GMS

GMS Certificate Program

The Government Meeting Specialist (GMS) Certificate is an SGMP Chapter program recommended for all planners and suppliers seeking the knowledge to perform the functions of their employment effectively and professionally in the meeting industry. This voluntary certificate requires participation in education programs which benefit both planners and suppliers who are new and experienced meeting professionals. The program is especially beneficial for government meeting professionals who are new to the industry, serves as an excellent precursor to the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation, and offers government meeting training focused on state and local topics.

To earn the GMS, members must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of professional development through their local chapter. Chapters offer monthly education programs, typically six (6) to ten (10) hours each year. The GMS program typically takes between 3-5 years to complete. Hours must be earned within each of SGMP's Core Competencies, as described below: 

  • Education & Programming - 2 hours
  • Ethics - 1 hour
  • Facilities & Services - 2 hours
  • Financial & Contract Management - 2 hours
  • Logistics - 1 hour
  • Personal & Professional Development - 1 hour
  • Protocol - 1 hour
  • Technology - 2 hours 
  • Travel: Federal, State, Local - 1 hour
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging - 1 hour
  • Leadership OR Business Management - 1 hour (pick one)

The GMS program offers many benefits to government meeting professionals.

  • Learn more about the government meetings industry and how to perform your job like an expert! 
  • Prepare to take your CGMP - GMS holders are more prepared to take and pass their CGMP certification, the highest designation available for government meeting planners. 
  • Make new connections within the government meetings industry through your local chapter.
  • All GMS holders receive a personalized certificate and a letter of accomplishment to their supervisor explaining the purpose and value of the program. 
The fee is $35 for the initial certificate and for each renewal is $35. This fee is payable to your chapter representative or can be submitted electronically online with your application form.
To get started, you must complete the online enrollment form and pay the $35 enrollment fee. Once you have completed the form, you may register for chapter events and begin tracking your progress! Be sure to hold onto your course completion certificates so that you will be able to complete your application form, once you have earned the required fifteen (15) hours. 
To maintain and renew your GMS, applicants need 20 hours of continuing education in a five-year period. You can submit your hours and renew online here.