Elevating your voice

We often discuss elevating our voices at the C-suite and lending our professional expertise and strategic knowledge for the betterment of business. It is important to elevate our voices through contributions to our profession. Do you serve on a committee or board for an Events Industry Council organisation? Do you volunteer for industry-sponsored research or initiatives? How do you contribute to our profession?

My first boss served on a local MPI chapter board and encouraged me to join a committee. I followed her advice and immediately fell in love with the networking, learning from peers, finding new mentors, monthly educational programs and giving back to our community. I was hooked and could not be more grateful to her influencing the trajectory of my career. I continued my volunteerism serving as committee chair, board member and executive committee member. I then moved due to my husband’s job and volunteered in another MPI chapter serving on their board and as president. I wanted to continue to give back, so I served on MPI International Committees and then on their International Board. During that time, I was fortunate to serve on the CMP Governance Commission for a three-year term. I then returned a few years later, and here I am serving as Chair of the Commission.

In addition to committee and board service, I have mentored students, written articles, presented at industry conferences, wrote a chapter for the Events Industry Council manual, served as CMP study group leader, volunteered on focus groups and for industry research. All of these opportunities have made me a better professional by being exposed to new ideas, concepts and people. It has grown my network giving me access to industry thought leaders and opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. It is true when they say what you give, you will get back. I have benefited both personally and professionally due to the contributions that I have made to our industry and have elevated my voice as a direct result.

If you are looking for ways that you can contribute, I would like to share with you a few ideas.

• Contribute your voice to CMP Conclave by applying to be a speaker. Add your expertise to the conversation through a short talk on the EventX main stage, a new learning at CMP Lab or in a breakout session presentation.
• Inspire future CMPs by joining a CMP group leader discussion at CMP Conclave. If you lead a CMP Study Group, join other study group leaders for a confidential chat with Events Industry Council certification staff at CMP Conclave. Gain best practices from your peers to inspire your study group attendees. Sign up when you register for Conclave.
• Apply to be on the CMP Governance Commission
• Volunteer with an Events Industry Council member organisation. Sign up for a committee or apply for a board position with one of the 32 Events Industry Council member organisations. Many of the groups have local chapters to volunteer with or you can volunteer with the national/international organisation. Some may need assistance with long-term or annual commitments, and others may have shorter task force work that they can use your expertise.
• Assist with exam development at CMP Conclave (more details to come)

What do you plan to do to elevate your voice?

Erin Tench, CMP

Events Industry Council