Sam Gilmer Awards Banquet Awards and Recognition

The following awards and recognition are presented annually at the Sam Gilmer Awards Banquet during SGMP's National Education Conference.

The Sam Gilmer Awards Banquet is our special, annual 'black-tie optional' event and is held at every National Education Conference (standard registration to the NEC includes attendance at this event). This celebration — named in honor of Sam Gilmer, who provided the motivating force, vision and leadership toward establishing SGMP back in October 1981 — honors and celebrates the superior efforts made by our members each year in support of our objective to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of government meetings.

Featured Annual Awards

Sam Gilmer Planner of the Year Award
The Sam Gilmer Award is the highest distinction offered by SGMP. Its recipient is selected by a panel of former Sam Gilmer Award winners in recognition of the planner member whose service to SGMP over a period of time, especially at the national level, has significantly contributed to the Society’s growth and development.

Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year Award
The Sam Gilmer Award is the highest distinction offered by SGMP. Its recipient is selected by a panel of former Sam Gilmer Award winners in recognition of the supplier member whose service to SGMP over a period of time, especially at the national level, has significantly contributed to the Society’s growth and development.

Sam Gilmer Partnership Award
Selected by the Executive Director & CEO, this award is presented in recognition of a corporation which has tirelessly supported SGMP through sponsorship monies and in-kind contributions.

President's Award
Selected at the discretion of the SGMP National President, it is a special tribute for an extraordinary personal contribution to SGMP.

Program of the Year Award
Selected by the Trustees of the Gilmer Institute of Learning, it is awarded to recognize the chapters that continually provide outstanding educational programs for their members.

Newsletter of the Year Award
Selected by a panel of judges in the media field who were not affiliated with SGMP, it is awarded to recognize the top publication provided to chapter members that year.

Chapter Website of the Year Award
Selected by a panel of judges in the field of electronic communications and website design who are not affiliated with SGMP, to recognize chapters whose websites consistently give timely and accurate information about chapter news, programs and events.

Chapter Recognition Awards

Chapter Excellence Award, Chapter Honors Award, and Chapter Merit Award
Determined through a year-to-date review by the National Board of Directors and the Executive Director & CEO of several areas of evaluation criteria regarding overall operating performance, a chapter can be recognized in one of three levels regarding execution of its mission and duties to its members and the Society.

Chapter Membership Growth Award
Determined by year-to-date membership data, it is awarded to recognize highest net membership growth.