E-mail. Texts. Interruptions. Phone Calls. Project Transitions. Event Insanity. Office Clutter. Social and Other Media. Smart Phones and Apps. Even Family and Friends. These common distractions make it almost impossible to get anything done. It seems like there is always SOMETHING getting in the way of what you really need to do. But with some forethought and effective strategies, as well as some discipline, it is possible to find your focus, even in a hyper-distracted world. We'll have a fun time sharing "game plan" ideas for getting and keeping your distractions under control and finding critical "focused productivity" time every day, leading to both performance but also clarity of mind and purpose. And, this program is now "audience flexed" -- the speaker will poll the audience at the start of the program to find out YOUR biggest distractions, and will customize the content accordingly. SQUIRREL!

This program will cover the following (depending on the audience flex!):

• The state of interruptions and distraction in today’s professional world
• The two key ways e-mail distracts you (and solutions for managing that!)
• Dealing with other common office inputs efficiently (voice mail, documents, e-documents, faxes, texts, “stacks and piles”, etc.)
• More effectively dealing with unexpected interruptions (phone calls, “stop by’s”, texts) and project transitions to maintain “traction” and reduce distraction (including now at “work from home)
• Reducing the e-distraction of computers, second monitors, smart phones, tablets, social media, news feeds, streaming programs, and apps (and enhanced productivity tips for these same devices)
• Dealing with “work from home” distractions – spouses, kids, the UPS driver, even your dogs!
• A few key office/info clutter strategies for better organization
• A discussion on what really happens when people try to “Multitask” and perhaps a better idea?
• “Game plan” techniques for better managing the start of your day and your work/information through the day for higher productivity, more focus, and less distraction

The SGMP micro-credentialing program is designed to help SGMP members develop specific expertise across core competencies for government meeting planners. Members can demonstrate this expertise by completing five (5) hours of professional development in any core competency. Hours can be earned online or in-person at chapter or national events. The Technology Microcredential will enhance your skills as a meeting planner in the domain of event technologies, and demonstrate your expertise across three levels: Fundamentals, Advanced, and Expert.

Getting Started

Each core competency begins with the CORE course. This course is available on-demand 24/7 on the SGMP Learning Platform at https://learn.sgmp.org. Courses vary from 30-60 minutes each and cover the must-know topics for each core competency.

Additional Hours

Once you have completed the CORE course, you must complete an additional four (4) hours of professional development. To ensure that all students have been exposed to comprehensive education on each topic, relevant both nationally and locally, hours must be earned as follows:

• Two (2) hours must be completed at the local chapter level. These hours may be earned in any format (virtual or in-person). If you do not have a local chapter, you may select any chapter relevant to your work and complete your required hours through that chapter.
• Two (2) hours may be earned via SGMP National, at your local chapter, or via another chapter. These hours may be completed in any format including education.sgmp.org (on-demand), virtual synchronous education (e.g., webinars), or at in-person events such as the National Education Conference.

Certificate

Once you have completed the required hours to earn your micro-certification, you will receive an electronic certificate demonstrating your expertise. Certificates will be issued with the name of the competency and the level of the certificate, e.g., “Protocol: Fundamentals.”  

*You must pass the CORE course and earn 4 additional domain hours, at least 2 of which must be earned at your local chapter.

The SGMP micro-credentialing program is designed to help SGMP members develop specific expertise across core competencies for government meeting planners. Members can demonstrate this expertise by completing five (5) hours of professional development in any core competency. Hours can be earned online or in-person at chapter or national events. The Technology Microcredential will enhance your skills as a meeting planner in the domain of event technologies, and demonstrate your expertise across three levels: Fundamentals, Advanced, and Expert. Those who hold the CGMP are exempted from the Fundamentals level. If you would like access to the Advanced level, please email Alan Kleinfeld at education@sgmp.org. 

Getting Started

Each core competency begins with the CORE course. This course is available on-demand 24/7 on the SGMP Learning Platform at https://learn.sgmp.org. Courses vary from 30-60 minutes each and cover the must-know topics for each core competency. 

Additional Hours

Once you have completed the CORE course, you must complete an additional four (4) hours of professional development. To ensure that all students have been exposed to comprehensive education on each topic, relevant both nationally and locally, hours must be earned as follows:

• Two (2) hours must be completed at the local chapter level. These hours may be earned in any format (virtual or in-person). If you do not have a local chapter, you may select any chapter relevant to your work and complete your required hours through that chapter.
• Two (2) hours may be earned via SGMP National, at your local chapter, or via another chapter. These hours may be completed in any format including education.sgmp.org (on-demand), virtual synchronous education (e.g., webinars), or at in-person events such as the National Education Conference.

