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Membership Benefits

SGMP is the only national organization dedicated to improving the knowledge and expertise of individuals in the planning and management of government meetings through education, training, and industry relationships. Join Now!

Benefits of Joining SGMP

  • Networking opportunities available through regular meetings, events, and conferences
    • Personal contacts fostering strong business relationships
    • Meeting and learning from other government meeting planners improving quality and cost-effectiveness of government meetings
    • To improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of government meetings through education, networking and professional development.
  • Professional development through formal education programs
  • Monthly chapter luncheon meetings feature topics such as:
    • Meeting planning skills and techniques
    • Governmental issues
    • Professional and personal development
    • Negotiating skills
    • Certified Meeting Professional program
    • Legalities and liabilities
  • The national SGMP Annual Educational Conference gives members a chance to attend a variety of informative, educational sessions and to network with planners and suppliers from across the nation.
  • Planners also receive help with planning meetings and conferences and contacts that can help you make your meetings more successful.
  • Expand the knowledge and professionalism of government and contract planners and suppliers through formal educational programs
  • Improve understanding and cooperation between planners and suppliers through regular meetings, informal discussions and educational conferences
  • Aid planners in locating and evaluating meeting facilities and support services
  • Inform members of the latest travel and other government regulations that impact on government meeting planning
  • Communications between all members of the meetings industry
  • An impact on regulatory policies and legislative issues that affect our government meetings
  • A connection with other professional meeting planner and supplier groups
  • Building skills in all phases of planning, executing, and evaluating our government meetings.

Membership Types & Categories

ORGANIZATION
This type of membership is paid for by and belongs to the company or agency. A representative must be appointed as the SGMP members. The membership is transferable within the company or agency.

INDIVIDUAL
This type of membership is paid for and belongs to the individual, even though he/she may be representing a company or agency. This membership is movable with the individual member, but is not transferable to another member.

Note: If a company or agency supports the member by paying the membership fee (directly or through reimbursement), the membership belongs to the organization.

There are four categories of membership in SGMP. Upon submission, your application is presented to the SGMP Board of Directors for approval. In order to maintain the membership balance, a supplier applicant must join with a planner applicant.

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.
Cost of one year membership for this category is $55

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.
Cost of one year membership for this category is $140

ASSOCIATE SUPPLIER
Individuals, organizations or companies that are compensated through retainer or commission from suppliers (i.e., hotels, conference centers, cities, etc.) will be considered associate suppliers. This means that individuals, organizations or companies whose income in the planning or placement of government meetings, conferences or conventions is derived from suppliers are also considered suppliers.
Cost of one year membership for this category is $250

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 & visitor's bureaus, consulting firms, registration services, airlines, printers, exhibit managers, security services, etc.
Cost of one year membership for this category is $350

EDUCATOR/STUDENT/RETIREE
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 toward planner/supplier "matching" requirements. This category is not open to anyone who would be eligible for any one of the three other membership categories.
Cost of one year membership for this category is $25

Note: If a person qualifies for membership in more than one category, he/she must join at the highest membership category for which they are eligible.

For more information on joining the Kentucky Bluegrass SGMP or to join the Membership Committee please contact Joyce Howlett.