Certification Package: Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)
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Certification Package: Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)

In order to maintain your CGMP certification, every three (3) years you are required to recertify by documenting ongoing involvement in the government meetings industry. While the SGMP online education portal retains a transcript on your behalf, it is ultimately your responsibility to track and document your Contact Hours as you earn them and to recertify by applicable deadlines. Please keep any and all emails and/or certificates you receive that indicate your participation. If you are enrolled in the "recertification package" in the online learning portal, you will receive reminders to earn hours and recertify beginning 90 days from your expiration date.

You must be a current/active member of SGMP in order to recertify.  

Fifteen (15) SGMP-approved education Contact Hours are required for recertification. The following activities count toward your recertification:

  1. Contact Hours at SGMP meetings/events – Fulfilling SGMP-approved education contact hours related to the core competencies within the past three (3) years. May fulfill all fifteen (15) Contact Hours via this method. These hours may be earned in the LMS, or at chapter or national events. 
  2. Activities within SGMP – One (1) recertification point (equivalent to one Contact Hour) can be received by professional engagement in any of the following ways:  
    1. Writing one article that is published in Government Connections magazine 
    2. Serving as a member of the national board or a national committee/task force
    3. Serving as a member of a chapter board or a chapter committee/task force
    4. Serving as a trustee for SGMP's Gilmer Institute of Learning
    5. Moderating 5 SGMP webinars.
  3. Contact Hours in the meetings/hospitality industry – You may earn up to five (5) of the 15 required Contact Hours from education at non-SGMP events within the meetings/hospitality industry. You must submit these hours for approval as part of your recertification application, and they can be tracked on your official transcript in the LMS.

Please note there is a 30-day grace period from the expiration date on your CGMP certificate.  After 30 days, you must re-take the CGMP class and Exam.

The fee to renew your CGMP is $100. 

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 08/20/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

    In today’s professional landscape, true leadership extends far beyond positional authority—it is built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and strong interpersonal connections. Join internationally recognized speaker, relationship coach, and author Dr. Janice Fortman for an insightful session that explores the intersection of leadership dynamics and ethical communication. Drawing from over 20 years of experience and deep psychological insights, "Dr. Jan" will share practical strategies to help you transform your professional relationships. Attendees will learn how to nurture empathy, foster deep understanding, and cultivate an environment of mutual respect. Whether you are looking to inspire a team or strengthen stakeholder partnerships, this session will equip you with the essential tools to lead with authentic influence and uphold the highest ethical standards.

    In today’s professional landscape, true leadership extends far beyond positional authority—it is built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and strong interpersonal connections. Join internationally recognized speaker, relationship coach, and author Dr. Janice Fortman for an insightful session that explores the intersection of leadership dynamics and ethical communication.

    Drawing from over 20 years of experience and deep psychological insights, "Dr. Jan" will share practical strategies to help you transform your professional relationships. Attendees will learn how to nurture empathy, foster deep understanding, and cultivate an environment of mutual respect. Whether you are looking to inspire a team or strengthen stakeholder partnerships, this session will equip you with the essential tools to lead with authentic influence and uphold the highest ethical standards.

    Dr. Janice Fortman, CGMP

    Dr. Janice Fortman, CGMP

    Dr. Janice Fortman, CGMP, is a renowned public speaking coach, relationship coach, and award-winning author, of “The Secrets to How NOT to Throw Mama from the Train.” She is celebrated for her expertise in effective communication dynamics. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Jan has become a leading voice in transforming interpersonal relationships. Her unique approach combines practical communication strategies with deep psychological insights, empowering individuals to foster healthier, more fulfilling personal and professional connections.

    Dr. Fortman is not just about solving problems, but nurturing understanding, empathy, and connection to improve relationships. Internationally recognized, Dr. Jan is a sought-after speaker, known for her engaging and insightful presentations, in which she shares her expertise on relationship dynamics, leadership and communication strategies.

