Top Young Professionals
In celebration of young government meeting talent, SGMP set out on a search for the Top Young Professionals in the government meetings industry. The program recognizes individuals under 40 (at time of nomination) with proven leadership skills and a dedication to the betterment and sustainability of SGMP.
Nominate a Top Young Professional
Fill out the nomination form linked below to nominate an individual for the Top Young Professionals Award. Nominations are due by December 20. Note that once you have completed the nomination form, you must have your nominee fill out the Nominee Information Form to complete the nomination process. This form will be linked at the end of the application & sent to you by confirmation email.
- Nominee must be 40 years of age or younger at the time of the final application date December 20.
- Nominee must be employed as a Planner or Supplier within the government meetings industry.
- Nominee must be an active SGMP member and nominated by an SGMP member in good standing.
- Nominee must have displayed leadership skills in their chapter.
- Nominee must have contributed to the growth and support of their community.
2025 Honorees
Christine Pribbernow, CGMP
 Northern Lights Chapter
Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development
Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of OR share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
As of member of SGMP since 2016, I am grateful that I chose to get involved with leadership at my chapter level early on. The growth and development that I made for the Northern Lights Chapter helped me transition to the National Board of Directors in 2021. My greatest accomplishment while serving on the National Board includes chairing the NEC Task Force since 2021.
Jamar Little
 Louisiana Chapter
Team Dynamics
Who or what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
National Board member and SGMPLA Chapter member Susan Shaffette encouraged me to get involved in my local SGMP chapter and to take the CGMP course.
April Hernandez, CGMP
 Texas Lone Star Capital Chapter
Hilton Worldwide Sales
Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of OR share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
For my accomplishments, I'm proud to be a founding member of the North Texas Satellite Chapter and member of the SGMP Joint Southwest Leadership Conference. I am also proud of earning my CGMP certification my first year of joining SGMP. A unique experience as a meeting professional has been to work on White House Travel. I have assisted the teams with accommodations across the nation which resulted in their peace of mind and knowing they all had a comfortable place to rest while moving around constantly. I played a small, but vital role in their needs and it has truly been an honor.
Brandyce Gordon, CMP
 Missouri State Capital Chapter
University of Missouri
Who or what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I have always enjoyed planning events and seeing all the plans come to life. My career started in non-profits and planning events, which allowed me to help other people and made the event planning process so much more rewarding. I wanted to stay in a field where I could plan events that helped other people and made a difference. I plan events outside of my job to benefit Second Chance, a no-kill animal shelter, and an event at work to benefit Tiger Pantry, our on-campus food bank.
Christina Lewis, CGMP
 Louisiana Chapter
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Who or what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I began my journey in meeting planning during my time at the Department of Education. It was a role that provided a solid foundation in the fundamentals of event coordination. However, it was my attendance at NEC 2024 that truly ignited my passion for the field. The conference exposed me to the latest trends, innovative strategies, and a vibrant community of professionals. Inspired by this experience, I transitioned to the Department of Transportation where I currently serve as the board secretary for the Louisiana Transportation Authority and am responsible for meeting and travel planning for the Innovative Procurement section. In this role, I'm responsible for planning meetings for both my team and the LTA, a legislative board dedicated to fostering investment in the state's transportation infrastructure. It's a challenging and rewarding opportunity to apply my skills to high-stakes meetings that directly impact the future of Louisiana's transportation network.
Kelly Nelson
 Rocky Mountain Chapter
Doubletree by Hilton Denver Tech Center
Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of OR share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
One of the accomplishments I'm most proud of is the opportunity to mentor and train new coworkers entering the industry. Guiding newcomers has allowed me to share the knowledge I've gained over the years while fostering their confidence and growth. I take pride in helping them navigate industry best practices, understanding government regulations, and develop the interpersonal skills necessary for success. Seeing my mentees progress from feeling uncertain to taking charge of their roles has been incredibly rewarding. Mentorship has also challenged me to refine my own skills, practice patience, and lead by example. It's a reminder that success isn't just about personal achievements but about lifting others as well. This experience has deepened my commitment to leadership, which I carry into my role as treasurer for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SGMP.
