All participants must complete the registration form and submit payment via Cvent to attend the conference.
No cancellations are allowed.
A substitute may attend at no extra charge up to 14 days prior to the event, with the deadline being March 16, 2026. Transfers should be member-to-member or non-member to non-member.
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If a member wants to transfer to a non-member, that registrant will be billed for the difference.
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If a non-member transfers to a member, no refund will be issued.
A registration may only be transferred once.
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Cancellations due to extenuating circumstances may be considered (such as death, accident, Military deployment, jury duty, or serious illness) and must be submitted in writing to SMPS NERC at smps.northeastregional@gmail.com prior to the last day of the conference.
Requests for extenuating circumstances will be reviewed after the conference concludes and may qualify for a refund of up to the full amount, at the discretion of SMPS NERC.In the case the event is cancelled or postponed due to any event or circumstance beyond NERC’s reasonable control, including without limitation an Act of God, war, revolution, act of terrorism, riot, civil commotion, virus/pandemic, governmental restrictions, travel regulations restricting participants travelling to Washington DC, change in local regulations limiting the number of participants allowed at the conference, adverse weather condition, adverse traffic condition, strike, lock-out or other industrial action, failure of supply of power, fuel, transport, equipment, raw materials, or other goods or services you will receive a credit for 100% of the fees paid. This credit can be applied to the new dates of NERC 2026, if rescheduled. If the event is not rescheduled for 2026, the credit may be used for NERC 2027. There are no refunds given.
As part of the SMPS Northeast Regional Conference, we’ll be taking photographs and videos for promotional use on our website, social media channels, and printed communications. Your attendance implies your consent to potentially be photographed or videoed and for these images to be used now and in the future. Should an image appear that you would like to be removed, please contact us at smps.northeastregional@gmail.com.
If you are an SMPS member and are being charged the non-member rate, please send an email to a member of our team for assistance:
Hilary Nieukirk, Registration Co-Chair, at hnieukirk@shawmut.com
Teresa York, Finance Director, at smps.northeastregional@gmail.com / tyork@jmt.com
Business casual…with a DC glow‑up. Think smart, comfortable, and ready to move. We’re AEC marketers taking over Washington, DC during cherry blossom season. Translation? Polished layers, personality, and shoes you can actually walk in. Expect to see blazers with sneakers, dresses with edge, bold color, and spring energy all around.
Here’s the vibe by event:
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Monday / Tuesday (Conference Sessions): Business casual. Clean lines. Layer up. Might be cold in those conference rooms!
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In Bloom Welcome Reception (Monday Evening Event): Business casual, but make it social. A little flair is encouraged. The theme is In Bloom in honor of our famous Cherry Blossoms!
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DC After Dark (Tuesday Evening Event): Get ready to glow! This will be one for the history books. Wear white, shimmer, metalics, or come as you are comfortable, and get ready to shine in the lights at DC After Dark!
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Tours & Offsite Events: Comfortable shoes = non‑negotiable. DC is best experienced on foot.
If it feels like you and still looks professional—you’re doing it right.
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Monumental Blooms: A Cherry Blossom Welcome at The Square - 1850 K Street, NW
(Just a block and a half away from the hotel!)
Kick off your NERC experience in full bloom! Join us for Monumental Blooms, an unforgettable welcome reception set against the stylish backdrop of The Square DC, where culinary creativity meets D.C. culture.
Inspired by Washington’s most iconic seasonal celebration, this cherry blossom–themed soirée brings together AEC marketers and business developers from across the Northeast to celebrate fresh connections, shared goals, and the start of something monumental.
Sip signature spring cocktails, sample delicious bites, and take in the vibrant energy of our nation's capital. Whether you're reconnecting with longtime colleagues or planting the seeds of new partnerships, this is your moment to blossom.
Dress to impress, bring your business cards, and let’s toast to monumental ideas, blooming careers, and a conference full of impact.
Included in your full conference registration! Cherry Blossom attire encouraged.
Monday, March 30 - 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
The Square at 1850 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006DC After Dark is the signature social event of NERC 2026, where historic meets electric in a night of unforgettable fun at The Mayflower Hotel.
Tuesday, March 31 8:00-10:30pm
Step into a scene inspired by D.C.’s iconic marble monuments, then get ready for a high-energy twist:
Think whiteout party vibes with a capital city edge. Whether you're striking a pose in the Memorial photobooth, singing your heart out at monumental karaoke, or showing off your sparkle, one thing’s for sure—this isn’t your average networking night.
Expect the Unexpected:-
Boozy treats and delectable desserts that light up the night
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A DJ spinning dance-worthy beats until your feet beg for mercy
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Surprise giveaways, glowing gear, and plenty of Insta-worthy moments
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Dress in white or metallics (or come as you are!) and prepare to shine!
Let’s light up the night, D.C. style—because you didn’t come to the nation’s capital to stay in.
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Join fellow SMPS NERC attendees for a Planet Word Museum Meetup & City Walk on March 30 from 1:00–2:30 PM.
The museum tour is a curated, guided experience designed to spark conversation, connection, and a shared DC moment—with zero logistical stress. Culture meets community, with plenty of room to network along the way.
We’ll meet in the Mayflower Hotel lobby at 1:00 PM and take a short walk together to the interactive Planet Word Museum, where exhibits explore storytelling, music, wordplay, and the power of language.
Best of all, admission is free.
It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a unique DC experience while connecting with other conference attendees.
Yes—if space is still available.
Food. Conversation. New connections. DC Dine‑Arounds are small‑group dinners at local restaurants, hosted by fellow attendees who know the city (or just love a good table conversation).
Dine Around Details:-
Sign up for DC Dine Arounds when you arrive at registration
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Groups are limited—first-come, first-served!
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You cover your own meal, but the memories? Priceless.
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Great for first-timers and seasoned attendees alike
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Your conference command center is coming soon.
Once the app goes live, you’ll receive an email with download instructions and login details. Inside the app you’ll find:-
The full agenda
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Event locations
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Tour meeting points
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Dine‑Around sign‑ups
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Real‑time updates and notifications
Pro tip: download it before you arrive so you’re ready to roll.
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The exact meeting time and location:
Sunday, March 297:30-9:00pm
Pickup at Mayflower Hotel, DeSales Street EntranceWe’ve got you. You’ll be able to note food allergies and dietary needs during registration. Our planning team works closely with venues and caterers to accommodate common dietary restrictions whenever possible. If you have a severe allergy or specific concern, we recommend contacting the conference team directly so we can plan ahead.
You’re never on your own. During the conference, help is always close by:
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Amy Cuddy, Director - 703-509-9998
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Hilary Nieukirk, Registration - 617.872.7712
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Lisa Beeler - 207-632-0871
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Stop by the registration desk
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Check the conference app for on‑site contacts
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Look for an SMPS NERC volunteer or planning team member (they’ll be easy to spot)
For urgent needs, a dedicated conference contact number will be shared in advance and posted in the app.
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get NERC alerts in your inbox
Stay up-to-date on session announcements, speaker updates, and event promotions in preparation for SMPS NERC 2026. It will be monumental.