Welcome to the Old Dominion Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) website. SGMP's mission is to improve the quality and increase the cost effectiveness of government meetings through education and networking. No matter how many or how few meetings, conventions, or conferences you plan or host, our organization is sure to offer valuable tools and industry contacts to help make you successful in your career.
Educational programming is key to our mission at SGMP. Old Dominion is proud to offer its members with some of the highest quality educational programs available in the world of meeting planning professional organizations. Old Dominion is the proud winner of the Program of the Year awarded at SGMP's National Conference for the years of 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Our track record of developing and presenting unique, fun, and educational programs further illustrates our commitment to education. Programs such as "Judge Judy," "Galloping to Contract Success," and "Meeting Monopoly" are a few examples of our award winning programs that reinforce meeting planning principles while entertaining our attendees in the process.
Networking is another of our objectives, and our monthly program meetings offer an excellent opportunity for suppliers and planners to interact in a casual, semiformal atmosphere. The contacts and friendships made through Old Dominion last a career and a lifetime. If you are not currently a member, contact one of the board members or myself listed in the "board" tab of the website for information and an invitation to our next monthly program meeting.
A third objective of SGMP is professional development. Through attendance and involvement with Old Dominion SGMP, many of our members have been inspired to seek out professional certifications in the hospitality and meeting planning industry. If you are a supplier, you may be interested in obtaining your CHSP (Certified Hospitality Sales Professional). Planners may be interested in obtaining their CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or new CGMP (Certified Government Meeting Professional) designation. Old Dominion SGMP is directly responsible for my interest and eventual certification as a CMP. Our Annual Education Conference and Trade Show, held during the second half of May each year, are valuable experiences whether you are a planner looking for advanced educational opportunities or a supplier looking to showcase your property on a national level.
Thank you for visiting Old Dominion SGMP's website. I hope that you find the site helpful and the information valuable. If you are a current member, or a curious visitor just checking us out, I look forward to seeing you in the near future and working together to improve the quality and increase the cost effectiveness of government meetings across the Commonwealth.