Meagan Story, CGMP
 National Capital Chapter
Hilton Worldwide Sales
Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of OR share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
Excited to share that I earned my CGMP (Certified Government Meeting Professional) certification this year! This achievement reflects my dedication to mastering the specialized knowledge required for planning and managing government meetings. I am excited & proud to apply this expertise while managing federal government accounts for Hilton Worldwide Sales.
Nicholas Stratton, GMS
 Michigan Chapter
Community Mental Health Association of Michigan
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
Continue to evolve our industry as the world industry is adapting to new technology and ever changing culture. Study and attend more seminars.
Sami Chau, MA, CGMP, GMS, CTA
 Michigan Chapter
Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI)
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
Attending SGMP monthly meetings and volunteering on committees has provided me many opportunities to network and learn. I enjoy hearing from others to develop new skills and learn about new developments. The relationships I've created in this industry has been so meaningful in my professional career and personal life. I hope to continuously learn from others and share my experience as well to contribute to the government meeting industry.
Stephanie Reed, CMP, PMP, GMS, CTA
 Michigan Chapter
Michigan Public Health Institute
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
I think it is important to always be curious and learning. As technology has changed and the meeting industry in general - we have to be creative in how we plan our meetings so we can continue to keep our attendees engaged and have the same impact. MISGMP is a great way to continue to learn through those relationships and the sessions that are offered.
2024 Honorees
Amber Holcomb CGMP
 Wenatchee Convention Center (Wenatchee, WA)
Pacific Northwest Chapter
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
I will continue to be a sponge in this industry. Learning and growing as much as I possibly can. Attending SGMP chapter program meetings has certainly been a huge part of my continuing education and success. I learn something new at every program meeting I attend, and the friendships and relationships I have built and strengthened throughout the years are irreplaceable.
Kathryn Hollomon Short
 Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
North Carolina Satellite Chapter
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
I think being a member of SGMP helps prepare you for future success in the government meeting industry. It's nice to be involved in an organization that brings so many different people together with a common goal, so you can ask for advice, bounce ideas off of each other, and just meet new people.
LaJone McClinton MiSGMP
 MDHHS - Critical Support
Michigan Chapter
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
I believe that as I continue to attend meetings it'll open many opportunities to network and gain knowledge and additional information while building long-term professional and personal relationships. These relationships will foster what I believe to be pathways to success.
Christine Pribbernow CGMP
 Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development
Northern Lights Chapter
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
The future of success of government meetings is to focus on what CAN we do versus focusing on the limitations. Government professionals can continue to think creatively about how to engage event participants and how to offer the best experience for attendees and participants. Through SGMP, we will receive the best education and professional development skills for us to be continuously innovating the event experience for years to come.
Karina Schnieders
 Missouri Health Care Association
Missouri State Capital Chapter
How would you prepare for future success in the government meeting industry?
I think that as a meeting professional I know that we need to be prepared for anything and everything and being able to adapt to the ever-changing situations that meetings can bring. I have learned over the last few years how to turn things around quickly and execute a wonderful meeting.I believe that I have learned to adapt very quickly to these changes by staying up to date with any new technology that is available, learning from others in SGMP by sharing our best practices, and having the ability to be flexible and open to new ideas is key for success.
2023 Honorees
Christina Bush
 How would you prepare for the future success of the government meeting industry?
Leaning in on relationships and networking is the pinnacle of success not just for any industry, but especially the government market. So often priorities of our government change so those relationships we consistently build to support each other in ever changing environments allows us to be consistently more effective in our roles no matter what.
Claudia Gunter
 How would you prepare for the future success of the government meeting industry?
