Heart of America Chapter
Society of Government Meeting Professionals
Serving Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Western Missouri
Membership Resources
Heart of America Membership Contacts
Cindy Eddleman, Chair
816-346-4403
Candyce Smith
816-891-9009
Christina Smith
816-243-1232
christina.l.smith@marriott.com
National Contact
Carolyn Bentsel
800-827-8916
More membership information can be obtained at www.sgmp.org. Download a member application at http://www.sgmp.org/membership.asp#join.
Membership in SGMP
Membership Benefits
Encouraging and improving communication, understanding and cooperation between planners and suppliers through regular meetings, discussions and conferences.
· Expanding the knowledge and abilities of planners and suppliers by conducting formal educational programs
· Aiding planners in locating and evaluating commercial meeting facilities and support services by providing a communication link
· Researching, analyzing and translating regulatory policies and legislative issues with affect governmental meetings
· Promoting an understanding in decision making areas that impact the scope of operations of the planner
· Maintaining liaison activities with other professional meeting planner and supplier groups
· Providing guidance and advice to planners of all phases of planning, executing and evaluating government meetings
Membership Categories
Government Planner: Federal, state or local government employees who have the responsibility for planning or implementing any type of meeting, conference or convention as part of their official duties. Employees of private organizations, a majority of whose membership is comprised of government employees, may also qualify as government planners if they plan and implement meetings as part of their official duties.
Contract Planner: Individuals, organizations or companies operating under contract to government planners to assist in the planning or implementation of meetings, conferences or conventions. Contracting organizations may include fraternal and recreational groups, labor unions and professional associations. Companies that operate under contract or commission to planners and suppliers will be considered suppliers.
Supplier: Companies or individuals who solicit business from and/or who provide facilities and services to government planners outside of direct assistance in the planning and implementation of meetings. Suppliers include hotel representation firms, travel agencies, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, consulting firms, registration services, airlines, printers, exhibit managers, security services, etc.
Educator/Student: Individuals who are educators or students who would not otherwise qualify for any other membership category. This is a non-voting category and does not count towards "matching" requirements. This category is not open to anyone who would be eligible for any one of the three other membership categories
Membership Types
Organization: This type of membership is paid for by and belongs to the company/agency. A representative must be appointed as the SGMP member. This membership is transferable within the company/agency, by its election on letterhead, and the payment of a $25 administrative fee.
Individual: This type of membership is paid for by and belongs to the individual, even though he/she may be representing a company/agency. This membership is movable with the individual member, but is not transferable to another member.