SGMP Newsletter CONNECT

November 2015January 2016
SGMP Newsletter CONNECT
“Working Together: A Team Commitment”
Taking the initiative to work towards a common goal of connecting and
growing our chapter to new heights.
- Tennessee SGMP Chapter Vision
Message from SGMP TN Chapter President
Special Interest
Articles:
• Message from
the SGMP TN
Chapter
President
• National
Education
Conference
2016- Get it on
your calendar
now!
• Do I really need
to show up?
Article on RSVP
• Ways to Serve
 Importance of
Face to Face
Meetings
It has been a busy 2016! We are ready to do more. In this edition
of the CONNECT newsletter we hope you are encouraged, inspired
and energized by the articles you read.
In 2015, the leadership and committees took on several important
projects. These projects impacted our membership in a positive
way. We want to continue this momentum through 2016 and
beyond.
Promote SGMP! Our members have access to essential educational
programs, resources and networking experiences. The national
president, Maggie McGowan, CGMP, CMP, stated in her
Gilmer-Founders Day Message in October “membership is SGMP's
#1 priority.”
We look forward to seeing you at the National Education
Conference and Expo in San Diego on May 17-19 at the Town and
Country Hotel & Convention Center. Stay Connected to SGMP!
Read more about our national and chapter level experiences in this
issue.
Cathrine Bays
SGMP Newsletter Connect
Our mission is to enhance and promote the expertise of
Courtesy of SqFt Photography
Photographer, Lynsey Culwell
Our mission is to enhance and promote the
expertise of government meeting professionals
Get Connected to Government Meetings- Plug Into SGMP!
The SGMP National Education Conference & Expo (NEC) is the largest annual event in the
government meetings industry and is where government professionals from across the country
come together for a one-stop and non-stop education, resources and networking. It was the best
and biggest annual event in our industry. At the 2015 NEC, over half of the attendees were
meeting planners.SGMP has almost 3,000 members in 30 chapters and is the only national
organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to government meetings. SGMP expands
the expertise of its members and promotes the cost-effectiveness of government meetings.
Networking with planners and suppliers in the industry is a rewarding experience. It is great to
finally have that time to meet face-to-face to share information, meet with chapter board
members, national members and chapter colleagues.
The 2016 SGMP NEC will be held in San Diego, CA, from May 17-19, 2016, at the Town &
Country Resort and Convention Center.
* SGMP does not use a housing company! Be aware of scams! Please reserve your room through
the SGMP Block located on the SGMP Website*
Just a little more about the SGMP:
The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) was founded in 1981 and is the only
national organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to government meetings. SGMP
is a non-profit organization of nearly 3,000 members in 30 chapters who are involved in planning
and executing government meetings. Our mission is to enhance and promote the expertise of
government meeting professionals. We accomplish our objectives—to improve the quality of and
promote the cost-effectiveness of government meetings—through education, resources and
networking. For more info, visit the SGMP website at http://www.sgmp.org/
SGMP Newsletter Connect
Is Being a No-Show Unethical?
Written By Joan Eisenstodt
I was going to count the number of ethics blogs I've written for Meetings Today. To that, I would add the
classes I've taught solely about ethics just in or for our industry and those that had an ethical component. To all of
those, I would add the posts I've made to the former MIM List, on Facebook, on ASAE's Collaborate, and all over the
"interwebs" and before that, the conversations about ethics I've had with colleagues and clients just to get an idea of
the number of discussions it takes to make ethical behavior in our industry stick.
Then I thought "why bother" counting, or even why bother writing again about the inexplicably rude behavior
of my industry colleagues? Except you know what? This Albert Schweitzer quote is in my email signature—"The first
step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings."—and I'm consulted about ethical
issues all the time by colleagues (vendors and planners, association and corporate executives) and thought that giving
up now would be, well, giving up. And I really believe we have an obligation to each other. And I'm still fuming!
What happened this time to cause the anger? Last week, I helped deliver content at a two-day client program
for venue sales people. I was excited about the cool learning that the client and I, with two other speakers (Izzy Gesell
and Richard Green) designed and delivered. The hosting venue did a great job of supporting our design and wanted to
show off to their competitors and to potential clients.
The client decided that because we were in D.C., it was a great opportunity to involve meeting planners for a
half day. Planners, in the client's database and thus not strangers to the company or its mission, were invited. All the
sessions were approved by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) for CMP credit for this free (including breakfast, lunch
and learning) program. Forty meeting planners responded yes. Two days before the event, the planners were sent
information and were called to confirm their participation and again were given a phone number to call in case of a last
minute emergency that would keep them from attending. A few canceled when called.
