NEC Scholarships

The Rance R. Willis Planner Development Scholarship program is named in honor of our 1989 Sam Gilmer Planner of the Year awardee and national president from 1991-1993. The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) Gilmer Institute of Learning provides financial assistance to meeting planner members attending the National Education Conference (NEC). Scholarship awards are available to eligible planners from revenue raised through the Silent Auction held at NEC. Scholarships are awarded on a point-based system as evaluated by the Gilmer Institute of Learning Trustees, and the number of scholarships awarded is based on available funding.

Scholarships may cover part, or all of a planner's registration, travel, or lodging expenses to the National Education Conference.

Many SGMP Chapters also offer scholarship funding. Chapter scholarship programs open following the national scholarship deadline. Be sure to check with your chapter on the application process, deadlines, and additional information.

The 2025 Application period is now closed. The 2026 Application period will open September 29, 2025.

Eligibility

Before submitting an application, please confirm with your agency or employer that you are eligible to accept scholarship funding to attend NEC.
Scholarships are intended for planner members who would not be able to attend the NEC without financial assistance.
Planners whose agency or chapter would otherwise provide full funding for them to attend are not eligible.
Applications are evaluated based on meetings planned in the most recent calendar year, not on activity in SGMP.
Applicants who have never attended the National Education Conference will be given preference.
Applicants who have received a Rance R. Willis Planner Development Scholarship in prior years may apply.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Must be able to attend the entire conference, beginning with Scholarship Orientation on Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2025, and stay through the last session with the closing keynote speaker on Thursday afternoon, May 8, 2025.
Attend daily briefings with scholarship team.
Attend Sponsors Row activities.
Attend the Wednesday evening Sam Gilmer Awards Banquet.
Moderate at least two breakout sessions at the conference and perform other duties as assigned by the Gilmer trustees.
Moderator duties include: Introduction of Speakers and provide assistance as needed, announce In/Out Session Codes, complete/submit Moderator Session Summary Sheet.
Meet all deadlines provided by Gilmer Trustees and Headquarters staff.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 2025 NEC Scholarship Recipients!

Stephanie Crews, CGMP - NATCAP
Christopher Evans - Rocket City Alabama
Lisa Gail, CGMP - NATCAP
Catherine Jensen, CGMP - Louisiana
Lorna Kipfer, CGMP - NATCAP
Jamar D. Little, CGMP - Louisiana
Jessica Robinson, CMP, CGMP - NATCAP
Anne Wilson, CGMP, GMS, CTA - Michigan

2024 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 2024 NEC Scholarship Recipients!

Darrian Campbell
Margaret Pletta
Christina Lewis
Anne Wilson
Karen Holsendorff
Fredda Olivares
Candi Thomas
Deidra Young
Tasha Rowe
Amanda Ratcliff
Sarah Lyke
LaJone McClinton
Nicholas Stratton