How to Join / Dues

We welcome anyone who is interested in joining SGMP to attend one of our monthly meetings to experience for yourself the benefits offered from this organization.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month in Gainesville, Florida. The site varies as members offer to host the meetings. Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. The program starts at 6:00 p.m.

There are five categories of membership in SGMP. Upon submission, your application is presented to the SGMP Board of Directors for approval. In order to maintain the membership balance, supplier and associate supplier applicants must join with a planner applicant.  A quick link to all membership applications can be found on the National SGMP website:  http://www.sgmp.org/membership/membership_apps.cfm. 

GOVERNMENT PLANNER
Federal, state, or local government employees who have the responsibility for planning or implementing any type of meeting, conference, or convention as part of their official duties. Employees of private organizations, a majority of whose membership is comprised of government employees, may also qualify as government planners if they plan and implement meetings as part of their official duties.  Click here for the application.  (This will take you to the SGMP National website.)

CONTRACT PLANNER
Individuals, organizations or companies operating under contract to government agencies, and are receiving said payments directly from government agencies, to assist in the planning or implementation of meetings, conferences or conventions are contract planners by this definition. Individuals, organizations or companies that are compensated through retainer or commission from suppliers, i.e., hotels, conference centers, cities, etc., will be considered suppliers. This means that individuals, organizations or companies whose income in the planning or placement of government meetings, conferences or conventions is derived from suppliers are also considered as suppliers. Click here for the application.  (This will take you to the SGMP National website.)

SUPPLIER
Companies or individuals who solicit business from and/or who provide facilities and services to government planners outside of direct assistance in the planning and implementation of meetings. Suppliers include hotel representation firms, travel agencies convention & visitors bureaus, consulting firms, registration services, airlines, printers, exhibit managers, security services, etc. Click here for the application. (This will take you to the SGMP National website.)

ASSOCIATE SUPPLIER
Individuals, organizations or companies that are compensated through retainer or commission from suppliers (i.e., hotels, conference centers, cities, etc.) will be considered associate suppliers. This means that individuals, organizations or companies whose income in the planning or placement of government meetings, conferences or conventions is derived from suppliers are also considered suppliers. Click here for the application.  (This will take you to the SGMP National website.)

EDUCATOR/STUDENT - RETIREE
Individuals who are educators or students who would not otherwise qualify for any other membership category. This is a nonvoting category and does not count toward planner/supplier "matching" requirements. This category is not open to anyone who would be eligible for any one of the three other membership categories. Click here for the application.  (This will take you to the SGMP National website.)

Note: If a person qualifies for membership in more than one category, he/she must join at the highest membership category for which they are eligible.