GENERAL POLICIESG-1 Participation in “FAM” Trips Participation in “FAM” TripsSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-1Date of Origin: September 1987Revised:Reaffirmed: July 1992; January 2003; April 2008 PURPOSEThis policy states SGMP’s position related to familiarization trips. POLICYSGMP does not sanction, endorse, or sponsor site familiarization or “FAM” trips. Accepting Materials for Publication by SGMP (National)Section: GeneralPolicy No: G-2Date of Origin: September 2000Revised: January 2003; April 2008; October 2009Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy covers the circumstances under which SGMP will accept materials for publication in an official SGMP publication. POLICYSGMP will not accept material for publication in an SGMP publication that:
All articles submitted for publication in an SGMP (National) publication are submitted with the understanding that the material will be edited as required. The meaning and intent of the article will not be changed; however, the grammar and punctuation will be clarified. Articles can and will be edited or cut to fit the space available. SGMP will accept an advertisement to appear in SGMP publications from an advertising agency, provided SGMP receives authorization from the member. Selling or Distributing Member Email AddressesSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-3Date of Origin: July 2000Revised: April 2008; October 2009; September 2011Reaffirmed: PURPOSESGMP (National) and our chapters conduct a large amount of its member benefits communication via email and there will always be a danger of a member feeling that his/her email address is being abused. This policy covers the use and sale of planner member email addresses to strike an appropriate balance between our members’ privacy and our Society’s promotional efforts and marketing campaigns. POLICYEmail addresses are primarily for internal use of the SGMP (National) and Chapter Boards for the dissemination of Society business information. However,
Selling or Distributing Member Contact List by SGMP (National)Section: GeneralPolicy No: G-4Date of Origin: October 1992Revised: January 2003; April 2008; October 2009; October 2011Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy covers the sale of SGMP member contact lists by SGMP (National). POLICYOnly SGMP members can purchase SGMP member contact lists. Member contact lists will be sold at a cost determined by the National Board. The prices for the purchase of member contact lists from SGMP (National) are as follows: Nationwide planner member contact list - $525 Maintaining Industry Organization MembershipsSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-5Date of Origin: January 1989Revised: October 2009l March 2018Reaffirmed: July 1992; April 2008 PURPOSESGMP is an integral part of the meetings and hospitality industry. In order to maintain industry relationships, the following policy was developed to ensure that SGMP maintains allied industry organization memberships. POLICYSGMP will maintain membership in the Events Industry Council (EIC) and any other pertinent organization deemed appropriate by the National Board. SGMP Logo UsageSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-6Date of Origin: June 1995Revised: October 2009Reaffirmed: April 2008 PURPOSEThis policy covers the formatting of the SGMP (National) logo. POLICYThe acronym “SGMP” shall always be used in upper case. Vendor Contract SignaturesSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-7Date of Origin: September 1995Revised: January 2003; April 2008; October 2009Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy covers contracts made between SGMP and service providers. POLICYAny contract or agreement for service requiring expenditures more than $5,000, and without prior approval of the National Board by motion or through budget approval, must be in writing (by contract, letter of intent, or purchase order) and approved by the National President or the President’s designee. The SGMP Executive Director and/or Deputy Director must sign all contracts between the Society of Government Meeting Professionals and vendors doing business with SGMP. The National President signs the Executive Director’s contract with SGMP. Conflicts of Interest with RFPsSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-8Date of Origin: June 1995Revised: March 2003; April 2008; October 2009Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy was created to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest between serving on the National Board or a Chapter Board and business opportunities generated through RFPs. POLICYNational Board members are not permitted to respond to SGMP “Requests for Proposal” while they are currently serving as National Board members. Chapter Board members are not permitted to respond to chapter “Requests for Proposals” while they are currently serving as Chapter Board members. This policy does not include RFPs for meetings, retreats or conferences where a supplier’s company would be providing the services. Use of Official SGMP StationarySection: GeneralPolicy No: G-9Date of Origin: December 1995Revised: October 2009Reaffirmed: April 2008 PURPOSEThis policy covers the authorized stationary for official correspondence. POLICYAll SGMP (National) correspondence shall be on official SGMP stationary, as approved by the National Board. All chapter correspondence shall be on official chapter stationary that carries the approved Chapter/SGMP Logo, or SOCIETY OF GOVERNMENT MEETING PROFESSIONALS. Chapter printed materials may be in colors of their choice. Making Official Statements on Behalf of SGMP (National)Section: GeneralPolicy No: G-10Date of Origin: January 1996Revised: September 1999; April 2008; October 2009Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThe National Board, Executive Director or Deputy Director makes official statements on behalf of SGMP. This policy covers situations when chapters are asked for opinions on issues. POLICYWhen a chapter addresses any issue, written or oral, it shall be explicitly stated that this statement reflects the opinions of that particular chapter and not necessarily the opinions of the entire organization. Prohibition of