"The highest calling of leadership is to unlock the potential of others." – Carly Fiorina

Personality, intelligence, emotional stability and integrity are not enough. Leaders are only successful when they add value to others. Without unlocking the potential of others, the personal qualities of leadership are more self-serving than true leadership. Good leaders inspire others to do their best.  

My first boss believed in me and thought I had the ability to grow in the events industry. This was the greatest gift I could have ever been given. She gave me the gift of development, mentored me and introduced me to other mentors. She encouraged me to try new things and pushed me beyond my skill level. This contributed to my confidence to take on challenges I would not have otherwise. She unlocked my potential and showed me the impact that leaders can have when they take the time to invest in helping others.

Events Industry Council CEO Karen Kotowski, CMP, CAE recently sat down with Gary Shapiro, who leads Consumer Technology Association (CTA) as president and CEO. CTA hosts CES, the leading annual event held in Las Vegas showcasing new, innovative products and emerging technology.

The two discussed CTA’s sustainability initiatives and how to drive innovation across the industry to implement better practices. