System for Award Management
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- Non-member - $12
- Member - Free!
Every business entity interested in receiving awarded funds from the US Government is required to have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). This session explains the importance of SAM for both suppliers and planners, plus it encompasses the basics of how to register in SAM as well as how to identify actively registered businesses and organizations.
Christopher McLaughlin, CGMP
Senior Director of National Sales
Aimbridge Hospitality
Chris McLaughlin has over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is currently the Senior Director of National Sales for Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest third-party hotel management company in North America. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic vision, growth, and management of the national sales team.
Currently, McLaughlin is the Chair of the NDTA’s (National Defense Transportation Association) National Lodging Committee and is an Education & Programming Trustee on SGMP’s (Society of Government Meeting Professionals) Sam Gilmer Institute of Learning. Notably, McLaughlin recently served for eight (8) years as an officer on SGMP’s National Board of Directors from July 2017 – June of 2025, in the capacities of National Treasurer (2017-2021) and Vice President (2021-2025).
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Become a Government Meetings Expert
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.
Earn CEUs
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.