Lobbying ActivitiesSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-11Date of Origin: November 1997Revised: April 2008; October 2009Reaffirmed: PURPOSEGovernment employees are often prohibited from participating in organizations that perform lobbying activities. This policy prohibits chapters or SGMP members representing SGMP to lobby. POLICYSGMP chapters or members representing SGMP are not permitted to participate in lobbying efforts. Sharing Industry PublicationsSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-12Date of Origin: November 1997Revised: September 2008; October 2009Reaffirmed: April 2008 PURPOSESGMP will make every attempt to keep the meetings industry informed on actions and activities of the Society. This policy covers sharing publications across the industry. POLICYCopies of the SGMP Government Connections magazine will be sent to other industry trade publications. Loan of SGMP PropertySection: GeneralPolicy No: G-13Date of Origin: January 1995Revised: January 2003; April 2008; September 2008; October 2009Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy covers the policy and process for loaning SGMP property for use by chapters or individual members. POLICYAny property purchased by SGMP Headquarters will belong to SGMP (National). Records will be prepared and maintained by SGMP Headquarters to assure the location and person accountable for all SGMP (National)-owned property. Items that may be loaned include:
Volunteering for a National CommitteeSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-14Date of Origin: December 2003Revised: November 2004; September 2005; January 2006; April 2008; October 2009; July 2012; July 2014; October 2015; September 2018; October 2018; February 2019Reaffirmed: PURPOSEBecause committee work is a benefit to both the individual member and SGMP and is an integral part of the succession planning process, it is the goal of the National Board to encourage all members to participate on chapter or national committees. This section covers policies related to volunteering for SGMP (National) committees. POLICYSGMP members in good standing (Government Planner, Contract Planner, or Supplier) may serve on only one SGMP (National) committee at a time. Members of the National Board and the Gilmer Trustees may serve as a liaison to National committees and/or task forces. Members of the National Board and The Gilmer Trustees may serve on a chapter committee, but not as chair or co-chair. All SGMP (National) committee appointments are for two-year terms. At the end of the term members may be re-appointed to the committee. All elected Chapter Board members currently serving on their Boards are eligible to serve during their elected term of office on an SGMP (National) committee, but may not serve as chair or co- chair, as it is their responsibility to focus on matters relating to their own chapter. Each SGMP National Committee will be allowed up to two volunteer members from each chapter; with the exception of the National Capital Chapter, of which due to its membership size, will be allowed up to three members per National Committee. Retiree or Educator/Student members may serve only if another chapter member is not already serving on the committee. (SEE POLICY M-13) National Committees include:
Lifetime Memberships for Past National Board MembersSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-15Date of Origin: March 2005Revised: April 2008; October 2009; December 2013Reaffirmed: POLICYPast national presidents and past national second vice presidents will be granted “lifetime” membership status (in the Society) by the National Board. This will be effective beginning with the first day after the end of their elected or appointed term or terms of office. A member, whether elected or appointed must serve the full 24 month term in order to be eligible for the “lifetime” membership status in the Society. In addition to lifetime member status, each individual will receive lifetime National Education Conference registration. Lifetime registration does not include exhibit space at the National Education Conference. Any past national president or second vice president who does not meet the above requirements (prior to July 1, 2013) and has been receiving lifetime membership status and registration will be grandfathered into this policy. Prohibition of Personal Gain Based on Service to SGMPSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-16Date of Origin: November 2010Revised:Reaffirmed: PURPOSEElected officials, volunteer leaders and staff members of SGMP may not personally gain from the Society’s business through contracts or services. Examples of personal gain include, but are not limited to, money, gifts, rebates and awards points. This policy outlines the rules regarding the ownership of “frequent flyer” or “honors” program points for SGMP volunteers and staff. POLICYElected officials, volunteer leaders and staff members of SGMP may not personally gain from the Society’s business through contracts or services. SGMP, in the course of conducting business and paying for those travel expenses, shall be the sole recipient of any hotel awards points. When expenses are paid by SGMP, any points earned or incentives gained are the property of SGMP. Individuals who have personal awards point’s memberships may not use their accounts to receive points or incentives for placing SGMP meetings or hotel rooms into a facility. All awards accounts utilized during SGMP business travel must be placed on an SGMP-owned membership program with the National Treasurer and Executive Director listed as contacts. Awards points may only be redeemed with approval of the National Treasurer and Executive Director. This policy does not include rewards earned when SGMP expenses are paid in advance by a personal credit card. This policy allows all volunteers and employees to individually accumulate airline miles derived on SGMP business travel for personal use. Ownership of SGMP Intellectual PropertySection: GeneralPolicy No: G-17Date of Origin: November 2010Revised:Reaffirmed: PURPOSETo outline the rules regarding the ownership of SGMP’s Intellectual Property. POLICYIntellectual Property (IP) is defined as all tangible assets and