Webinar: Accessibility in Action: Raising Hospitality Standards Through Inclusive Partnerships
Includes a Live Web Event on 01/21/2027 at 1:00 PM (EST)
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- Non-member - $50
- Member - Free!
Discover how a Minnesota lake resort set a new benchmark for inclusive hospitality by investing time and care into training their staff to thoughtfully engage with a visiting group of students that are blind and low vision. Throughout the weekend, employees learned practical strategies for clear communication, safe guidance, and creating an environment where every guest felt confident and welcomed.
This session highlights how meeting the accessibility needs of all guests not only enhances individual experiences but also strengthens a resort’s overall service culture. Attendees will learn how intentional staff preparation can deepen guest trust, elevate hospitality standards, and build a reputation for genuinely inclusive, memorable service.
George McDermith, M.A., COMS
George McDermith, M.A., COMS. Mobility and Technology Instructor. George has two masters’ degrees – one in special education and another in instruction and curriculum design. He is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and an experienced technology instructor. He teaches mobility skills and technology to people who are blind or visually impaired at the Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth where he has worked since May of 2024. George is blind, an avid athlete, and an outdoors enthusiast.
Randi Lasher
Randi Lasher is a Transition Work Opportunities Navigator with State Services for the Blind where she supports blind and low vision students with career and college readiness across central and northern Minnesota. She holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from St. Cloud State University. Randi is a wife and mother to two wild and wonderful boys, ages 3 and 1.5.
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The Certified Government Meeting Professional designation ("CGMP") is designed for planners and suppliers whose work is governed by the rules and regulations of the federal government. Individuals who have earned their CGMP have obtained the highest designation available that is specifically for government meeting professionals. The CGMP is recognized in the hospitality industry; many government contracts now require planners working on the contract have their government certification.
The CGMP course is offered in 3 formats – Live (in person), Virtual Synchronous (via Zoom webinar), and On-Demand.
Microcredentials
SGMP Micro-Credentials develop specific expertise across nine (9) 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.
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Continuing Education
SGMP's continuing education program aligns with many other CE programs, offering you maximum credit across multiple domains. Each domain of professional development and continuing education is assigned to one of twelve (12) core competencies integral to the daily work of the government meeting professional. Earn the fifteen (15) hours required to satisfy your CGMP CE requirements, and the requirements of many other programs such as the CMP.
