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Upcoming Events | GMS Certificate

Upcoming Events

December 11 & 12, 2024

Chapter Annual Education Conference and Award Luncheon 

Early Bird Registration Fee deadline is $75 by the deadline of November 27, 2024 for both member and non-member attendees. The Registration Fee includes the December 11th reception with hors d'oeuvres and open bar and dinner, the December 12th networking breakfast and the awards lunch.  After the November 27th deadline, the Registration Fee is $100 for both members and non-members.  There is not a discount for first/second time attendees for the Annual Education Conference and Award Luncheon.

Schedule

December 11, 2024
8:30 am to 9:45 am – Board Meeting
10 am to 10:30 am - Welcome, Introductions, Chapter Member Meeting
10:45 am-12:15 pm – Educational Program: Accessibility and Site Visits by Donna Mack, Disability and Inclusion Specialist - Approved for 1.5 hours of Core Competency Logistics
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm - Lunch Sponsored by Pearl River Resort
1:15 pm - 2:45 pm – Educational Programming: Digital Engagement Bootcamp: YouTube, Podcasting, Marketing, and ChatGPT for Government Meeting Professionals by Garrett Wheat and Marcus Sylvas, MBA, MS, SHRM-CP with DOTD - Approved for 1.5 hours of Core Competency Technology
3 pm - 4:30 pm - Peak Productivity by Christina Lewis, La DOTD - Approved for 1.5 hours of Core Competency Professional Development
5:30 pm - 6 pm Reception with hors d'oeuvres and open bar sponsored by Pearl River Resort
6 pm to 7:30 pm Dinner and Fun Events including ornament exchange game ($15 max value)

December 12, 2024
9 am to 10 am - Networking Breakfast sponsored by Pearl River Resort
10 am to 12 pm - Educational Program - Site Inspection: What's Wrong with This Room? by Carolyn Barrett, CGMP with Visit Kenner - Approved for 2 hours of CE for Core Competency of Facilities and Services
12:15 pm - 1:30 pm – Award Luncheon and Sponsor Spotlight - Pearl River Resort

Location: Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi - 13541 Hwy 16 W, Choctaw, MS 39350
GUESTROOM ACCOMMODATIONS AND RATES:   Pearl River Resort – Golden Moon
ROOM BLOCK: S12SGM4
ROOM & RATE INFORMATION: Pearl River Resort (866) 447-3275 to make your room reservations.

Rooms available on December 10 & 11 for $89/night plus 7% applicable sales tax.
Check-in time is 4:00 pm and checkout time is 11:00 am. If rooms are requested prior to check-in time, we will make every effort to accommodate your specific requests based upon availability. 

Register Online
 

January 2025

Monthly Chapter Meeting

January 9, 2025

10:00am – Board Meeting
11am-12:00pm – Educational Programming with Guest Speaker Laurie McGehee
12:00pm-1:00pm – Luncheon and Networking

Topic: Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking: A Guide for Meeting Professionals

Description: Human trafficking can happen anywhere, including at the venues where meetings and events are held. As government meeting professionals, it’s crucial to be able to recognize the signs of trafficking and understand how to respond appropriately. In this important session, attendees will learn how to identify potential trafficking victims, spot common indicators, and take action to help. We will explore strategies for creating safe environments, partnering with local authorities, and implementing protocols that ensure the safety of all attendees. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to make a difference and protect vulnerable individuals in your event spaces.

Approved for 1 contact hour for Core Competency - Personal and Professional Development

Location: Lake Charles, La

Registration Deadline is January 2, 2025 - Unfortunately if you register after the deadline there is a $10 late registration fee and we won't be able to guarantee meal availability to those that register late. If you have questions, please contact Allison Landry, Treasurer at [email protected]

Hotel Accommodations: To be determined.

Register Online

Registration Fees

First/Second meeting(s) non-member attendees are FREE - but you must register!  Non-members are permitted to attend two meetings as a guest and then are required by Bylaws to join SGMP. This does not apply to the SGMP La Annual Chapter Education Conference and Award Luncheon.

