ALEXANDRIA, Va.
The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) has issued the following statement regarding the reopening of the federal government following the recent nationwide shutdown:
SGMP has stood united with our planner and supplier members who plan and support meetings on behalf of the federal government during the 16-day government shutdown. While our furloughed members are glad to get back to work today, we certainly recognize that this was a short-term deal and not a long-term fix.
"Our government and contract meeting planners who serve the federal government are eager to continue their important training mission for federal employees and to be appropriately compensated for those efforts," said Rob Bergeron, SGMP executive director & CEO. "Unfortunately, continued uncertainty remains for our members and this industry."
Improving the quality of government meetings and the cost-effectiveness of professional training is what SGMP has been supporting for more than 30 years. A study released this summer demonstrated that government meetings are more efficient than private sector meetings and that canceling government attendance at conferences increases costs to taxpayers in the long run.
The impact of canceled meetings will still be felt for weeks at least, since many meetings require lead time for implementation and travel. "Missed conferences translate to missed knowledge," said Bergeron.
"The shutdown also negatively impacts our supplier members who provide facilities and services to these meetings," added Bergeron. "Canceled conferences result in a painful hit to local economies and businesses everywhere."
