One of the best things I did when I first started in the event industry was join a professional organization. I didn’t know it then, but this has been a pivotal constant in my life over the last 13 years I’ve been a member. The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) did not only provide me quality education, but a network of people that helped me along the way. Despite job changes, I always remained in government. While some of the people have come and gone, those that have remained have become my biggest resources and friends.