1. Networking opportunities available through regular meetings, events, and conferences
2. Personal contacts fostering strong business relationships Meeting and learning from other government meeting planners improving quality and cost-effectiveness of government meetings To improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of government meetings through education, networking and professional development.
3. Professional development through formal education programs
4. Monthly chapter luncheon meetings feature topics such as:


Meeting planning skills and techniques
Governmental issues
Professional and personal development
Negotiating skills
Certified Meeting Professional program
Legalities and liabilities
5. The national SGMP Annual Educational Conference gives members a chance to attend a variety of informative, educational sessions and to network with planners and suppliers from across the nation.
6. Planners also receive help with planning meetings and conferences and contacts that can help you make your meetings more successful.
7. Expand the knowledge and professionalism of government and contract planners and suppliers through formal educational programs
8. Improve understanding and cooperation between planners and suppliers through regular meetings, informal discussions and educational conferences
9. Aid planners in locating and evaluating meeting facilities and support services
10. Inform members of the latest travel and other government regulations that impact on government meeting planning
11. Communications between all members of the meetings industry
12. An impact on regulatory policies and legislative issues that affect our government meetings
13. A connection with other professional meeting planner and supplier groups
14. Building skills in all phases of planning, executing, and evaluating our government meetings

Shirley Kink, Illinois Department of Revenue Travel Office
I am planning on retiring after over 42 years here at the Department of Revenue. I joined SGMP in the early 90's and have made so many wonderful friends over the years who have helped me out tremendously. I just want everyone to know their kindness and helpfulness has been so greatly appreciated. If I had not joined SGMP, I would not have had the opportunity to have the contacts to assist my needs for the Department of Revenue. I would encourage everyone to join the SGMP to meet and connect with all of the Suppliers who do such a fantastic job.

Leigh Ann Smith, IL State Board of Education
New groups can be intimidating, and when I decided to join the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP), Heart of Illinois Chapter, I was a little nervous as to how I would be accepted and how the organization would benefit me in my position as a new state meeting planner. From the first phone call, my worries were set aside. The members have been overwhelmingly supportive and helpful, and the meetings I have attended so far have been enjoyable and informative. While still a guest member, I had a lunch meeting with a veteran SGMP member. I was having trouble finding a meeting location in my local area, and she was able to direct me to a facility that was new to me and might work for my function. Within a week, I was able to book the meeting at this facility. Now that's a great way to network!"

Sandra Douglas, IL Department of Public Health
The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) has been a wonderful asset to my professional career and my volunteer activities. I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge through the relationships and networking opportunities of our monthly SGMP meetings. I never hesitate to contact fellow SGMP members when I have a meeting need, or to ascertain information that will assist me in making effective meeting planning decisions. The great thing about the SGMP membership is that if a specific member cannot meet my needs they are always willing to link me to someone they know can assist me. The value of an SGMP membership cannot be measured

Lisa McWard, Senior Sales Manager, Hilton Springfield
"I have been a member of SGMP for many years now and can't imagine having a job in the government meeting industry without the networking, education and support that this group has afforded me over the years. Initially as I was new in the industry it was critical not only in helping me learn the ropes but more importantly in connecting me with the right people…potential clients and my competition. It has been a key in making me a successful hotel sales manager."

Kristen Ball, IL Public Health Assn
"SGMP has been a valued resource for my work. I have learned a lot through the educational sessions, as well as from interacting with other members. I've had a lot of fun with the SGMP group too!"

Maria Rutter, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center
I joined SGMP about nine years ago and from that point on, I was hooked. I have been an active member serving in many different capacities on our SGMP Board. SGMP gives you so many opportunities to improve yourself both personally and professionally . This chapter has given me new friends, confidence and a voice to help others succeed. As a membership co-chair, I am able to stand up in front of a crowd to give our monthly reports with confidence and less fear of speaking in public. Not an easy fear to overcome. As an SGMP member I have been able to attend the National Convention even earning a scholarship through the chapter. SGMP gives so many great educational opportunities and some of which earn CEU's on Nationally approved topics. It keeps me updated on all aspects of working with the government market. I have enjoyed being a part of the SGMP Heart of IL Chapter and look forward to many more successful years.