Education! I think the largest gap between government meetings and booking them is education. As a hotelier, at first glance, government meetings can be so intimidating - different verbiage, different rules - I think by continuing to educate our hoteliers on what certain terms mean, and what flexibility the government does have will continue to make us all successful in the years to come.
Shannon Jenkins
 Who/what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
My involvement in the government industry started when one of my Directors suggested I attend an SGMP NATCAP meeting. While at my first meeting I met the President, Jesse Strauss. Not only did Jesse make me feel welcomed, important, and comfortable, she was excited and passionate about the organization. Her excitement was almost contagious and is what got me wanting to be more involved within the government meeting industry. I wanted to be around professionals who loved what they did! Now I have the pleasure of working with some of the most amazing colleagues in the industry.
Jackie Ramos
 How would you prepare for the future success of the government meeting industry?
To prepare for the future success of the government meeting industry, I would make sure I am up to date on any available resources or education needed to provide a successful government meeting. What drove me to SGMP is the continuing education aspect of the organization where members have the opportunity to constantly evolve and grow in their careers. Protocols and regulations with government meetings are constantly evolving and/or changing and continually educating yourself on those changes will help not only prepare you for government meetings but also the team that works with you to execute those meetings.
Stephanie Scharfenberg
 Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of.
My greatest accomplishment is working my way up in the meeting planner industry to become the Director of Event Sales through my experiences with a variety of group markets, including government meetings.
Taylor Beard Stanley
 Who/what influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
Carolyn Barrett and Zondra Jones had the biggest influence on getting involved with SGMP. They have always had really great things to say about the networking and educational opportunities within the organization both at the state and national level. I think the government meetings industry in Lake Charles has a lot of room for growth, so I want to educate myself of the needs and restrictions that government meeting planners face so I can best assist them in overcoming any roadblocks.
Randi Talmage
 How would you prepare for the future success of the government meeting industry?
I've learned recently that I can't prepare for what the future holds, all I can do is equip myself with the tools needed to move forward to the best of my ability. SGMP provides these professional tools and equips me to face the future of the government meeting industry by providing a platform to share best practices, build a support network, and quality educational content.
2022 Honorees
Members were nominated by their peers and honorees were selected by a panel of industry professionals. Congratulations to the Top Young Professionals for 2022 and 2023! Read on to learn about their stories of accomplishments within the government meetings industry.
Nikki Fisher - St. Cloud Convention & Visitors Bureau (Northern Lights Chapter)
 Who/What influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
After moving into the sales manager role at Visit Greater St. Cloud, the SMERF market was one assigned to me, which included the government sector. I was thrilled to continue with our SGMP membership and attend all the Northern Lights monthly meetings I could. I was not very familiar with how government meetings worked and how the planning process occurred. SGMP has literally taught me everything I know. Our state chapter has amazing content and the conversations I am able to have with both planners and suppliers has been so valuable. It's exciting to work with such dynamic individuals.
Sarah Goodell, CGMP - Insight (Arizona Chapter)
 Who/What influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I had been involved in the planning industry for over a decade but had never experienced the government side. I thought that it would be a challenge and a place to make a difference.
Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of …OR…Share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
I am proud to hold the CGMP designation and achieved that within my first year of membership in SGMP. It is a great conversation started with individuals who email me and ask what the credential means, and it is a way that I can shine light on the importance of our industry.
Kiel Miller - Stoney Creek Hotel & Convention Center (Oklahoma Chapter)
 Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of …OR…Share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
I am very proud to have contracted another year of state government training meetings after starting at my current hotel 6 months ago. Stoney Creek Hotel Broken Arrow has many more square feet of meeting space than my last property, and my knowledge of government meeting bids that I learned through SGMP helped me land a deal for meetings almost every weekday. I am also very proud of the efforts our hotel staff make to keep the meetings running smoothly.
How would you prepare for the future success of the government meeting industry?
Our preparations need to include more education about the simulcast technology that exists for hybrid meetings. I am receiving a few leads each month that mention hybrid meeting technology. Knowing how to procure this technology for a hotel would also be helpful to prepare for the future success of our industry.
