A Letter from the Chair, Matt DiSalvo, CMP

Dear colleagues,

Greetings from Boston, where spring has officially sprung – albeit roughly 50 degrees colder than in Dallas where I spent the last week participating at the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) Governance Commission’s spring meeting. A special shout out to the City of Dallas and the Fairmont Dallas for their exceptional hospitality and, yes, the weather was fantastic!

With spring often comes new beginnings, and the idea of new beginnings was definitely in the air at the spring meeting with the initiation of three task forces to address the three primary CMP pillars predicated on the Events Industry Council’s 2017-2019 Strategic Plan. They are as follows: 

Career Landscape Task Force – Co-chaired by Marsha Flanagan from IAEE and Janet Sperstad, CMP, immediate past chair of the CMP Governance Commission. This 2017 task force will continue the extensive work of the 2015 TF on developing resources for schools, as well as the industry on the various opportunities and resources available from the Events Industry Council member organizations on careers in the industry. They will also work to develop collateral, a website and additional offerings.

CMP-HC Task Force – Chaired by CMP Governance Commission member Aleka Garcia, CMP. This task force will review and update the CMP-HC program, as well as create a recommendation to the Board of Directors on how the Events Industry Council could potentially collaborate with other membership organizations to promote the CMP-HC in a way that is mutually beneficial to all. Also in 2017, the Commission will review the current CMP-HC exam to ensure that items and questions are relevant.

Global Task Force – Chaired by CMP Governance Commission member Agnes Canonica, CMP. This task force will work with both the Events Industry Council and staff on global expansion strategies and initiatives. We have talked about it for years ... now let’s do it!

All three of these task forces are looking for other CMPs and CMP-HCs to participate. Please let us know if you are interested.

The volunteers on the CMP Governance Commission, as well as the Events Industry Council and staff, have such energy, passion and dedication, coupled with a high degree of professionalism. For me, it’s remarkable to think of the opportunities ahead.

Please keep an eye out as the CMP Governance Commission's Call for Nominations is due to go out June 1. Please consider nominating yourself or a colleague.

My best to all of you.

Yours in service,

Matt DiSalvo, CMP