The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) recognized individuals and partners for their contributions to the Society and government meetings industry at the Sam Gilmer Awards Dinner held June 15, 2022, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown. The celebratory event began with a reception ahead of the dinner, so attendees could network in a festive setting. The event was sponsored by Bloomington, MN Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.
Sam Gilmer Awards
Recognized as the government meetings industry’s highest distinction, the Sam Gilmer Award celebrates excellence in government meeting planning and the advancement of education and professionalism across the industry. Winners are nominated by their peers and judged by a panel of past winners.
 Nicole Roames, CMP, CGMP, DES, receives the Sam Gilmer Planner of the Year Award from last year’s winner Annette Wallace. |
 Brittany Callahan, CGMP, received the Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year Award from last year’s winner Wayne Callis, CGMP. |
President’s Awards
SGMP’s National President gives special awards to volunteers who have made a difference for the Society and the organization as a whole. SGMP National Board Members Christine Pribbernow, CGMP, and Chris McLaughlin, CGMP, received President’s Awards from Annette Wallace, CMP, CGMP.
 Christine Pribbernow, CGMP, received the President’s Award from SGMP National President Annette Wallace, CMP, CGMP. |
 Christopher McLaughlin, CGMP, received the President’s Award from SGMP National President Annette Wallace, CMP, CGMP. |
Partnership Awards
Selected by the National Board of Directors, this award is presented in recognition of a corporation that has tirelessly supported SGMP through sponsorship monies and in-kind contributions.
 Visit Tampa Bay was presented the 2022 Partnership Award for many consecutive years of support and sponsorship of SGMP’s National Education Conference, with Brittany Callahan accepting the award. |
 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts was presented the 2022 Partnership Award for its support and sponsorship of SGMP the past few years, especially for the 2022 NEC. Max Izmaylov accepted the award for Wyndham. |
Top Young Professionals
Our 2022-2023 Top Young Professionals were recognized on stage as the Society’s up-and-coming leaders and congratulated by SGMP National President Annette Wallace, CMP, CGMP! The program recognizes individuals under 40 (at the time of nomination) with proven leadership skills and a dedication to the betterment and sustainability of SGMP. Members were nominated by their peers and honorees were selected by a panel of industry professionals. Congratulations to the Top Young Professionals for 2022-2023! Read more about each honoree.
Nikki Fisher | Sarah Goodell | Kiel Miller | Christine Pribbernow | Danielle Rivenbark | Joel Smith | Randi Talmage | Theresa Thomas | LeAnna Toups-Bennett | Wendy Whitaker | Stephanie Wohlfert
SGMP congratulates its Top Young Professionals on stage at 2022 NEC. (L-R) Pictured are Annette Wallace, Nikki Fisher, Christine Pribbernow, Danielle Rivenbark, Stephanie Wohlfert, Theresa Thomas and Wendy Whitaker.
Emerging Leaders
Our 2022-2023 Emerging Leaders were recognized on stage as the Society’s up-and-coming volunteer leaders! The program recognizes individuals with less than 5 years of membership, proven leadership skills and a dedication to the betterment and sustainability of SGMP. Members were nominated by their peers and honorees were selected by a panel of industry professionals. Read more about each honoree.
Jennifer Graffeo | Willma Harvey | Travis Swanson | Narimel Tarver | Jessup Thomas | Theresa Thomas | Wendy Whitaker | Melissa Woodruff
SGMP congratulates its Emerging Leaders on stage at the 2022 NEC. (L-R) Pictures are Annette Wallace, Willma Harvey, Travis Swanson, Theresa Thomas, Melissa Woodruff, Wendy Whitaker and Jessup Thomas.
Congratulations, SGMP Members!
SGMP congratulates all our members for their accomplishments in the government meetings field within their Society, chapter and workplace. We are so proud of you all!
Photos courtesy Sean Carroll