    Her charismatic presence extends to television, where she hosts the popular show "Relationship Matters tv. She has impactful conversations with her guests, focusing on how their relationships have impacted their personal and professional lives. The shows are educational, inspirational, and entertaining.

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 07/21/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

    In this energizing presentation, comedian and TEDx speaker Rory Gardiner shows leaders and teams how to transform everyday stress into sustainable performance and become more comfortable in the uncomfortable while navigating constant change. Blending real-world corporate experience with award-winning comedy and music, Gardiner delivers practical strategies to stay resilient, adaptable under pressure, and embrace uncertainty with confidence. Through humor, storytelling, and actionable insights, this session helps teams bridge generational divides, strengthen collaboration, and build a culture that is more agile, engaged, and ready for whatever comes next.

    In this energizing presentation, comedian and TEDx speaker Rory Gardiner shows leaders and teams how to transform everyday stress into sustainable performance and become more comfortable in the uncomfortable while navigating constant change. Blending real-world corporate experience with award-winning comedy and music, Gardiner delivers practical strategies to stay resilient, adaptable under pressure, and embrace uncertainty with confidence. Through humor, storytelling, and actionable insights, this session helps teams bridge generational divides, strengthen collaboration, and build a culture that is more agile, engaged, and ready for whatever comes next.

    Rory Gardiner

    Rory Gardiner

    Rory Gardiner is an award-winning comedian and CCMA-nominated country artist who has shared the stage with icons like Keith Urban. With over 100 million views across social media, his viral humor has been featured on Canada’s Got Talent, America’s Funniest Videos, and TEDx.

    A former corporate software consultant who worked on multimillion-dollar projects, Rory brings rare real-world business credibility to his high-impact performances.

    Blending stand-up comedy, live music, and powerful storytelling, Rory delivers unforgettable experiences that help audiences rethink resilience, shift perception, and take imperfect action. Equal parts practical and hilarious, his talks leave audiences ready to embrace uncertainty and get comfortable in the uncomfortable.

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    The session is designed for senior government meeting professionals with an interactive session focusing on strategic decision-making, risk mitigation, and high-level planner–supplier collaboration. Rather than reviewing foundational practices, participants will engage in peer-driven discussions and real-world scenarios that reflect the complexity and accountability of government meetings.

    The session is designed for senior government meeting professionals with an interactive session focusing on strategic decision-making, risk mitigation, and high-level planner–supplier collaboration. Rather than reviewing foundational practices, participants will engage in peer-driven discussions and real-world scenarios that reflect the complexity and accountability of government meetings.


    Key Learning Objectives:
    Participants will be able to: 
    • Evaluate complex event management decisions through a strategic and compliance-focused lens 
    • Strengthen planner–supplier collaboration at a leadership level 
    • Anticipate and mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risk
    • Build meaningful peer connections within the SGMP community

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Step inside the real world of cybercriminals and discover how government agencies become targets. In this eye-opening, fast-paced session, cybersecurity expert Jeremiah Baker reveals the exact tactics hackers use to break into systems, manipulate employees, and exploit everyday vulnerabilities. Through real attack stories and clear, actionable insights, Jeremiah shows government meeting professionals how to strengthen digital safety, spot red flags, and protect their teams—without fear tactics or technical jargon. Perfect for anyone responsible for safeguarding information, people, or public trust.

    Step inside the real world of cybercriminals and discover how government agencies become targets. In this eye-opening, fast-paced session, cybersecurity expert Jeremiah Baker reveals the exact tactics hackers use to break into systems, manipulate employees, and exploit everyday vulnerabilities. Through real attack stories and clear, actionable insights, Jeremiah shows government meeting professionals how to strengthen digital safety, spot red flags, and protect their teams—without fear tactics or technical jargon. Perfect for anyone responsible for safeguarding information, people, or public trust.

    Jeremiah Baker

    Jeremiah Baker

    Jeremiah Baker is a cybersecurity storyteller who makes hacking real, relatable, and unforgettable. A former insider who’s worked with Fortune 500 companies, he exposes how hackers think, the surprising human shortcuts that open the door to breaches, and the simple shifts that turn employees into a company’s strongest defense. Jeremiah blends live demos, real attack breakdowns, and engaging stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. His keynotes help organizations outsmart modern cybercriminals (without fear tactics) so leaders can protect their people, their data, and their future.

