ASPE Convention & Expo 2026

Building More Than Systems: Building Trust and Relationships (Room 208 A & B)

"Join this lively discussion on life outside of designing plumbing systems at our computers and the importance of building industry relationships. The three panelists will share their life lessons and experiences to help you understand the essential component of nurturing professional growth while fostering long-term success in the industry. Building your own personal brand is a skill set we can refine throughout our careers.

This interactive session is designed to equip you with fundamental business development strategies tailored specifically for your career stage. So many of us, while we progress in our careers, begin to be tasked with bringing in business to our firms with very little training on how to grow those relationships. You will gain valuable insights into how to effectively promote your work, build meaningful relationships, and establish a strong personal brand within the workplace environment.

The session will dive into practical techniques for demonstrating technical proficiency while communicating value clearly to clients and colleagues alike. Emphasizing the importance of professionalism, reliability, and proactive engagement, you will learn how these qualities can enhance your reputation, foster trust, and lead to repeat business opportunities. Through real-world anecdotes shared by experienced engineers, the session will provide relatable lessons on career progression, overcoming challenges, and seizing growth opportunities in the competitive MEP landscape. Join us to discover how to not only deliver exceptional engineering solutions, but also confidently market yourself and your team, paving the way for sustained success and leadership in the industry."