Christine Pribbernow, CGMP - Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (Northern Lights Chapter)
 Who/What influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
Like many event planners, I didn’t seek an education for this field initially. My professional experience prior to this job prepared me well for the contracts side of events but I needed education with best practices for on-site. The most influential person in my event journey is Jenn Beninga, former colleague, and past president of the Northern Lights Chapter. Jenn reflects the positivity and professionalism that I strive to emulate. I am eternally grateful that she continues shares her knowledge, connected me to SGMP, and is active within the Northern Lights chapter.
Danielle Rivenbark - North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (North Carolina Chapter)
 How would you prepare for the future success of the government meeting industry?
I plan to be flexible, creative, and open to learning. I'm always interested in improving my event execution, but always know there will be something that I didn't plan for. I also know that being creative allows me to think differently about events, especially when it comes to budget restrictions. Finally, I plan to keep learning about the latest new tools that can improve the attendee experience.
Joel Smith - Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (North Carolina Chapter)
 Who/What influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I became interested in the meetings industry while getting my Master’s Degree at NC State, in Sports, Recreation and Tourism management. My education truly sparked my interest in this field and began my journey to where I am.
Randi Talmage - AHC Hospitality (Michigan Chapter)
Who/What influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
Very early in my career I became determined to learn from the professionals surrounding me and joined my colleagues at an SGMP Michigan chapter meeting as a guest. I was immediately welcomed into the SGMP family, and I knew the moment I walked in, I found my people. I feel valued in the group for my knowledge, willingly contribute at every opportunity based on my hospitality experience, and I take advantage of the education provided through SGMP to further my professional development.
LeAnna Toups Bennett, CGMP - Louisiana Economic Development (Louisiana Chapter)
 Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of …OR…Share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
In 2020 when the stay-at-home order was implemented, I pivoted the planning of the in-person three-day Teacher Leader Summit to a virtual delivery spread across two weeks. This is a conference I had worked on for 8 months prior to the order. When so many things were being cancelled, the importance of professional development for the educators in our state made me determined to see the event through. Over 8,000 educators attended the 2020 Teacher Leader Summit - The Virtual Series. I leaned on my SGMP contacts to make it all possible and contracted with another member.
Theresa Thomas - Drury Hotels (Texas Lone Star Chapter)
 Who/What influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I was given the opportunity to relocate to Austin with my company to focus solely on the government market. Little did I know how much it would truly change my perspective on the hospitality industry. Stepping into this role, I was able to learn more on a new market and how unique and truly special the government meeting industry is and how important it is for our hotels regardless of the brand. Government business truly keeps our hotels alive.
Wendy Whitaker, CGMP - Wyndham Orlando Resort (National Capital Chapter and Central Florida Chapter)
 Share an accomplishment that you are very proud of …OR…Share your most unique experience as a meeting professional.
I’m proud of every program I’ve supported: DVA programs teaching nurses and doctors learn the best care for our country’s veterans, United States Air Force bringing together contractors to share best practices, Department of Treasury and the delegates from 200 nations working on international policymaking on financial terrorism and the Florida National Guard with their ongoing training support.
My most unique experience was with the United States Special Operations Command by hosting the Warrior Care Program (Care Coalition) Conference in 2019. An event in which active and veteran service men and women to participate in series of adaptive sports events.
Stephanie Wohlfert - Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (Michigan Chapter)
 Who/What influenced you to become involved in the government meeting industry?
I have been a SGMP member the past 15 years in three different states. I originally joined SGMP because I was working in the hotel industry, in the government market. I am currently working for a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). In my role with the CVB, I have the privilege of working with government meeting planners, association planners, and supplier to help promote our locations, our community, and 'both sides' of the meeting industry. I maintain my membership in SGMP because it provides me with incredible networking opportunities and outstanding education sessions which enhance my professional development and leadership skills.
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