If you are a current member of SGMP La Chapter or another SGMP Chapter please register as a member.

Planner - Member $25 until 7 days prior to meeting

Supplier Guest Non-Member $45 until 7 days prior to meeting

Supplier - Member $35 until 7 days prior to meeting

First/Second Virtual Meeting(s) Attendee Non-Members are FREE - but you must register! Non-members are permitted to attend two meetings as a guest and then are required by Bylaws to join SGMP. This option does not apply to the SGMP La Annual Education Conference and Award Luncheon.

Virtual Attendee - $15.00

$10 late fee assessed for those that register after 7 days prior to the meeting deadline.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS: Once you register to attend the meeting you are added to the catering order. If you register (paid or unpaid) you will be charged the meeting attendance fee to cover the cost of your ordered meals. Requests for refunds/cancellations must be received five days prior to the meeting to avoid paying the fee if you can no longer attend the meeting. If you need assistance or have questions, please email [email protected]. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

We cannot guarantee lunch availability to those that register after the deadline.

We strive to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to our services, including through an accessible website. If you have questions, comments, or encounter any difficulty in using our site, please contact: [email protected] 


Government Meeting Specialist Certificate

Requirements and Qualifications

GMSGovernment Meeting Specialist (GMS) is a voluntary certificate program for both planners and suppliers who are seeking the knowledge needed to effectively carry out the functions of a meeting professionals.  Over the course of three to five years of membership with SGMP, members will earn the certificate through attendance in core competency-based training and gain the general skill set necessary to perform their duties as a government meeting professional.  This program is designed to enhance the skills of those who are industry veterans as well as those who are just beginning their career.  From the date of issue, the GMS certificate is valid for 5 years.

In order to qualify for GMS, members must apply to enroll in the program with their respective chapter and maintain records of their attendance and the core competency the program covered. Over the course of three to five years, the member must meet the minimum criteria of program attendance and categorization in order to earn the GMS certificate.

Any current SGMP member of a GMS Certificate participating chapter can apply for this program and must maintain their membership throughout the program in order to attend the programs and earn the certificate. The enrollment period is ongoing and can be completed in accordance with the participating chapter’s policies. 

In order to retain the value of the certificate and renew after five years, you will need to participate in a minimum of twenty contact hours within that period using this renewal tracking form and reapply to earn the certificate through the normal three to five year process. Renewal Application

If you have received your Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation, the hours required for this designation can be used to continue to build your knowledge and skill set while also being used for recertification of your CGMP.

GMS Program Overview

The Initial Process for GMS Certificate

  • A member completes the letter of commitment to show their desire to begin the program. The letter should be submitted to the Chapter Treasurer with a check for $35 (payable to SGMP La) to cover the fee for the process to obtain the GMS.
  • Participation is confirmed via a letter to the member from the chapter with an attached tracking form that outlines the required participation and expectations. This document is recommended for the member to use to continue tracking his/her own progress.
  • Attendance at monthly core competency education programs should be recorded on the tracking form by the member and will be verified by the chapter.
  • When the applicant has reached their final course, they should notify the chapter of their progress and apply for the certificate using the application form
  • Following confirmation of completion, the chapter recognizes completion of the GMS certificate program at either the next monthly program or at the annual awards ceremony.
  • A letter of accomplishment should be sent by the chapter to the member and member’s supervisor, if welcomed.
  • The SGMP La Chapter makes public acknowledgement of members who earn GMS certificates below.
  • The designation of GMS for the SGMP La Chapter will be valid for 5 years from date of initial completion/renewal.

The Renewal Process

  • A member of SGMP La wishing to renew the designation as GMS should anticipate the 5-year expiration date, complete the renewal applicationtracking form, and submit the information to the SGMP La Chapter Treasurer with the established fee.
  • Following confirmation of completion, the chapter recognizes completion of the GMS certificate program at either the next monthly program or at the annual awards ceremony.
  • A letter of accomplishment should be sent by the chapter to the member and member’s supervisor, if welcomed. 
  • The SGMP La Chapter makes public acknowledgement of members who maintain their GMS certificates below.