The 2026 SMPS Colorado Marketing Excellence Awards celebrated the marketers and business developers shaping the future of the A/E/C industry—from large collaborative teams to remarkable teams of one.
On May 14, marketers, business developers, firm leaders, and industry partners from across Colorado gathered at Balistreri Vineyards for an evening dedicated to recognizing the marketing creativity, strategy, and leadership driving our industry forward. More than an awards ceremony, the event celebrated the people, stories, and relationships behind the work.
This year’s award submissions reflected the extraordinary talent within Colorado’s A/E/C community. From compelling brand storytelling and strategic campaigns to internal communications and community impact initiatives, the work recognized throughout the evening demonstrated not only creativity, but measurable results and a deep understanding of how marketing and business development contribute to firm success.
While the awards highlighted exceptional projects and people, some of the most memorable moments came between the announcements. Longtime colleagues reconnected, first-time attendees met industry leaders, and teams who rarely have the opportunity to showcase their work were recognized and celebrated by their peers.
The evening also recognized outstanding individual leaders through SMPS Colorado’s professional awards program. Congratulations to the 2026 recipients:
- Firm Leader of the Year: Carrie Pepperdine
- Business Developer of the Year: Laraine Saldivar
- Marketer of the Year: Dana Williams
- Member of the Year: Diana Carr
- Leonardo Award: Teena Bergstrand
A complete list of project and individual award winners can be found on the SMPS Colorado website: www.smpscolorado.org/marketing-excellence-awards-2026-winners
SMPS Colorado extends a special thank you to the sponsors, judges, volunteers, attendees, and industry partners who made the evening possible, as well as its in-kind photography sponsor, The Unfound Door, for capturing the celebration.
“To all nominees and winners: thank you for inspiring us. Your work continues to push the A/E/C industry forward, and your dedication elevates our profession every day. We are already looking ahead with excitement to what 2027 will bring.”