products authored for the purpose of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals and its affiliated chapters. SGMP shall retain legal property rights over all IP related to the tangible assets and products authored on behalf of the Society and/or its affiliated chapters (such as CGMP manuals, exams, certificate programs, bank statements, checkbooks, National Board agendas and minutes, treasurer financial reports, newsletters, photos, programs, historical files and membership lists). IP includes, but is not limited to, ideas, designs, inventions, logos, phrases, and symbols that are created and become part of the Society, its publications, or its website. Each National Board member and staff member acknowledges that all SGMP-related files and documents are the property of the Society. Upon the National Board member’s or staff member’s resignation, termination, or end of term, SGMP’s IP may not be used for the former board member’s or staff member’s personal gain, or in conjunction with another company or association. Any SGMP-owned items must be returned to headquarters within seven working days, especially any laptop computer, credit card, recording device and recorded tapes. SGMP retains the right to seek legal action and or compensation for unauthorized use of its IP. Unless otherwise specified in writing, when an individual presents to SGMP members, SGMP does not own that IP, but is authorized to continue to utilize it. SGMP Representation on EIC/CMP Board of DirectorsSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-18Date of Origin: November 2010Revised: March 2018Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy covers the process for the appointment of members to serve on the EIC/CMP Board and/or Board of Directors. POLICYThe National President is charged with nominating a member in good standing to the National Board for a vote. The term of office will correspond with the required term expected of the organization’s position. In case of no stated term of office, the member shall serve at the discretion of the National Board. However, at least 90 days prior to the end of the term of office, the National Board will discuss the reappointment of the sitting member or appointment of a new member to represent SGMP. The SGMP member is expected to carry out the roles and responsibilities as directed by the EIC/CMP Board and/or Board of Directors. The SGMP member is also expected to communicate progress updates after each meeting to the National Board for situational awareness and/or action. SGMP National Board will provide an annual budget for the individual who travels in their official capacity as the SGMP representative. Any expenditure over the approved budget is at the expense of the individual. Written notification for travel is to be addressed to the National President and submitted to the SGMP Headquarters no less than three months prior to the travel date. Credit and Criminal Checks for Current and New SGMP EmployeesSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-19Date of Origin: November 2012Revised:Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy is to set up procedures for credit and criminal checks when hiring the Executive Director & CEO and Deputy Director, as well as annual checks after they are hired. It is important that the Society’s mission is supported by qualified employees, with a safe and secure environment for all SGMP members. It is also important that SGMP take meaningful actions to protect its funds, property and other assets. This policy is intended to support the verification of credentials, criminal history, credit status and other information related to employment decisions that assist the Society in meeting its commitments. POLICYThis policy applies to SGMP’s Executive Director & CEO and the Deputy Director. SGMP will complete criminal and background checks when hiring the Executive Director & CEO and the Deputy Director. The checks will be verified as a condition of employment. Once employed in these positions, these individuals must have their criminal and credit checks verified annually as a condition of continued employment. Responsibilities of Hiring Official
Appeals – The employment of new and current employees for a position identified in this policy is conditional until completion and review of the criminal and credit check. If the offer is withdrawn as the result of a background check, or if the staff employee is separated as the result of a new report or an unreported conviction, the prospective employee or employee may appeal the withdrawal of the employment offer. Sanctions – Violations of Society policies, including providing false or misleading information used for any of the above background checks, may include corrective actions up to and including separation from the Society. Whistleblower PolicySection: GeneralPolicy No: G-20Date of Origin: September 2013Revised:Reaffirmed: PURPOSETo outline the whistleblower procedures to be followed relating to illegal, dishonest or unethical conduct as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. POLICYA whistleblower as defined by this policy is an employee of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP), who reports an activity that he/she, in good faith, considers to be illegal, dishonest, or unethical in connection with the finances or other aspects of SGMP’s operations. Any employee of SGMP who knows or has a reasonable belief that persons associated with SGMP plan to engage or have engaged in illegal, dishonest or unethical conduct in connection with the finances or other aspects of SGMP’s operations should immediately file a complaint with his/her immediate supervisor or the Executive Director & CEO of SGMP. If the activity in question is being engaged in by the employee’s immediate supervisor and/or the Executive Director & CEO, the employee should contact SGMP’s current General Counsel, Steven John Fellman, GKG Law, P.C., Washington, D.C. (202) 342-5294. The whistleblower must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless allegations. Any employee who intentionally files a false report of wrongdoing will be subject to discipline up to and including termination. The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate management officials are charged with these responsibilities. All reports of illegal and dishonest activities will be submitted within 24 hours to SGMP’s National President who is responsible for investigating and coordinating corrective action. SGMP will take appropriate action in response to any complaints, including, but not limited to, disciplinary action against any person who, in SGMP’s assessment, has engaged in misconduct and reporting such misconduct to the relevant civil or criminal authorities as required by law. SGMP will not knowingly, with the intent to retaliate, take any action harmful to any person, including interference with lawful employment or livelihood, for reporting a complaint in good faith pursuant to this policy or to law enforcement officers, governmental agencies or bodies, or persons with supervisory authority over the complainant. Likewise, there will be no punishment or other retaliation for providing information regarding a complaint in good faith to, or otherwise assisting in any investigation regarding a complaint conducted by, SGMP, law enforcement officers, governmental agencies or bodies, or persons with supervisory authority over the complainant. Employees with any questions regarding this policy should contact the Executive Director & CEO or National President. Social MediaSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-21Date of Origin: September 2013Revised:Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy covers the responsibilities relating to the use of social media and the rules of engagement. POLICYSocial media is the term commonly given to websites and online tools (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) which allow users to interact with each other in some way – by sharing information, opinions, knowledge and interests. All individuals who are connected to the field of government meeting planning are invited to participate unless the particular site is restricted to SGMP members only (the SGMP LinkedIn site is restricted to members only). SGMP Headquarters will be responsible for the content of all National social media sites. These sites will be updated and monitored by the designated administrators to remain of value to participants. Comments that are disrespectful will be immediately removed and the individual will be issued a warning and may be removed from the site. SGMP chapters have the option to create social media sites. A chapter that wants to have a social media site should make specific plans and commitment to keep the site maintained by allocating appropriate time, resources, and have the marketing and technical skill set required to keep the site updated. SGMP Headquarters should be notified of SGMP chapter social media sites. SGMP Headquarters and chapter social media sites should post these suggested rules of engagement so that all participants are aware of what is or is not allowed:
Conflict of InterestSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-22Date of Origin: June 2014Revised:Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy establishes guidelines regarding confidentiality and conflicts of interest for National Board members, Gilmer Institute of Learning Trustees, and SGMP Headquarters staff. POLICYDecisions about the Society’s operations and the use or disposition of the Society’s assets should not be influenced by the possibility of private profit or other personal and/or professional benefit accruing by the persons subject to this policy who take part in the decision nor should the confidential matters be discussed outside each entity. National Board members, Gilmer Institute of Learning Trustees and SGMP Headquarters staff are obliged to avoid actions that could be perceived or interpreted as being potential conflict of interest or discussing SGMP matters that are of a confidential manner outside the meeting environment. The National Board and Gilmer Institute of Learning Trustees’ minutes should state when a National Board member or Gilmer Institute of Learning Trustee abstains from voting due to conflict of interest. Each person elected to the National Board and Gilmer Institute of Learning shall sign said form acknowledging this conflict of interest and confidentiality policy. SGMP Headquarters staff shall sign same form upon hire. These forms will be kept on file by the Executive Director. Conflict of Interest FormHiring Decisions by Executive Director & CEOSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-23Date of Origin: July 2014Revised:Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThis policy establishes guidelines regarding family and/or personal friends in the workplace. POLICYIt is prohibited for relatives to occupy positions in which one supervises the other or is in a position to exert direct influence on the appointment (including temporary), promotion, pay and/or discipline of the other. For purposes of this policy, “relative” includes:
For purposes of this policy, if a finalist for a position of employment is considered a “personal friend,” the Executive Director must receive approval of the National Board of Directors to hire. SGMP Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality AgreementChapter Group StructureSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-24Date of Origin: July 2017Revised: October 2018Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThe purpose of the chapter group structure is to:
POLICYSGMP will be divided into eight groups. Each group will be appointed a National Board member liaison. Chapter Presidents and Chapter Second Vice Presidents will be the group representatives for their respective chapters. The eight chapter groups are: Group 1 – National Capital; Old Dominion Request for ReviewSection: GeneralPolicy No: G-25Date of Origin: April 2008Revised: July 2009; October 2009; October 2017Reaffirmed: PURPOSEThe Chapter President or Chapter Second Vice President may submit position/issue papers to their National Board Liaison for National Board consideration. All requests requiring a response must be in writing using the “Request for Review” form that is available in the Member’s Only section of the SGMP website. POLICY
Request for Review Form |