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2026 National Education Conference
Know Before You Go
SGMP’s NEC is just around the corner, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone in Williamsburg! Here is some useful information to make your trip more enjoyable. Remember to tag your NEC social media posts with our hashtags #NEC2026 #sgmpignite #SGMPNEC2026.
 2026 Conference Mobile App
This year’s conference will feature a convenient mobile app for tracking your schedule, claiming your CE credits, interacting with sponsors, and learning about speakers. You may download the app anytime between now and the event to view the event schedule and session descriptions. You may be asked to purchase a "ticket" to the event. Note that this step is free and is simply how the app tracks the downloads.
Steps to Download the App
- Fill out the registration form here: https://app.inevent.com/en/SocietyofGovernmentMeetingProfessionals-1747766859/2026NationalEducationConference-11691-1776947812/form.php
- Search for InEvent
- Select North America
- Put in Company Code: 11691
- Click Login at the top right corner
- Click the Event Image of Williamsburg
- Login using your registration form credentials.
Download App
This year’s NEC will also feature digital credit tracking. To allow you to claim and track your credits in our new Learning Management Software (LMS), all those who have registered for the NEC will be enrolled in the NEC “class” online. This will allow you to claim credits for sessions attended at the NEC right from your phone! You may receive a notification about your enrollment in the NEC “class” – you do NOT need to do anything once you have been enrolled, and you may disregard the enrollment email. Complete instructions on how to claim your credits will be reviewed onsite at the NEC.
CEU’s
The 2026 NEC has been approved for continuing education credit for both CGMP and CMP designations. CEU sheets will be available at registration in the NEC Hub and electronic credit tracking and certificates will be available. Instructions on how to claim your credits digitally will be reviewed in your first breakout session. Be sure to bring your personal mobile phone so you can track credits online.
Airport & Ground Transportation
The Williamsburg Lodge is accessible by car from several airports. Uber and Lyft are available at the airport.
Travel By Car
Colonial Williamsburg Lodge
310 S England St
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 220-7976
Parking
Self-parking: discounted to $10.00 per day onsite at the Williamsburg Lodge.
Travel By Air
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
Distance from Property: 17.6 Miles
Phone Number: +1 757-877-0221
Visit Website
Richmond International Airport
Distance from Property: 45.6 Miles
Phone Number: +1 804-226-3000
Visit Website
Norfolk International Airport
Distance from Property: 44.0 Miles
Phone Number: +1 757-857-3200
Visit Website
Airport Shuttles
Colonial Williamsburg recommends Uber/Lyft as a single-traveler shuttle from any local airport to the Williamsburg Lodge. Patriot Shuttle is available for groups.
Amtrak Train
Colonial Williamsburg is accessible by Amtrak. Learn more about routes and schedules here.
Hotel & Highlighted Events
Conference Facilities
The 2026 NEC will take place at the Williamsburg Lodge. When you check into the hotel, be sure to let them know you’re with the SGMP group. Hotel staff will direct you to the conference areas.
Navigating the NEC
If you’re new to SGMP, the NEC, or both, join us in Allegheny Room on Tuesday, June 9 from 4:15 – 5:00 PM for this pre-conference session. We’ll help make sure you know what you need to know to get the most out of your NEC experience!
Opening Reception - sponsored by Visit Williamsburg Jamestown Yorktown
Our opening reception will take place at the Jamestown Historic Museum from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Shuttles will be available beginning at 5:30 PM to transport our guests from the hotel to the museum. ADA accessible shuttles will be available. Transportation is provided to and from the reception. Guests are warmly invited to wear festive red, white, and blue attire for the evening, if they wish — simply as a celebratory color theme for the event.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes (or as they become full). Last bus will depart at 6:30 p.m.
Jump Start Your Day - sponsored by Marriott International
Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 AM
Join us for the Palace Quest as we walk to the Colonial Williamsburg Governor's Palace for a beautiful morning photo opportunity.
Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 AM
Join us again for our Capitol Question and walk with us to the historic Capitol Building for another photo opportunity.
Signature Quest - sponsored by Marriott International
Our Jump Start Your Day activities will be part of our conference game, the Signature Quest. On your hotel key card holder, you will find a stampboard featuring logos of each of our sponsors, as well as some additional tasks. Visit our sponsors and complete the tasks to receive a stamp. Fill out the whole card to enter a drawing for an iPad (two chances to win)!
Silent Auction
NEC Online Silent Auction - sponsored by Visit Winston Salem & Marriott Winston Salem
SGMP’s Gilmer Institute of Learning is proud to raise funds for our NEC Scholarship program by hosting a Silent Auction at the NEC. You can place your online bids before and during the event at http://bforg.com/SGMP. The auction will close on June 11th at 11:00 AM EDT.
What to Pack & CEU’s
Attire
Don’t forget to bring your party clothes for the opening reception! The conference sessions are business casual. For the Sam Gilmer Awards Reception and Dinner on Wednesday evening, attendees are encouraged to get fancy; however, this is NOT a requirement and business attire is acceptable.
Health & Safety
Currently, masks are not required to attend, however, if you prefer to wear a mask, please do. Please be prepared to adhere to any changes in local government policies.
Accommodations
We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact our offices at [email protected] by close of business on Friday, May 29, 2026.
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