This session will help identify the skillsets that are essential to be a valuable member of the pursuit and proposal process.  We will discuss ways you can differentiate yourself and become a respected contributor in developing winning proposals.  Upon conclusion of the session, you will understand the skillsets to strengthen that will enhance confidence in your abilities, gain the respect of your team members, and be on the right path to becoming a recognized proposal expert.   This session is being present by Kelly Billings & Mara Prendergast

Kelly Billings, Managing Partner  

With nearly two decades of marketing experience in the AEC industry, Kelly understands the importance of integrating marketing/business development strategies and operational excellence to win work for Pivotal’s clients. She offers comprehensive industry knowledge and expertise to develop concise, impactful, and sophisticated marketing collateral and proposals. Kelly works closely with project teams to analyze and enhance technical content, provide strategic direction, and identify key differentiators to distinguish her clients from the competition. The result is a blend of visual and written content into winning proposals and industry-leading marketing pieces. These expert skills have made her a highly sought-after project pursuit marketing leader

Mara Prendergast, Managing Partner

Mara has 19 years of marketing experience with 17 years working for architectural, engineering, real estate development, commercial construction, and heavy civil infrastructure construction firms. She has led pursuit teams to win projects ranging from $1.5 billion mixed-use developments and $200 million transportation projects to $500,000 tenant improvements. Mara is highly competitive, creative and has a deep understanding of the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. She completely commits herself to the success of each project pursuit she leads or manages and is driven to achieve wins and growth on behalf of her valued clients. Mara has managed and served as creative director for several firm re-brands to make the aesthetic current and forward-looking while honoring their past and maintaining the firm’s desired identity and value message. Mara creates winning strategies, technical content, and eye-catching graphics and layouts on pursuits both large and small as well as public, private, and federal. Mara received her B.S. in Business Marketing from the University of Nebraska and held marketing positions with The Weitz Company, HDR, and Kiewit prior to starting Pivotal with Kelly in 2012. Mara and her husband, Nathan, enjoy the outdoors of Colorado with their children Owen and twins, Isabelle and Ezra.