connection: SMPS CT at the 2025 Northeast Regional Conference

Posted by [email protected] on May. 7, 2025  /  Event Recap  /  Subscribe 0

This year’s SMPS Northeast Regional Conference (NERC), held in the heart of Lancaster, PA, was more than just a series of sessions and speaker lineups, it was a vibrant experience that inspired connection, reflection, and plenty of unexpected moments of fun. Fourteen SMPS CT members returned home energized and full of takeaways, and we decided to share our key insights, favorite memories, and a few pro tips for future attendees.

💡 Takeaways That Will Stick

One of the most resounding messages heard across sessions? The power of human connection. Whether it was a session on social media, client relationships, or marketing strategy, the consistent theme was that people trust people - not brands, algorithms, or metrics.

Julia DeFrances summed it up,

“It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and data, but we lose our effectiveness when we forget about the person on the other side of the screen.”

Another standout takeaway came from the session Business to Human (B2H) Marketing in the Age of Robots, which emphasized the importance of authenticity in leadership and storytelling. As Lisa Pavano reflected,

“The more we show who we are, the more likely people are to trust and connect with us.”

Of course, technology wasn’t ignored. Aline Halle walked away with a fresh perspective on AI - not as a replacement for creativity, but as a copilot for productivity. She shared,

“Using AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about freeing up time so we can focus on connection, storytelling, and strategy.”

Curiosity also emerged as a personal and professional theme. Cathy Vittoria stated,

"You need to be earnestly interested in what your firm is doing, what projects make a difference, and which people are your greatest allies. All this comes from a deep seeded curiosity, and that’s helped me throughout my career."

🧳 Pro Tips from Seasoned Attendees

SMPS CT members didn’t just gain professional insights, we also picked up some savvy conference survival strategies or continued with our tried and true methods!

• Skip the bathroom lines—go back to your room if you can! - Julia DeFrances

• Pack organizational tools like packing cubes, laundry bags, and pre-planned outfits. It’ll make your mornings less chaotic and more enjoyable. - Hilary Nieukirk and Stephanie Beals

• Volunteer at registration! It’s a great way to meet people early and ease into networking. - Aline Halle

• Don’t miss the pre-conference events! From food tours to first-timer meetups, the casual moments are often where the best connections happen. - Susie Mehring

• Carry wardrobe emergency items like safety pins and Tide sticks—you’ll thank yourself later. - Robyn Minella

• Review session materials in advance (if available) to make the most of your time. - Marta Dabroski

• And perhaps most important: Be welcoming. Talk to someone who came solo, invite new people to join your group, and remember that expanding your network starts with a simple hello. - Nichole Petersen

🎉 Memories We’ll Never Forget

While the sessions were packed with value, the off-hours created memories that will last long after the name tags are put away. A few highlights include:

The 2025 NERC theme, Cultivate: Activate, Innovate, Motivate, rang true in every "break" conversation, keynote, and breakout session. For SMPS CT members, this year’s conference wasn’t just about learning new skills; it was about cultivating relationships, sparking ideas, and remembering that in marketing, and in life, it always comes back to the people.

Until next year, SMPS NERC. We’ll bring the karaoke mics, the curiosity, and maybe a few extra Tide pens.

Thank you to our contributors and 2025 NERC attendees: Stephanie Beals, Laura Berdebes, Marta Dabrowski, Julia DeFrances, Joe Feola, Aline Halle, Alex LeBreche, Susie Mehring, Robyn Minella, Hilary Nieukirk, Lisa Pavano, Nichole Petersen,  Kathy Rodo and Cathy Vittorio. 

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