Introducing Kimberly Stanséll, CMP

Name & Company

Kimberly Stanséll, Meetings & Events Strategist/Consultant, Strategic Planning Partners

Number of years as a CMP

Eight years.

Where did you grow up?

Southern California.

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

I’ve always been intellectually curious with a lot of interest and thought I’d be a teacher, psychologist, author and entrepreneur. Three out of four isn’t too off the mark, though I’m still on the journey!

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?

With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Loyola Marymount University, my desire was to work in the entertainment industry as a producer or writer. Post-college, my first job was for a satellite TV company supporting the CEO and planning employee events! I eventually evolved into human resources management which always included some events, too. So, I did become a producer – an event producer!

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

To my younger self: Embrace your range! Don’t misinterpret having a lot of interests and a broad skill-set or talents as a negative thing when that actually primes you to excel and be agile in a broad professional (and personal) lane. To newer professionals: If this is you, then own it and forge ahead!

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

Study and prepare in a shorter window of concentrated time. I took part in a virtual study group for four weeks along with six weeks of independent study. My CMP coach encouraged me toward the shorter study timeframe, though I thought a longer period would be necessary. It worked, and I passed on the first attempt. Also, I recommend investing in all of the study materials, books, and sample test questions from Prometric. Lastly, query other CMPs for their study and test-taking success strategies!

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

A mentor encouraged me to become a CMP. His wife was the Head of Physician Education and a CMP at a Los Angeles hospital, so he was familiar with the process. I did not heed his word and pursue the credential immediately. However, as my project portfolio grew and I began working more and more with CMPs, I recognised it was time for me to become one, too!

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

All the change and lessons learned from the pandemic has created an opportunity for the industry to be more agile in its approach to how we plan, create and execute meeting-event experiences for attendees and stakeholders. Rather than longing for the pre-pandemic era, we have an opportunity to create a new industry playbook that is more inclusive, equitable, and diverse in our professional peer alliances, partnerships, recognition, production methods, location choices and in every aspect of how we choose to gather, meet and change the world. That’s exciting and inspirational to me!

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

I have been selected for, awarded and offered project opportunities because of the CMP credential. I have one client-partner who always introduces me as a CMP! It’s certainly given me a competitive advantage as a lot of companies prefer working with CMPs as their first choice.

Favorite snack?

A piece of dark chocolate!

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

The importance of staying informed, connected and encouraged!

This became my mantra and frequently used online hashtag (#stayinformed #stayconnected #stayencouraged).

The more informed I was about the industry and global happenings (via countless webinars and online forums), I made better decisions about my business and was better able to navigate through the unusual time. Maintaining regular contact with my peer and partner network was a blessing because we were able to share resources and information, commiserate and encourage, and remind each other that this too shall pass. The experience strengthened my alliances that are so important to this very day.

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

In 2012, it was a healthcare forum in Washington, D.C. with an evening event where the White House chef and a communication person from the First Lady of the United States’ office attended. At the end, they told me the event was exquisite. Quite a compliment considering all the events they regularly attend!

What was the last book you read/listened to?

On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed

Who will be your dream keynote speaker at your event? Why?

Michelle Obama! Managing the layers of complexity for such a high-profile speaker would be a great and interesting challenge (plus a treat to hear her speak in-person)!

What are the benefits you like of hosting virtual events? What do you miss the most for in-person events? Or do you miss it at all?

Virtual events give clients another option for telling their story and communicating or disseminating information. It also affords folks to participate from anywhere. However, every meeting-event is not best-suited to be virtual.

I still prefer in-person events; I love the energy you get from meeting face-to-face which does not always translate the same virtually.

What is your favorite travel destination?

All things Jamaica!