CMP Spotlight: Tahira Endean | SITE Global-Head of Events

Tahira Endean|SITE global|Head of Events

Name & Company?

Tahira Endean

SITE global-Head of Events

Number of years as a CMP?

19!

Where did you grow up?

British Columbia, Canada

What did you want to (or think you’d) be when you grew up?

Hairstylist. That lasted for a dozen years until I had surgery that meant I had to change careers.

What was your educational field of study (college major or whatever, as applicable), and, if notably different from what you do, your how/why/story?

Diplomas in Adult Education and Event Management; Degree in Hospitality Management; Currently pursuing my MSc in Creativity and Change Leadership (2022)

What advice would you give, either to your younger self or to newer professionals now?

Stay curious and embrace lifelong learning; be open to opportunities you don’t expect.

What advice would you give to anyone preparing to take the exam?

Use the 9th Edition Study Guide and join a study group – partly to make new friends, definitely to support the learning.

I was fortunate to be asked to contribute to this book and that was a great experience.

When did you first hear about the CMP designation and what drew you to this certification?

I learned about it during my diploma program and then when colleagues were working toward it, I decided to join the gang writing it. Fortunately we all passed!

What inspires you the most when you think about the future of our industry or the impact of our industry?

We design and deliver experiences and these are the currency that make life interesting. Events create intersections that lead to dialogue, collaborations and innovations; they bring inspiration and joy, and they make us think and feel. Events are what being human is about and where memories come from. We have to be inspired to come to work and bring our best even on the hardest days and when we see people responding to what we have designed or been part of delivering – there is nothing better. I am always happy to be involved in programs that are for our young, future and developing leaders – we need them so I can re(t-f)ire.

How has earning the CMP designation impacted (or benefited) your career?

It was the first designation that put a stamp on our industry as a profession. While I also have a CITP, DES and CED, the CMP was the first and remains strong two decades later.

Favorite snack?

Popcorn.

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned during the pandemic?

That we can work from anywhere. I should probably have learned something more relaxing.

What is the most memorable in-person experience you planned?

Just one? The opening of the Fairview Container Terminal at the Port of Prince Rupert. A small northern BC community where 4.000 of the 12,000 people who live there came out to celebrate this economic booster to their small town with a fun festival that followed a formal opening for hundreds. So many challenges, so much community.

What is the most memorable virtual event you have done so far?

SITE NITE all nite – 15 hours that connected all our chapters around the globe and generated awesome engagement all day / night long as we celebrated the extraordinary – people, places and stories.

What was the last book you read/listened to?

Do textbooks count? Fiction, and my last favorite was The Winemaker’s Wife. Stunning.

What is your favorite travel destination?

The globe. Seriously there are so many places full of beauty, culture and amazing humans ready to share, the fun is in the exploring.

Do you have a favorite quote?

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. –Ralph Waldo Emerson.