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    In this session, discover the details of event insurance, why or why you don't need it, what it covers and how it may reduce your event liability and provides protection or you and your attendees. Topics covered include climate events, labor disputes, and terrorism coverage.

    In this session, discover the details of event insurance, why or why you don't need it, what it covers and how it may reduce your event liability and provides protection or you and your attendees. Topics covered include climate events, labor disputes, and terrorism coverage.

    Emily Van Oudenaren

    Emily Van Oudenaren

    CLCS

    Rust Insurance

    Emily has over 15 years in the insurance space, ten of those years with her current agency. She specializes in insurance coverage for nonprofits and schools. As a matter of fact, she's the insurance agent for SGMP's event insurance policy.

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Learn how to stay emotionally grounded, mentally flexible, and professionally effective during ongoing change.

    Learn how to stay emotionally grounded, mentally flexible, and professionally effective during ongoing change.

    Cindy Saylor

    Cindy Saylor

    Founder & Chief Attitude Adjuster

    Saylor's Journey

    CEO of Women Living Gloriously

    & WLG Academy

    Professional Speaker

    Podcast - Soulful Saturdays with Saylor

    Presenter with a Purpose

    Be Glorious Newsletter

    International Author 

     

     Website Saylor's Journey

     Podcast Soulful Saturdays with Saylor

    Grab my ⁠⁠FREE eBook: The Path to Calm and Clarity: The Gift of Intentional Breathing

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a "future issue" for government meetings—they are already changing how attendees, staff, and even agency fleets arrive at events. Yet, most government planners and suppliers lack clear, non-technical guidance on what "EV-ready" actually means when writing RFPs, selecting venues, or communicating with attendees. This webinar translates EV adoption into practical steps for government meeting professionals. Participants will explore common EV charging scenarios at hotels, conference centers, and training sites. You will learn straightforward questions to ask venues and CVBs, and see examples of how charging can be framed as a matter of duty of care, sustainability, and attendee experience rather than just a technical detail.

    Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a "future issue" for government meetings—they are already changing how attendees, staff, and even agency fleets arrive at events. Yet, most government planners and suppliers lack clear, non-technical guidance on what "EV-ready" actually means when writing RFPs, selecting venues, or communicating with attendees.

    This webinar translates EV adoption into practical steps for government meeting professionals. Participants will explore common EV charging scenarios at hotels, conference centers, and training sites. You will learn straightforward questions to ask venues and CVBs, and see examples of how charging can be framed as a matter of duty of care, sustainability, and attendee experience rather than just a technical detail.

    Learning Outcomes

    After this session, participants will be able to:

    1. Describe how rising EV adoption, government sustainability goals, and fleet initiatives are beginning to influence venue selection, parking plans, and attendee experience for government meetings.
    2. Apply a simple set of RFP and site-visit questions to evaluate a venue’s actual EV-readiness, including charging capacity, access protocols, pricing, safety, and communication.
    3. Develop talking points to use with venues and internal decision-makers that navigate mixed signals, framing EV charging as a "duty of care" and logistical safety requirement, ensuring operational readiness regardless of the current political climate surrounding EVs.
    Marj Atkinson, MLS

    Marj Atkinson, MLS

    Ask Marj, The Research Sage

    Marj Atkinson, MLS is an independent researcher and information professional based in Texas who previously worked with government and corporate meeting professionals and now focuses on speaking and education about emerging trends in meetings and destinations.

    A former research manager at Meeting Professionals International, Marj spent nearly a decade supporting planners, suppliers, and faculty with data-driven insights, program design, and education on meetings and hospitality. As an EV driver, Marj blends personal experience with current research on electric vehicle adoption, destination readiness, and guest experience to help audiences navigate how EV charging will affect site selection, contracts, and attendee satisfaction in the years ahead.

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Meeting planners face mounting pressures to deliver exceptional experiences, all while managing tighter budgets, shorter timelines, and evolving client expectations. Generative AI offers a groundbreaking solution, but its potential often feels elusive amid the frustration of learning curves and skepticism about its value. This talk transforms those frustrations into flourishing opportunities by equipping meeting planners with the tools, insights, and confidence to master generative AI adoption. With real-world case studies and actionable insights, this engaging session will empower you to move past AI myths, overcome resistance, and embrace a future where technology supports—not replaces—the human touch in meeting planning. Attendees will leave inspired, informed, and ready to unlock generative AI’s full potential to elevate their events and their careers.

    Meeting planners face mounting pressures to deliver exceptional experiences, all while managing tighter budgets, shorter timelines, and evolving client expectations. Generative AI offers a groundbreaking solution, but its potential often feels elusive amid the frustration of learning curves and skepticism about its value. This talk transforms those frustrations into flourishing opportunities by equipping meeting planners with the tools, insights, and confidence to master generative AI adoption. With real-world case studies and actionable insights, this engaging session will empower you to move past AI myths, overcome resistance, and embrace a future where technology supports—not replaces—the human touch in meeting planning. Attendees will leave inspired, informed, and ready to unlock generative AI’s full potential to elevate their events and their careers.

    Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

    Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

    Disaster Avoidance Expert

    Dr. Gleb Tsipursky was lauded as “Office Whisperer” and “Hybrid Expert” by The New York Times for helping leaders use hybrid work to improve retention and productivity while cutting costs. He serves as the CEO of the boutique future-of-work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts, which helps organizations adopt a hybrid-first culture, instead of incrementally improving on the traditional office-centric culture. Dr. Gleb wrote the first book on returning to the office and leading hybrid teams after the pandemic, a best-seller called Returning to the Office and Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams: A Manual on Benchmarking to Best Practices for Competitive Advantage (Intentional Insights, 2021). He authored six other books, and is best known for his global bestseller, Never Go With Your Gut: How Pioneering Leaders Make the Best Decisions and Avoid Business Disasters (Career Press, 2019). It’s the first book to focus on cognitive biases in business leadership and reveal how leaders can overcome these dangerous judgment errors effectively. His writing was translated into Chinese, Korean, German, Russian, Polish, Spanish, French, and other languages. Dr. Tsipursky’s cutting-edge thought leadership was featured in over 650 articles he published and over 550 interviews he gave to popular venues. These include Harvard Business ReviewFortuneUSA TodayFast CompanyCBS NewsScientific AmericanPsychology TodayEntrepreneurThe ConversationBusiness InsiderGovernment ExecutiveThe Chronicle of PhilanthropyNPRTimeBoston GlobeNew York Daily NewsFox NewsInc. MagazineForbes, and many others. Dr. Tsipursky’s expertise comes from over 20 years of consultingcoachingspeaking, and training for innovative startups, major nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies, such as Aflac, Applied Materials, Entergy, Fifth Third Bank, Honda, Outreach Corporation, ProMedica, Reckitt, The Columbus Foundation, Wells Fargo, the World Wildlife Fund, Xerox, and over a hundred others who achieve outstanding client results. His expertise also comes from his research and teaching background as a behavioral scientist studying the behavioral economics and cognitive neuroscience of future-proofing, strategic decision making and planning, and cognitive bias risk management strategy in business and other contexts. He spent over 15 years in academia, including 7 years as a professor at the Ohio State University and before that a Fellow and Lecturer at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. His dozens of peer-reviewed academic publications have appeared in well-respected scholarly journals such as Behavior and Social IssuesJournal of Social and Political Psychology, and International Journal of Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy. His civic service includes over 4 years as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Intentional Insights, an educational nonprofit advocating for research-based decision-making in all life areas. He also co-founded the Pro-Truth Pledge, a civic project to promote truthfulness and integrity for individual professionals and leaders in the same way that the Better Business Bureau serves as a commitment for businesses. He serves on the Editorial Board of the peer-reviewed journal Behavior and Social Issues.