Day of the event? The no-show rate was more than 40%! That's right. A 40% no-show rate!
The costs involved included:
* Food and beverage charges absorbed by the client.
* Food waste by those who purport to want sustainable meetings.
* Content design disruption.
Oh I know, it's not the first nor will it be the last event in our industry where no-shows occur.
Here's the thing: I re-read the CMP Standards of Ethical Conduct and Policy in which I saw that the CMPs who
didn't attend last week (or who no-show at other events) violated any number of points. The client will advise CMP of
those who did not attend so that perhaps this last point—"To be truthful in all information provided to the CIC in all
applications and recertification applications at all times."—won't be violated. But should the names of those with CMP
after their name be reported to the CMP body that determines if someone has violated the policies?
Why is no-showing at industry events accepted behavior? Were there no-shows at IMEX15 for individual
events? Appointments? Is it really "just the cost of doing business" and our industry is going to continue to stand for it?
If 40% of the people you invited to your meetings and who made hotel reservations were no-shows, might you be
charged attrition? Should no shows at industry events for which there is no charge be charged to cover the lost
expenses?
Yep, I'm livid ... again ... and you should be too. You should be embarrassed that your colleagues did this and
will again. And you, reading this now, may be among those who didn't show last week in D.C. for this event. And you
may shrug and say "oh well" and figure it makes no difference. Or perhaps you'll write me an email and tell me what
caused you to violate your word and your commitment.
This article originally appeared in the blogs at Meetings Today, formerly Meetings Focus
http://www.meetingstoday.com/Blog/TabId/330/PostId/243/is-being-a-no-show-unethical.aspx
SGMP Newsletter Connect
The SGMP Tennessee Chapter has decided that 2016 is a great year for giving back to our
surrounding communities! Four times a year we will highlight a chosen charity to give them
much needed items or a monetary donation. Thank you to everyone for all your support
throughout the year to make the Tennessee SGMP Chapter a success!
So how can you get involved? You
can share with us charities that are
close to your heart, you can bring an
item featured on the meeting
invitation for that quarter, you can
show your support through a
monetary donation.
We need your creative ways to drive
membership, your vision for the
SGMP Tennessee chapter, your
volunteering spirit; just to name a
few ways we need you!
SGMP Membership
Help us recruit and retain members
throughout the year!
Volunteering
serve on a committee, complete a task,
write an article for this newsletter,
help us raise revenue for the chapter!
SGMP Newsletter Connect
Scholarship Forms Are Available for Review for the 2016 NEC
Chapter Planner Member Scholarship NEC 2016 Application is now available. Be sure to submit your application
by Thursday, February 18, 2016 to Committee Chair, Ashley Leftwich. Please email [email protected]
with any questions.
PLEASE READ – this applies to EVERYONE!
The 2016-2018 chapter election for new officers is approaching. As I am soon to be the immediate past
president, it is my role at this time to chair the chapter’s Nominations and Elections (N&E) committee.
I need volunteers to serve on the N&E committee. If you are interested in a short term volunteer opportunity
and not running for an office, please contact me. At a minimum, we trust to have two volunteers.
For those of you who are running for reelection please contact me for job descriptions.
If you have questions concerning the process, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Work: (423) 424-4270; Cell: (423) 240-3163; Email: [email protected]
Thank you for your support!
Cathrine J. Bays, CGMP
Chapter President
SGMP Newsletter Connect
February 16, 2016
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
331 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37228
Pam Garrett Tidwell will be speaking on "Ethics in Leadership"
Second Harvest Food Bank is our first charity to support. Below is a list of their most needed items if you would
like to bring a donation to our February Meeting.
Ticket Costs:
$50.00 Supplier (Non Member)
$25.00 Government Planner (Non-Member)
$30.00 Supplier
$15.00 Government Planner Member
To Register for Any Meeting, please visit: http://tnsgmp.org/meetinginfo.php
SGMP Newsletter Connect
Thank you to our donors who donated (6) Experience Tennessee Culture and
Hospitality packages! Packages posted on-line were from our colleagues in Nashville,
Memphis, Franklin, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg and North Carolina!
Photos are complimentary of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, William County Convention and
Visitors Bureau, Visit North Carolina Smokies, Ripley's Aquarium of The Smokies and the Southern Belle Riverboat-Chattanooga.
