Does business development bite? Not anymore! Whether you’re new to BD or a seasoned seller-doer, this fast-paced session delivers 30 bite-sized, actionable tips to sharpen your strategy, boost your confidence, and drive results—no fluff, just real tools that work.

Led by Samantha VanSchoick, a dynamic industry expert, who helped her firm grow from two to eight states in just three years, BD Bites serves up practical advice across the full BD lifecycle. From lead generation and client development to internal collaboration and market expansion, you’ll walk away with tactics you can apply immediately, no matter your experience level or team size.

This session was nationally featured during the 2025 AMPLIFY conference and includes high-impact visuals, helpful QR codes linking to templates and tools, and time for Q&A so we can dive deeper into the tips that matter most to you.

Learning Objectives: 

• Set smart lead goals and qualify opportunities using better discovery questions
• Turn client interactions into long-term relationships
• Create event strategies that generate ROI (and stop wasting time on the wrong ones)
• Improve CRM adoption, internal BD meetings, and team collaboration
• Strategically grow your market presence with research and partnerships
• Use content tools—like Google Reviews—for impactful storytelling

Plus, you’ll walk away with downloadable resources, including:

• A go/no-go rubric for events
• A discovery question bank for BD and seller-doers
• Sample internal BD meeting agenda

About the Speaker:

Samantha VanSchoick | VP of Strategic Partnerships | CIL

As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at CIL, a nonprofit real estate developer, Samantha VanSchoick seeks out opportunities to develop accessible, community-based housing. Under her leadership, CIL expanded from two to eight states and secured 25-plus projects in under two years.

Known for her authentic approach and creative strategy, Sam is a thought leader in her space, frequently speaking for national audiences at organizations like The Arc, SMPS, ANCOR and the National Council on Disability. She is also an honoree of the 2025 Hartford Business Journal Forty Under 40, SMPS' 2024 Impact Business Developer of the Year, and the 2020 PWC Forty Under 40!

Learn about SMPS CT

Join us at 3 pm for a casual SMPS CT meet-up before our BD Bites event! Connect with new faces, learn what the benefits are of being an SMPS CT member, share what you’re hoping to get out of your membership, and enjoy relaxed conversation before the program begins. Hope to see you there!

Event Details: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
3:00 PM to 3:30 PM – Come early to learn about the Benefits of SMPS CT

3:30 PM to 4:00 PM – Registration and networking
4:00 PM to 5:15 PM – Opening remarks, program, and Q&A
5:15 PM to 6:00 PM – Networking, Drinks, and Nibbles

Location: Atlantic Works Conference Center, 57 Charter Oak Ave Suite A, Hartford, CT 06106

Parking: Free onsite parking available in the lot in front of the venue.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs):  This program is eligible for 1.25 SMPS CEU credits in Domains 3 (Client & Business Development). 

Thank you to our venue sponsor!

Thank you to our collaborating sponsors!

Door Prize Sponsor: 1 Available

Registration: Please register by Friday, February 6, 2026.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.