Join us on Tuesday, September 22nd  at City Springs for one of the biggest networking events in the A/E/C (architecture/engineering/construction) industry in Georgia – the 2026 MEGA Meeting! Network and learn with 150+ of your colleagues from various A/E/C industry associations:

The A/E/C industry is experiencing rapid growth, accelerating consolidation, and increasing pressure on firm leadership structures. Yet beneath this momentum lies a critical challenge: the shrinking “middle” of emerging leaders. As mid‑level talent becomes harder to develop and retain, firms are facing succession risks, cultural strain, and operational instability, especially in organizations navigating ongoing M&A (mergers and acquisitions).

MEGA Meeting 2026 brings this issue to the forefront. This year’s program explores how growth, mergers, and shifting workforce expectations are reshaping firm models and widening the leadership gap. Attendees will examine why the “missing middle” has become a defining threat to long‑term resilience and what firms must do now to rebuild a sustainable leadership pipeline that can support integration, culture, and future growth.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

You’ll gain clarity on the forces reshaping A/E/C leadership and walk away with strategies you can apply immediately, including how to:

HOW YOU'LL DO MORE BUSINESS

This session connects leadership strategy directly to revenue, competitiveness, and firm performance. You’ll learn how to:

WHO YOU'LL MEET

EVENT AGENDA 

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM  - Registration & Exhibit Hall
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM - Luncheon & Networking

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM - Panel Discussion / Q&A

CPSM CEUs:  1.5 hours
Domains:  1 - Marketing Research, 3 - Business Development

All disciplines will need to self-report their continuing education hours.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

With over a decade of experience in the AEC industry, Jeff Adams is a seasoned M&A advisor who helps firms achieve their strategic growth objectives. As Director of SN’s Merger and Acquisitions practice area and Certified M&A Advisor, he leads the M&A team, partnering with architecture, engineering, and construction firms on both the buyer and seller sides to strategically position them for greater future success. Jeff has successfully advised numerous M&A transactions, ensuring smooth and successful transitions for his clients. He also hosts the popular AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition podcast, where he shares insights and best practices with AEC leaders, including executives from ENR Top 500 firms.

During his career, Jeff has gained extensive experience overseeing strategy and operations related to accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Before joining SN, he held an executive leadership role at an engineering firm, where he played a pivotal part in leading his firm through a successful acquisition process.

Sam McCachern, PE, is Chief Executive Officer of Thomas & Hutton, a privately held, employee-owned professional services and consulting firm for land development and infrastructure. With more than 40 years at the firm, Sam helped guide Thomas & Hutton through significant growth, geographic expansion, strategic acquisitions, and a multi-year leadership succession process.

His experience scaling an A/E/C firm while maintaining culture, integrating new teams, and preparing the next generation of leaders gives him a valuable perspective on the challenges facing today’s firms. Sam brings firsthand insight into succession planning, leadership development, organizational continuity, and building a sustainable pipeline to support future growth.

Kelly Darby-Asher, NCIDQ, LEED AP, serves as Director of Marketing for May Architecture, where she leads strategic marketing and business development initiatives across the firm's healthcare and higher education practices. Since beginning her career in 2007, she has worked at the intersection of design, business strategy, and client development, helping architecture firms navigate evolving markets while cultivating lasting client partnerships. Her career has included firsthand experience navigating multiple mergers and acquisitions, giving her a unique perspective on organizational integration, strategic growth, and the leadership challenges that accompany change.

A licensed interior designer with a Master of Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Kelly brings a unique perspective that bridges design and business. Her multidisciplinary background enables her to connect design excellence with business strategy, helping firms strengthen client relationships, identify new market opportunities, and position themselves for long-term success.

Kelly serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Healthcare Georgia and is a member of the inaugural SMPS Leadership Academy class. She is an advocate for thoughtful leadership, innovation, and the future of the AEC industry. Through her industry involvement and speaking engagements, she explores how firms can develop stronger leaders, build more resilient organizations, and adapt to the changing dynamics of the design and construction marketplace.

John brings more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, with a career grounded in design, leadership, and building strong relationships. As Vice President of Randall-Paulson Architects (RPA), he provides leadership across the firm’s diverse sectors while helping guide its continued growth, culture, and commitment to its people.

Throughout his career, John has believed that a firm’s long-term success depends on more than projects and performance, it depends on investing in people and intentionally building a strong culture. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders, creating opportunities for team members to grow, and fostering an environment where people feel valued, challenged, and connected to the organization’s larger purpose. He believes that during periods of transition and growth, preserving culture, developing emerging leaders, and strengthening the “missing middle” are critical to creating an organization that can thrive for the long term.

In addition to his leadership role, John has extensive design experience in industrial, manufacturing, cold storage, and distribution facilities and is recognized for his expertise in tilt-up construction. His ability to bring together clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams reflects the collaborative leadership philosophy he brings to both projects and the broader business of architecture.

Michael Ramos is the president at Raymond, a minority and veteran-owned small business that provides full architecture and engineering services. After joining Raymond in 2017, he has worked to grow Raymond’s engagement and presence in the federal market and leads Raymond’s internal research and development (IRAD) program, which is currently developing multiple AI-based and software solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. Michael also leads Raymond’s M&A efforts and business growth strategy. Prior to Raymond, Michael was the director of analysis at DeWolff, Boberg & Associates and a senior associate with Booz Allen Hamilton. He holds a BS in chemical engineering from MIT and an MS in chemistry from Tufts University.

Chris serves as the Health Lead in the South East for Stantec. He has spent over 20 years working on acute and ambulatory healthcare projects across the region. He served as a founding member and chair of the USGBC SWFL branch for several years and has been recognized as an AIA Associate of the Year, USGBC SWFL Member of the Year, and Gulf Shore Business 40 under 40. He's currently working on healthcare projects and masterplans across the south east as well as FEMA recovery projects in the USVI. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and Virginia Tech. He lives just outside of Atlanta with his wife, his Great Pyrenees, Parmesan, and his 9 year old son, Henry.

PARTICPATING A/E/C Professional Associations

If you're interested in sponsoring as a professional A/E/C association, please see more details in the "Industry Association Sponsorship Flyer" located in the "Documents" section below. 

SPONSORSHOP OPPORTUNITIES

The annual MEGA Meeting is an exclusive A/E/C industry event and a wonderful opportunity to promote your firm or organization. The program brings together numerous professional associations and 150+ attendees within the design and built environment.

$1,500 PLATINUM Sponsor (includes 4 tickets)
$750 GOLD Sponsor (includes 3 tickets)
$500 SILVER Sponsor (includes 2 tickets)
$350 BRONZE Sponsor (includes 1 ticket)

Please contact Sponsorship Chair Jennifer Fournier at 404-797-6785 or [email protected] for additional information or download the 2026 MEGA Meeting Sponsorship Flyer under the "Documents" section below.

$1,500 PLATINUM Sponsor Benefits: {LIMIT 5}

$750 GOLD Sponsor Benefits: {LIMIT 10}

$500 SILVER Sponsor Benefits: {Unlimited availability}

$350 BRONZE Sponsor Benefits: {Unlimited availability}

EVENT CHAMPIONS