My First Conclave Experience

My name is Amanda Smith Rasnick, and I am the Group Sales Manager for Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands CVB located between Toledo and Cleveland. I have held my position for six years. Our destination is most well-known for Cedar Point Amusement Park, Kalahari Resort and the Lake Erie islands. I manage a sales team of three professionals, each with a distinct focus. My focus is on corporate, association, religious, and sports groups and events. I also hold the position of Director of Professional Development for Ohio MPI chapter; my main responsibility to Ohio MPI is directing the CMP program and the study sessions for those members seeking the CMP designation. I have had my CMP since 2013.

The table host said it didn’t matter; we are all CMP’s here. There was much excitement since I had not only recently obtained my CMP, but also accepted the position on the MPI Ohio board.

In January, I attended the PCMA Convening Leaders in Boston, during which I had the opportunity to partake in the Convention Industry Council and AMC Institute’s networking reception. I was excited to be a part of the reception so that I could interact with other CMP holders, learn about their journeys to accreditation, and how receiving the CMP designation has been beneficial to their careers. As the reception came to a close door prize winners were being announced and, to my surprise, my name was called as the winner of the all-expenses paid trip to the Conclave (see photo). As a supplier, it is not very often that I am eligible to win during prize giveaways. I remember as business cards were collected at the entrance, I stated I was a supplier and probably wouldn't qualify. The table host said it didn’t matter; we are all CMP’s here. There was much excitement since I had not only recently obtained my CMP, but also accepted the position on the MPI Ohio board.

Finally, September arrived and it was time for my first Conclave in the beautiful city of New Orleans. I was thrilled to be a part of it. During the luncheons, breaks and evening events, I was able to grow my professional network and build a relationships with many planners and suppliers, several of who I now consider friends and even enjoyed dining with on our free evening (see photo).

I had to choose my Conclave sessions very wisely to make sure the topics applied to my role at the CVB or as a member of the MPI board. As I reflect back, I feel that overall the experience was more applicable to the board position with MPI and as a CMP study group facilitator. During the roundtable for CMP study group facilitators, I met people who are struggling with the same issues I am experiencing, such as the changes with the new study manual and to the testing format. I have been in contact with several other facilitators since the conclusion of Conclave to continue the conversation.

I also attended sessions that were geared towards event planners in order to get a different perspective on the selection or booking process. I wish there had been a program on how the CMP is being used within the industry, which would be valuable because the reasons a planner obtains the certification are vastly different from those of a student and those of a supplier.

Thanks CIC and New Orleans for a great Conclave! I will definitely be back.

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a
program of the Convention Industry Council

Convention Industry Council
700 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, USA, 22314
Tel: 571-527-3116