The Greater Oregon Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (GOSGMP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the knowledge, expertise, and cost effectiveness for individuals planning and managing government meetings through education, communications, and industry relationships.

Some Quick Facts about GOSGMP:

Chapter Membership: There are approximately 100 members from around the state in our membership.  We are committed to keeping the meeting planner/supplier ratio at 50:50.  The Oregon Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals includes members from federal, state, county, local agencies, associations, contract planners, hoteliers, and other suppliers of government meetings, conferences, and conventions. GOSGMP was chartered in 1989 and has a rich history.

Chapter Value: Too numerous to list, some of the value perceived by members include the following:

• Continuing education and CEUs
• Networking opportunities with other government meeting professionals from across the nation
• Personal and professional development
• Membership Directory - local chapter and national organization
• National “Advantage” quarterly magazine
• Access to speakers
• Professional Certification Training - C.M.P, C.H.S.P., I.A.V.C.B
• Certification Reimbursement
• Educational scholarships
• Recognition and awards
• Resource for industry information (website, newsletters, etc.)

Chapter Meetings: Monthly meetings are 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. the first Thursday of the month, focusing on current industry trends and topics.  Meetings are usually held along the I-5 corridor with special events rotating around the state. A two day annual education conference is held each January or February.

Cost of Membership: Membership fees cover a one year period, based on the anniversary date of the admission to the chapter.  Membership fees are as follows:

Government Planner	$50
Contract Planner	$125
Supplier	$300
Associate Supplier	$225
Retired/Student	$25

Cost of Meetings: Monthly luncheon meetings are $15 for government planners, $30 for member suppliers, $35 for non-member suppliers and $40 for walk-ins with a portion going to cover food and speaker costs for each meeting.  GOSGMP encourages members to bring guests to the monthly educational meetings to learn more about our organization and it’s benefits.  Planner guests attend their first meeting free of charge.  If you are considering membership to GOSGMP, contact a board member to arrange an invitation to one of our next meetings!

Board of Directors: GOSGMP is managed by a Board of Directors, and Officers elected by the membership.

Chapter Committees: Joining a committee helps you learn more about the chapter and the meetings industry as well as develop relationships with other members.  GOSGMP has eight committees - Programs, Membership, Publications/Communications, Nominations & Elections, Recognition and Awards, Special Events, Bylaws, and Community Outreach.

Policies and Procedures:
Some of the reasons we have policies and procedures include:

• So people working in an organization or association can have a framework for actions that helps them get on with the job they need to do.
• So people in the organization don’t have to keep on discussing and re-discussing the same issues every time they arise - one thought out decision can be applied to many similiar cases-efficiency.
• So legal and other requirements can be met. 

Greater Oregon Society of Government Meeting Professionals Policies and Procedures  Implemented 07/01/04