Season 5 of The Shortlist kicks off with a fan-favorite: InDesign Rumble (Part 2). Wendy Simmons, Becky Ellison, and Lauren Jane Peterson continue their spirited conversation on how AEC marketers actually use Adobe InDesign, workarounds and all.

This episode explores how even seasoned designers evolve their skills in a tool most learned on the fly. The MO6 team dives into efficiency-boosters like automation, AI features, data merge, CC Libraries, and paragraph styles. They also call out "common pitfalls" found in inherited files, from hand-built tables to overbuilt parent pages, and discuss when a quick workaround becomes a project liability.

The takeaway? There’s rarely one "right" way to work. Whether you’re an InDesign expert or a self-proclaimed "level 6," this episode will spark new ideas to streamline your next pursuit. Listen in to unlock major gains in efficiency and clarity.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4

Before you kick off your next website project, take a beat—because there’s a lot you can do ahead of time to make the process smoother, more strategic, and ultimately more successful. To wrap up Season 4 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Kyle Davis and Lauren Jane Peterson to break down the things you should tackle before your website project officially begins.

They walk through practical steps like confirming your Google Analytics setup, gathering project descriptions and photos, and doing a little web-stalking of sites you admire. Plus, they emphasize the importance of aligning your brand messaging and having up-to-date photography, bios, and team headshots on hand before you dive into the actual website build.

Whether you’re just dreaming about a new website or have your kick-off on the schedule, these tips will help you plan more effectively, streamline content collection, and get stakeholder buy-in. Trust us, your future self will thank you for the prep work.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2

In this episode of The Shortlist, we’re spotlighting the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and all the value it brings to AEC marketers. Host Wendy Simmons is joined by Senior Marketing Strategists Grace Takehara and Katy Byers for a fun and reflective conversation about how to get the most out of SMPS, regardless if you’re a long-time member or just SMPS-curious.

Grace and Katy swap stories about how they found SMPS, the connections they’ve made, and the professional growth that’s come along the way. From practical tips on easing into your first event, to favorite memories from SMPS conferences, they share their suggestions for getting involved.

SMPS offers countless ways to build your network, gain leadership experience, and grow your career—from roundtables and education sessions to national conferences and casual socials. This episode is full of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your membership and feel confident stepping into new opportunities.