Programs Director
Have any questions about our programs?
Contact our Programs Director Sydney McDermott at [email protected]
Interested in Speaking?
8-on-8 Lunch 2026: Cortex
May 07, 2026
11:30 AM CDT - 1:00 PM CDT
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Sunset Event Space by Twisted Tree
10705 Watson Road
St. Louis, MO 63127
Venue website
Directions
8 on 8: Lunch with a Prospective Client
Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CST
Sunset Event Space by Twisted Tree
SMPS invites you to join us for our annual program, 8 on 8: Lunch with a Prospective Client, where you can meet with the bi-state region’s key decision-makers. These prospective clients represent dynamic organizations, in both public and private sectors. Register early as this event will sell out in the first 48 hours!
Seats are limited to 7 per table. Registration is open to MEMBERS ONLY during the first 24 hours. Only 1 registration permitted by each SMPS member during the first 24 hours. If not planning to attend personally, members may register a single non-member at the non-member rate. All registrations must be finalized by EOB Thursday, April 30.
The registration process will be handled through our online system. Please select your desired table upon registration. Table choice is on a first come-first served basis. If a certain client is no longer displayed, then the table is full.
By registering through this link, you are purchasing a ticket at the following table: Cortex
For information on other 8-on-8 tables, please click here.
Brian Russell, Vice President of Development
Cortex
Brian Russell is the Vice President of Development at Cortex Innovation District in St. Louis, bringing over fifteen years of experience in fundraising and business development across education, science, and economic development. His career includes director-level roles at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and National Louis University, as well as development work with the Academy for Urban School Leadership and Chicago Public Schools. Brian holds an MFA in Poetry from the University of Houston and a BA in Creative Writing from Miami University, where he received the Academy of American Poets Prize.
WHEN
Thursday, May 7, 2026
11:30-12:00 Networking and Check-In of Guests
12:00-1:00: Roundtable Discussions and Lunch
WHERE
Sunset Event Space by Twisted Tree
10705 Watson Road
St. Louis, MO 63127
Learning Objectives:
- Develop relationships with local owners/operators/developers
For questions regarding this program, contact Sydney McDermott, Programs Director.
Please RSVP by Thursday, April 30.
Tickets
$100.00 Non-Member
$110.00 after 05:00 pm April 30
$65.00 Member Ticket
$75.00 after 05:00 pm April 30
Policies
Substitution Policy
Any substitution to a Member exclusive event will be charged a $100 fee.
Walk-in Policy
To ensure we can comfortably accommodate all attendees, anyone who registers after the deadline will be charged an additional $10 walk-in fee.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Cancellations made 48-hours/2 days prior to the event will be fully refunded. Due to our commitment with the meeting facility for food and beverage quantities, all other cancellations or no-shows will be invoiced for the full cost of the event. In the event the registrant is unable to attend, another individual from their firm can attend and the attendee will be expected to pay-at-the-door any applicable cost difference (ie: member vs non-member).
Photography Disclaimer
Photos are frequently taken at our chapter events. The SMPS St. Louis Chapter has the right to use photos from our events for any purpose, including but not limited to use in publications, on social media, in the newsletter, promotional materials, or on our website.