Certificate

Once you have completed the required hours to earn your micro-certification, you will receive an electronic certificate demonstrating your expertise. Certificates will be issued with the name of the competency and the level of the certificate, e.g., “Protocol: Fundamentals.”  

*You must pass the CORE course and earn 4 additional domain hours, at least 2 of which must be earned at your local chapter.

The SGMP micro-credentialing program is designed to help SGMP members develop specific expertise across core competencies for government meeting planners. Members can demonstrate this expertise by completing five (5) hours of professional development in any core competency. Hours can be earned online or in-person at chapter or national events. The Technology Microcredential will enhance your skills as a meeting planner in the domain of event technologies, and demonstrate your expertise across three levels: Fundamentals, Advanced, and Expert.

Getting Started

Each core competency begins with the CORE course. This course is available on-demand 24/7 on the SGMP Learning Platform at https://learn.sgmp.org. Courses vary from 30-60 minutes each and cover the must-know topics for each core competency.

Additional Hours

Once you have completed the CORE course, you must complete an additional four (4) hours of professional development. To ensure that all students have been exposed to comprehensive education on each topic, relevant both nationally and locally, hours must be earned as follows:

• Two (2) hours must be completed at the local chapter level. These hours may be earned in any format (virtual or in-person). If you do not have a local chapter, you may select any chapter relevant to your work and complete your required hours through that chapter.
• Two (2) hours may be earned via SGMP National, at your local chapter, or via another chapter. These hours may be completed in any format including education.sgmp.org (on-demand), virtual synchronous education (e.g., webinars), or at in-person events such as the National Education Conference.

Certificate

Once you have completed the required hours to earn your micro-certification, you will receive an electronic certificate demonstrating your expertise. Certificates will be issued with the name of the competency and the level of the certificate, e.g., “Protocol: Fundamentals.”  

*You must pass the CORE course and earn 4 additional domain hours, at least 2 of which must be earned at your local chapter.

Planning AV services for government events may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, we’ll dive into a proven step-by-step approach that simplifies the process, minimizes risks, and ensures every detail is covered. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies and expert insights that will help you confidently plan and deliver events that leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re new to AV planning or a seasoned pro, this session will equip you with the tools to avoid common pitfalls and achieve success every time.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Implement a proven 3-step AV planning formula that guarantees a successful event, from initial preparation to final execution
• Ask the key questions that uncover hidden challenges, avoid costly surprises, and keep everyone - from client to venue - on the same page.
• Apply time-saving strategies and budget-friendly techniques to maximize AV efficiency, collaborate effectively, and deliver memorable events.

Destination Management Companies create unforgettable destination experiences for meetings and events, but this doesn’t always equate to over-the-top décor or big-ticket entertainment.  In this session, you’ll learn about the variety of services a Destination Management Company (DMC) can assist you with, and how their ties with the destination can enhance your event and planning experience at a variety of price points and impact levels.  You’ll also hear about industry trends that are hitting the events scene moving into 2025.

In this webinar, attendees will:

• Learn what a DMC is, and what services they offer
• Discover ways you can partner with DMC’s on your 2025 events
• how you can incorporate DMC’s into future events to increase
• Hear about industry trends for 2025 

Networking is a prolific activity especially at events, yet most of us have never been taught how to do it effectively.  And for many, it causes apprehension and anxiety.  We are here to change that, to help you reframe networking, so it feels more like a challenging adventure versus a dreaded chore.  Delivered with elements of humor and improv you’ll practice setting networking goals, revealing new ways of answering “what do you do?”, asking “best” questions to get to know more about the person than just their profession, and establish follow up tactics to surprise and delight your new connections. 

In this webinar, attendees will learn to:

• Develop a practice of defining and executing networking goals (before, during, and after).
• Forge deeper connections with people you meet by creating on-ramps for conversation.
• Create pre-networking rituals to set purpose, build confidence, and reduce anxiety.

Demystify the GSA Schedule process and empower your organization to succeed in government contracting. The General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses to sell products and services to federal agencies. Whether you're new to government contracting or looking to expand your federal market presence, this webinar equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the GSA Schedule with confidence. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain insights and position your organization for success in the federal marketplace.

In this workshop, participants will learn:

• Introduction to GSA Schedules: Understanding what a GSA Schedule is and its benefits.
• Eligibility and Requirements: Determining if your business/organization qualifies and what you need to apply.
• Contract Management: Best practices for managing your GSA Schedule contract effectively.
• Marketing Strategies: How to market your GSA Schedule to government agencies and maximize your opportunities.

The key to any successful gathering is the attendees' experience. Planners can make great logistical choices concerning attendance -- theming, messaging, and delivery are sometimes overlooked. This session will focus on event design, and the ways that event professionals use design to create comfortable, appreciated, and idea-receptive guests.

Learn what a WAG is and why it's important for attendees, speakers, and organizations.