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About the Society of Government Meeting Professionals

Since 1981, SGMP has supported government meeting planners in their efforts to produce government meetings in accordance with state and federal laws. While we are not a federal or state agency, and we receive no direct federal or state funding, we help ensure that meeting planners comply with federal and state procurement laws, running efficient and cost-effective government meetings.

Learn about our 2026 National Education Conference

Become a Member of SGMP

SGMP is the only national organization in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to government meetings. Since our founding in 1981, we currently have nearly 1500 members across 18 chapters and 3 satellite chapters. SGMP’s mission is to enhance and promote the expertise of government meeting professionals. And our objectives are to improve the quality of and promote the cost-effectiveness of government meetings. Member value in our Society is delivered through education, resources and networking. 

Professional Development  CGMP  Networking

Planner

Join as a Planner

Government Meeting Planners are individuals who are employed by federal, state, or local governments who have the responsibility for planning or implementing any type of meeting — on a full- or part-time basis — as part of their official duties. Contract Planners are individuals, organizations, or companies operating under contract to (and receiving payments directly from) government agencies to assist in the planning or implementing of any type of meeting. Our Planner members benefit from professional development opportunities, news, resources, events, networking, and more!

Join as a Planner

CGMP

Earn your CGMP

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. The CGMP is recognized in the hospitality industry; many government contracts now require planners working on the contract have their government certification.

The CGMP class is held monthly via virtual classroom, as well as in-person at the National Education Conference.

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Supplier

Join as a Supplier

Suppliers include companies or individuals who provide facilities and services to government or contract planners outside of direct assistance in the planning and implementation of meetings. Supplier members are paid by agencies/planners. Hotels, speakers, audio/visual companies, decorators, CVBs, etc. are supplier members. Up to 3 Suppliers from the same company or facility may join at a discounted rate. Supplier members benefit from industry resources, networking opportunities, professional development opportunities, news, events, and more!

Join as a Supplier

NEC

Join us at the National Education Conference

The SGMP National Education Conference (NEC) is an annual event featuring over 20 hours of professional development sessions, exciting keynote speakers, an industry tradeshow, networking opportunities, a fundraising silent auction, and more! Join SGMP at the next NEC June 9-11, 2026 at the Colonial Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, VA - we're gearing up for some new surprises this year! SGMP offers scholarships for meeting planners to attend the event, both on a national and chapter level. 

Are you interested in sponsoring the NEC? We offer many opportunities for our sponsors to interact with and offer value to our attendees.

Learn More about the NEC
 

Certified Government Meeting Professional

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. The CGMP is recognized in the hospitality industry; many government contracts now require planners working on the contract have their government certification.

In order to take the CGMP Class and exam you must have an active SGMP membership, and at least 12 months fulltime experience in the hospitality industry.  The CGMP Class is an advanced and government specific class; individuals registering to take the class must have experience in basic meeting and event planning. In addition to demonstrating your commitment to enhancing your government expertise and to improving the quality of your meetings, earning your CGMP has numerous benefits for your career and for your employer.

Earn Your CGMP

Government Connections Magazine 

SGMP's Government Connections magazine is the flagship publication of our professional society. Published twice annually, our magazine features articles on topics of relevance to today's government meeting professionals and suppliers. Check out updates from our chapters across the U.S., stay up to date on the current trends in government meeting planning, and enjoy a word from your colleagues and society leadership.

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