Heart of America Chapter
Society of Government Meeting Professionals
Serving Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Western Missouri
Where is SGMP? Nationwide! Check out the national website to learn more about the 26 chapters of fellow planners and suppliers, making up our 3,500 members.
SGMP Chapters
St Louis Gateway
Chapters in Formation
Boston
New Orleans
Houston
Pittsburgh
The Society of Government Meeting Planners was established in October 1981 in Washington, D.C. Organizers of government meetings saw a need for a forum in which to discuss mutual objectives and techniques for conducting the business meetings of the government. They sought to create an opportunity to meet on common ground with the providers of meeting services and facilities to review the latest trends in siting and implementing these events. In 1996, they changed to Society of Government Meeting Professionals.
The motivating force behind the new organization was Sam Gilmer. His insight into the need for such a group proved prophetic. A decade later the Society spans the nation with over 20 chapters, close to 2,500 members and the growth continues.
Represented in SGMP's membership are employees of federal, state, county and city government, as well as associations of governmental agencies. Today, the Society of Government Meeting Professionals is the only professional organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to the improvement of government meetings.
SGMP is managed by a national board of directors and officers elected by the membership. Affiliate chapters elect local leadership and conduct monthly meetings in their respective areas.
Purpose
SGMP is a non-profit professional organization of persons involved in planning government meetings - either on a full or part-time basis - and those individuals who supply services to government planners. Our objectives are to improve the quality and promote the cost effectiveness of government meetings.
Annual Conference
A national conference is held annually which provides an excellent educational forum for shaping the latest techniques in managing meetings. Seminars are offered on meeting management, negotiations, law and ethics with content and tools appropriate for both the novice and experienced planner and supplier.
The 2007 national charity is ARC of Atlantic City. Learn more about this organization, and how you can help SGMP meet their goal even if you are not attending the National Education Conference.
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June 11-14, 2008: Dallas, TX, The Anatole Hotel
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May 13-16, 2009: Louisville, KY, The Galt House
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May 19-22, 2010: Kansas City, MO, The Hyatt and Westin Crown Center
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June 8-11, 2011: Norfolk, VA, The Sheraton and Marriott Riverside
National Website
We encourage you to check out the great resources available on our national website. Here you will find more detailed information about the structure, mission, and organization of SGMP.
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Government per diem updates
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Education foundation
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Education conference
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Meeting industry links
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Meeting planners toolbox
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Nationwide chapter links
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Online membership directory - members only
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Professional certifications
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Supplier toolbox
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The latest news in government meeting planning
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Volunteer opportunities