CIC Manual, 9th Edition Updates Explained

Convention Industry Council Manual, 9th Edition: Summary of Updates
Prepared by Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, MBA, Executive Editor

Overview
The CIC Manual, 9th Edition was released in April 2014. The manual has some significant differences from previous editions. The first notable difference is that it has been reorganized to follow the CMP International Standards (CMP-IS). The CMP-IS replaces the previous CMP Blueprint – and outlines the expectations for CMP candidates, as well as current best practices in the meetings management industry. In addition to the reorganization, the manual has taken a more international approach than previous editions. As such, the 9th Edition replaces the CIC Manual, 8th Edition and the CIC International Manual. A team of more than 50 international authors and reviewers supported this global approach to meeting and event management. Project Management, Human Resources and Stakeholder Management are new domain areas that were introduced in the CMP-IS. Although previous editions addressed these themes, they have been explored more extensively in the 9th Edition. While previous editions of the CIC Manual and the CIC International Manual included chapters on green meetings, a greater focus on sustainability has been integrated throughout the manual in keeping with the CMP-IS and the inclusion of sustainability as a distinct knowledge set. 

The CIC Manual, 9th Edition and the Certified Meeting Professional Program
The CIC Manual, 9th Edition is a recommended book for preparing for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program. It should be noted, however, that the CMP program and exam are based on the CMP-IS, and not directly on the manual. Candidates preparing for the exam should begin their preparations with a thorough review of the CMP-IS, available free of charge from www.conventionindustry.org and identify gaps in their professional experiences and knowledge areas. The recommended materials for the exam can then be used to supplement direct experience.  

CIC Manual 9th, Edition: The Domains
As mentioned above, the CIC Manual has been organized according to the 10 domains of the CMP-IS. These are:

A. Strategic Planning
B. Project Management
C. Risk Management
D. Financial Management
E. Human Resources
F. Stakeholder Management
G. Meeting or Event Design
H. Site Management
I. Marketing
J. Professionalism 

The remainder of this document will provide a high-level overview of what is covered within each of the above domains, with an emphasis on what has been revised from previous editions. Please click here for the full document. 


Events Industry Council