On November 20, 1989, the Greater Oregon chapter became the 17th chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP).  With 44 members in attendance, at the Days Inn Hotel in Portland, former Supreme Court Justice Betty Roberts administered the oath of office to the first officers of the chapter:

President: Marian Milligan
Vice President Planner: Marguerite Irwin
Vice President Supplier: Sal Piazza
Secretary: Ardella Devan
Treasurer: Les McNary
 
Members at Large:
Karleen Boskofsky (planner)
Doreen Fillman (planner)
Cheryl Kilday (supplier)

The formation of the chapter began two years prior, in 1987, when Marian Milligan joined the Seattle Chapter (now Pacific Northwest chapter) and saw the value of having a forum to meet and connect with other government meeting planners and suppliers.  After attending the 1988 SGMP National Education Conference in Chicago and the Seattle/Pacific Northwest chapter's winter conference in 1989, Marian was inspired to start an Oregon chapter.

Over the next several months, Marian led the formation of the chapter, with the assistance of Ernie Oakes and a steering committee comprised of planners, suppliers and National Board Member Gary Francis.  The first formation meeting was held in May 1989 at the Westin Benson Hotel in Portland with over 50 people in attendance.  SGMP Past President Ron Claussen attended the meeting and presented the advantages of forming a chapter and of joining SGMP.  Additional meetings were scheduled over the next 12 months across the state of Oregon.

On November 20, 2009, GOSGMP  celebrated its 20th anniversary with a dinner banquet held at the Benson Hotel in Portland.  SGMP Past President Melody Kebe, and Executive Director Charles Sadler, attended the event, along with 40 GOSGMP members. Since 1989, GOSGMP membership has steadily increased and now has 96 members as of July 2011. Marian Milligan's vision continues, as meeting planners and suppliers come together at GOSGMP's monthly meetings.

Program Committee
The program committee is responsible for coordinating our monthly educational meetings, which focus on the core SGMP mission: education, resources and networking. As a Program Committee member, you can look forward to opportunities to shape the educational offerings at our monthly meetings including: providing input into topic & presenter selection and delivery methods of trainings, gaining experience in logistical coordination, developing project management, planning and teamwork skills. Program Committee Board Liaison: Jessica Wangler, Oregon Department of Revenue - (503) 945-8292.

Membership Committee
Recruitment and retention are the goals of the membership committee. Recruitment includes connecting with prospective new members, sharing the benefits of membership and coordinating a membership drive while retention is keeping our members engaged and connected throughout the year. With these goals and by being an enthusiastic ambassador for GOSGMP, your efforts will grow our membership!

Finance Committee
The finance committee works within the chapter budget and selection process to determine eligibility and award scholarships for the GOSGMP Annual Education Conference as well as the SGMP National Education Conference. Committee members assist with registration and on-site payment at the monthly GOSGMP meetings as well as working with the Fundraising committee. Finance Committee Chair: Jenny Moore, Spirit Mountain Casino & Lodge - (503) 879-3150

Communications & Marketing Committee
The communications & marketing committee gets the word out! Responsibilities include contributing to our quarterly GOSGMP chapter newsletter, keeping our website relevant and up-to-date and using social media.

Community Relations Committee
The community relations committee is responsible for setup up the chapters community outreach programs and for coming up with ideas to lessen our carbon footprint on the world. If you are interested in helping give back, this is the committee for you.

Fundraising Committee
The goal of the fundraising committee is to generate funds for the chapter to provide scholarships for the National Education Conference and the GOSGMP Annual Chapter Conference. You will help with the raffle at the monthly meetings, solicit donations as well as help coordinate any additional fundraising activities. Fundraising Board Liaison: Tina Eilers, Seaside Civic & Convention Center - (503) 738-8585.

Awards Committee
The awards committee celebrates our members by recognizing our members’ successes and support in the operations of our chapter. The committee promotes the awards as well as sends and collects nominations for the annual awards: Planner of the Year, Supplier of the Year and The Quintessential Cuisine Award which is awarded to the property or venue that has shown outstanding performance and creativity in presentation, food, and overall experience for chapter members. Awards Committee Chair: Jacque Carlisle, Oregon Department of Transportation - (503) 910-4474

Chapter Annual Conference Committee
The conference committee plans the annual conference including agenda, selection and coordination of speakers, topics, and logistics. This committee will communicate closely with other committees for budget, membership, fund raising and promotion of the conference.

From Jill McConnell, President

As we step into a fresh calendar of possibilities, I want to thank each of you for being part of our incredible community of meeting professionals. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting started, your presence, ideas, and energy make us stronger.

The past few years have shown us just how much we can accomplish when we support each other. We’ve adapted, we’ve grown, and we’ve found new ways to connect. Now, as we look ahead, I truly believe that we are stronger together, and this year is all about building on that strength.

Our focus in the months ahead is growth — not just in numbers, but in skills, in opportunities, and in the impact we create. You’ll see that reflected in our monthly education programs and in opportunities to collaborate and network. So we want to hear from you. Your feedback and involvement drive our mission forward. We encourage you to volunteer on one of our various committees where you can help our Chapter while sharpening or lending your skills.

The GOSGMP Board is committed to supporting you in every stage of your journey. This year brings with it renewed energy and exciting opportunities to shape our future and the future of GOSGMP. So lean in, try new things, and celebrate the power of what we do. I’m excited for what’s ahead and even more excited that we get to do it together.

Jill McConnell, Chapter President