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Artificial intelligence is changing the way events are planned, managed, and experienced. In this dynamic session, you’ll see ChatGPT put to the test with live, real-world challenges submitted by attendees. From drafting communications and brainstorming creative themes to troubleshooting on-site issues and streamlining logistics, discover how AI can become a reliable partner in your daily work. Walk away with new ideas, practical applications, and a better understanding of how to use ChatGPT as a tool to save time, spark innovation, and enhance your events.

    Artificial intelligence is changing the way events are planned, managed, and experienced. In this dynamic session, you’ll see ChatGPT put to the test with live, real-world challenges submitted by attendees. From drafting communications and brainstorming creative themes to troubleshooting on-site issues and streamlining logistics, discover how AI can become a reliable partner in your daily work. Walk away with new ideas, practical applications, and a better understanding of how to use ChatGPT as a tool to save time, spark innovation, and enhance your events.

    Session Takeaways

    • Learn how to use ChatGPT as a fast, flexible tool for brainstorming, planning, and communication.
    • Explore real-time examples of AI-powered solutions tailored to event management challenges.
    • Gain practical tips for responsibly and effectively incorporating AI into your work.
    Susan Shaffette

    Susan Shaffette

    CEO

    Team Dynamics, LLC

    Susan Shaffette, CGMP, is the President/CEO of Team Dynamics, LLC, in Mandeville, Louisiana.  She currently serves on the SGMP Board of Directors and is a past president of the SGMP Louisiana chapter.  As a contract planner, her company focuses on the professional education needs of government and nonprofit leaders in the children and family fields. She has planned events on the national, state, and local levels.

    Dr. Sharon Delvisco DSW, LMSW, CGMP, GMS

    Dr. Sharon Delvisco DSW, LMSW, CGMP, GMS

    Project Director

    Team Dynamics

    Sharon Delvisco has over 30 years of experience. Sharon enjoys advocating for people with disabilities.  “Separate is not equal” is the guiding principle for all her work and advocacy efforts in the human services field.  She has planned conferences, events, facilitated board retreats, developed, and provided training in a variety of settings and locations.  She has a BS in Psychology from the University of New Orleans and a MSW from Southern University at New Orleans. Sharon received her Doctorate in Social Work in Social Innovation from USC.  Sharon is a Project Director with Team Dynamics, LLC.  The most important information is she has one son, two dogs, two cats and a great sense of humor.

  • Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Join SGMP Arizona and Sharon Gai for this informative presentation on the use of Artificial Intelligence in government meeting planning. Key takeaways include: • Frameworks for evaluating your role and determining which part of your job to handover to AI • Discover real-world examples and case studies of how AI is being used to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve outcomes • Gain actionable tips on leveraging AI tools to make data-driven decisions, automate routine tasks, and allocate resources more effectively, ensuring your team can do more with less

    Join SGMP Arizona and Sharon Gai for this informative presentation on the use of Artificial Intelligence in government meeting planning. Key takeaways include: 

    • Frameworks for evaluating your role and determining which part of your job to handover to AI 

     • Discover real-world examples and case studies of how AI is being used to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve outcomes 

     • Gain actionable tips on leveraging AI tools to make data-driven decisions, automate routine tasks, and allocate resources more effectively, ensuring your team can do more with less

    Sharon Gai

    Sharon Gai

    Sharon Gai is a culture fluid expert in AI, ecommerce and innovation. She helps organizations become agile disruptors in their industries so they can increase revenue and retain users. In her tenure at Alibaba, she advised brands and heads of state in crafting their digital strategy with programmatic marketing and AI. She has worked with TEDx, Singularity University, UBS, Deloitte, Walmart, LVMH, Nestle, Tetra Pak and Twilio. She is in the AAE list of Top Keynote Speakers in 2023. She is also one of 2024’s RETHINK Retail’s Top Retail Expert and a LinkedIn Top Voice in Public Speaking 2024.