As a follow-up to the recent Rise of the Mega Project program, SMPS Nashville continues the conversation with the next installment of the YDKWYDK (You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know) series. If the mega project discussion sparked new ideas — or new questions — this session is designed to dig deeper into the strategy behind how firms position themselves to compete and win in today’s increasingly complex pursuit landscape.

We’re excited to welcome Melanie Vracas, a changemaker in the A/E/C industry who blends strategy with standout storytelling to help firms win work and grow with intention. With nearly three decades of experience, Melanie brings clarity, creativity, and business acumen to every engagement. A specialist in strategic proposal development, competitive positioning, and strategic teaming alignment, she is known for identifying the right partners, shaping cohesive teams, and aligning capabilities to client needs and pursuit goals.

By reading between the lines of RFPs, Melanie uncovers true client pain points and helps firms position their teams with purpose — creating compelling, unified narratives that resonate with evaluators and strengthen win strategies in competitive markets. As the founder of her own consulting firm, she has guided organizations in shaping powerful narratives, pursuing funding opportunities, and positioning themselves for long-term success.

Join us for an engaging and candid discussion that builds on the mega project conversation and equips you with practical strategies to elevate your next pursuit.