SGMP New England
Society of Government Meeting Professionals - New England

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Society of Government Meeting Professionals Officially Charters New England Chapter

BOSTON, MA—May 18, 2011—The New England chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) received its charter today at a meeting held at The Westin Boston Waterfront. The chapter is based in Boston and now represents government meeting professionals in all six New England states.

SGMP national president Melody Kebe, CMP, CGMP, presided over a formal ceremony that concluded with the ceremonial passing of the gavel to new chapter president Ann Cote of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. SGMP executive director & CEO Charles Sadler, CGMP, CHSP, CHSC, read the Official Charter Resolution & Decree to the chapter’s charter members and guests.

“Despite continuing challenges and budgetary constraints in federal, state and local governments, SGMP continues its national growth today by adding our 32^nd chapter,” Kebe announced. The new chapter’s petition for a charter was approved by the organization’s national board of directors last month after the group had completed several organizational tasks and reached its membership goals.

“All of us are so proud to become an official SGMP chapter and look forward to providing real value to both planners and suppliers of government meetings all across New England.” said Cote. More information on the chapter, which holds monthly meetings and other special events, may be found at www.sgmpnewengland.org.

SGMP membership is available to federal, state or local government employees and to contract employees who are involved in planning government meetings on a full or part-time basis. Membership is also available to suppliers who provide services or facilities to, or derive income from, these meetings.

“We are grateful for the exceptional efforts of chapter first vice president Kim Ainsworth of the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board and chapter second vice president John Sadek of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide for working so hard to create a local SGMP presence here for government meeting professionals,” said Sadler. This new chapter—the fourth chartering since 2009—represents the continued national expansion of SGMP.

SAVE THE DATE
CERTIFIED GOVERNMENT MEETING PROFESSIONAL training course

The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) New England Chapter is delighted to announce that the CERTIFIED GOVERNMENT MEETING PROFESSIONAL training course is coming to Boston (location TBD) during the week of 10-13 September 2012. SAVE THE DATE and stay tuned for details as they evolve. In the meantime, details of the course follow, including pricing so that you can request the budget now! (Members in good standing for at least 6 months will be given preference so JOIN NOW!)

The Certified Government Meeting Professional designation ("CGMP") is designed for planners and suppliers whose work is governed by the rules and regulations of the federal government. Individuals who have earned their CGMP have obtained the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals. CGMP is for anyone who is interested in efficient and effective meeting planning whether you do it for a living or not!

The content for this program assumes that you have worked in the meetings management industry for at least one year and have a basic knowledge of industry terminology and acronyms. To be eligible to take the course, you must be an SGMP member in good standing for six months. The $595 registration fee includes the three-day training sessions, all course materials, and the exam that is administered on the morning of the fourth day.

This course teaches recognized industry practices cited in the Convention Industry Council (CIC) Manual. Included in the course material are 19 lesson plans with specific and thorough instruction on ethics, federal budget and appropriations, acquisition and contracting, federal travel regulations, RFPs, risk management and protocol.

To learn more, visit:

http://www.sgmp.org/certification/index.cfm

Chapter Vision Statement:
Meeting professionals boldly leading the way in education, effective communication, and efficiency in government meetings and conferences.

SGMP Mission
To improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of government meetings through education, networking, and professional development.

Objectives

To expand the knowledge and professionalism of government and contract planners and suppliers through formal educational programs
To improve communication, understanding and cooperation between planners and suppliers through regular meetings, discussions and conferences
To aid planners in locating and evaluating commercial meeting facilities and support services by operating a communications link
To provide guidance and advice to planners on all phases of planning, executing, and evaluating government meetings
To provide guidance and advice to suppliers serving government market of the latest travel and other government regulations

SGMP NEW ENGLAND'S FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS!!!

President - Ann Cote - Planner
Vice President - Kim Ainsworth - Planner
2^nd Vice President - John Sadek - Supplier
Treasurer- Jill Colella – Planner
Secretary- Rena Briggs - Supplier

Directors

Cherie Allen - Supplier
Robin Skees - Supplier
Mirna Gustave - Planner

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.

Benefits
SGMP offers its members numerous verities of opportunities:

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 education programs;
Aiding planners in locating and evaluating commercial meeting facilities and support services by operating a communications link;
Researching, analyzing and translating regulatory policies and legislative issues which affect governmental meetings;
Promoting an understanding in decision-making areas that directly or indirectly impact the scope of operations of the planner;
Maintaining liaison activities with other professional meeting planner and supplier groups; and,
Providing guidance and advice to planners on all phases of planning, executing, and evaluating government meetings.

Educational Opportunities
National education conferences and regional education conferences are held annually. SGMP holds educational programs at both the annual conferences and regular local meetings, offering instruction on how to produce effective agency meetings that are conducted within budget allocations and per diem allowances. Valuable tools that help sharpen planning skills are shared so that public funds are spent economically and in a manner that produces results.

Online Supplier's Guide
Each member of the Society has online access to the comprehensive membership directory upon admission to SGMP.

Newsletters
SGMP's magazine Government Connections presents information about government contracting, travel regulations, and timely articles about the meetings industry. It is published quarterly.

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