2015 Chapter Mid-Year On-line Auction Fundraiser Event
The dollars we collected go toward supporting the organization's mission - local educational program and scholarships. As
an added bonus, Tennessee raised the most money ($42) per its membership status as of the end of November. We are
the proud recipients of one scholarship for a member to attend the 2016 National Education Conference to be held in
San Diego. The scholarship includes (registration and housing up to a total of $850). The scholarship will be distributed
through the chapter scholarship process. More details will be communicated to you soon.
Without your support each year we would not be as successful!
Donations received from the Park Vista Gatlinburg- a Doubletree Hotel, Tennessee Ripley's Attractions, Ripley's Aquarium of the
Smokies, Southern Belle Riverboat-Chattanooga, Embassy Suites Hotel Chattanooga, Chuy's Restaurant-Coolsprings, Granite City
Restaurant and Brewery in Franklin, William County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Franklin Marriott Coolsprings, Embassy Suites
Nashville-Coolsprings, Amergio in Coolsprings, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, Holiday Inn Hotel Nashville-Airport,
Sheraton Music City Hotel-Airport, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown, Double Tree
Memphis Downtown, Hilton Memphis, Peabody Memphis, Lake Junaluska (Terrace Hotel), and Visit North Carolina Smokies (Biltmore
Tickets, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre) in Asheville, NC.
SGMP Newsletter Connect
Survey: Face to Face Meetings Drive Business, Career Development
by Matt Alderton
Face-to-face meetings are important to companies and careers alike, according to a new survey of business
leaders by the Meetings Mean Business (MMB) coalition.
"The survey looks at how face-to-face meetings help drive top-line growth and bottom-line results for the
business community," said MMB Co-Chair Richard Harper, executive vice president at Helms Briscoe. "The
results show that face-to-face continues to be a platform that provides value to the business community."
Specifically, businesspeople told MMB that in-person meetings are beneficial to several aspects of business
operations, including the ability to close deals, engage a team, and develop professionally. Likewise, executives
said that meetings improve their ability to network, grow professional, and grow their company's bottom line.
Specific findings include:
• Four in five executives believe they have attended an in-person meeting, conference, or event that would not
have yielded the same success as one conducted remotely.
• Most executives agree that team engagement, collaboration, professional development, and productivity are
improved by participation in in-person meetings, conferences, and events.
• Nine in 10 executives say meetings improve their ability to close deals (93 percent), network (90 percent), and
grow professionally (88 percent).
• Eighty-nine percent of executives say new business opportunities (86 percent), workforce engagement (80
percent), training (73 percent), and staying up-to-date on industry trends (62 percent) are best accomplished
face-to-face.
• Ninety-seven percent of executives have found that meetings deliver a return on investment.
• Eighty-six percent of executives believe face-to-face meetings help improve the bottom line.
"In-person meetings are a priority investment for executive leaders, with 92 percent planning to invest as much
if not more in 2016 as they did last year," said MMB Co-Chair Michael Dominguez, senior vice president and
chief sales officer for MGM Resorts International. "Business executives clearly understand the value of bringing
people together in-person to achieve positive outcomes whether it's for adding value to the bottom line,
engaging their employees, or growing their own careers."
SGMP Newsletter Connect
The real key to a sucessful meeting is planning. If you really take the time to plan and prepare, it has a
definite impact on the outcome of the meeting.
1. Only have meetings when necessary
2. Invite the right people
3. Pick the proper date/time/location
4. Create an agenda
5. If you expect others to talk or present, tell them
6. Keep minutes
7. Follow up after the meeting
I know these tips can sound like no brainers, but sometimes we can forget the simple things.
SGMP Newsletter Connect
Congratulations New Members for Joining The SGMP
of Tennessee!
We are so excited you are here!

Bonnie Allen, TN Department of Human Services, Government Planner,
Nashville, TN

Tecla Tawonezvi, Hyatt Place Nashville, Supplier, Brentwood, TN
We are so excited to announce that Tennessee finished in 1st place of the 2015
Planner Membership Contest by bringing in 6 new planners! That is 22% Growth!
You can find information regarding the SGMP Member Benefits, Mission and More here:
www.sgmp.org
Our member value is delivered through education, resources and networking. In addition to what the national
organization provides, each of our chapters delivers additional exclusive benefits to its members.
THE SGMP CONNECT IS LOOKING FOR ARTICLES!
The TN SGMP CONNECT is a quarterly publication for the Society of Government Meeting Professionals.
If you have something you would like to see in future issues of the TN SGMP CONNECT, please write an article
and submit to the Editor Mandi Farrell at [email protected]. Pictures are great to include with your article!
The next issue of the TN SGMP CONNECT is due out in January 2016! Stay tuned for more information in the
next SGMP CONNECT!