As another year comes to a close, CIC is looking ahead to the future. Yet, before we look ahead we first want to share with you what has been successfully accomplished in 2016.

Janet Sperstad, CMP gives closing remarks and signs off as the 2016 CMP Governance Commission Chair.

As the focus of violent attacks has become increasingly centered on "soft targets," event planners need to be risk-aware and mitigation-minded. A soft target is typically defined as an individual, organization, facility or place that is relatively unprotected or vulnerable to an attack.

As we enter the home stretch of 2016, celebrating the holidays this year will mean even more than before. It has been a tough year for many people, so we want to make sure that the holiday events you are planning are that much more accessible for everyone to enjoy.

We recently asked a few younger industry professionals why they believe it's important to CMPs or meeting and event professionals early in their career to volunteer with professional organizations, and what the best ways to get involved are. Here are some of their answers.

Please take a moment to fill out the 2016 CMP Census. This information helps us better understand your professional goals, view of the CMP program and how CIC can better assist you in your career.

Learn how to recertify your CMP with the all online system and earn 1 CE!

CIC offices will be closed December 24 - January 1, 2017. If you have any immediate questions, please email certification@conventionindustry.org, as phone lines will be unavailable. We will be checking this inbox periodically throughout the holiday.

Whats keeping us up at night? Susan Robertson, incoming Board chair, provides Council members insight into the future of CIC.

This governing body's mission is to set the strategic direction of the CMP program, the policies governing its operation, and the standards which ensure that the CMP remains current and sets the requirements necessary to be successful in the meeting management profession.

We are happy to announce that 197 individuals passed the first quarter CMP examination. This distinguished credential, recognized throughout the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry, demonstrates an individual's comprehensive knowledge of meeting management, as well as a commitment to the profession. Congrats!

Global Pharmaceutical and Medical Meetings Summit January 31 - February 2, 2017 Philadelphia, PA