I am often asked "Who is the CMP Governance Commission and what do you do?" Let’s start off first with what it is we do. The Commission is the steward of the CMP Program, setting the strategy and vision of the CMP program, implementing best practices of certifications, and ensuring best in class certification through rigor, relevance and value. On a more tactical level, we review and update the eligibility requirements of the program making sure the exam is accessible, fair and impartial to all meeting professionals. We make sure the exam and the international standards truly reflect the work meeting professionals do and need to know to make their organization’s events meaningful and successful. 

We are a group of 15 CMP volunteers who are nominated and elected to serve on the Commission. These volunteers represent the diverse roles and practitioners within our industry. We are a passionate group who work to make sure the CMP is the most sought after credential in the marketplace through compliance to high certification standards and by ensuring that those who hold the CMP are a true reflection of the best and brightest of this multi-faceted profession. 

Meeting these obligations means lots of research, lively discussions, keeping up to date on trends in the meetings industry and more. We meet face to face twice a year, but our work doesn’t just start and stop at our meetings. Based on the specific needs of the program and to help shape the future of the CMP Program, Commission members work in smaller, topic-specific task forces throughout the year, represent the CMP program at industry events, sit on panels to review the exam and set the passing score, and solicit input from both current CMPs and from those who aspire to be CMPs to help shape a program that is worthwhile and relevant to all who work in this field. 

Does any of this interest and inspire you to contribute to the future of the CMP? If so, consider joining me on the Commission. Yes, that’s right, you too can serve on this Commission. How you ask? Each year, the CMP Governance Commission puts out a call to help us meet our mission and goals. To ensure we have representation for all meeting professionals, the Commission seeks leaders from all industry sectors: hotels and DMOs, colleges and universities, associations and corporations, exhibitions, independent planners and government institutes. Are you ready to give back to the profession by joining the passionate volunteers who make the CMP Program strong? If so, please consider throwing your name in the ring and send in an application for the CMP Governance Commission. Applications are now being accepting for the 2017 term. This year, we have three seats open. For more information on the roles, responsibilities, terms of the Commission and to apply, just click here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at jsperstad@madisoncollege.edu or the Director of the CMP program Gayle Rosnick at grosnick@conventionindustry.org. 

Thanks for all you do in our events community. You make the CMP great and what it is by your actions and leadership. Keeping being amazing. And consider sharing some of the amazingness with us. Hope you are having a great summer.

Peace,

Janet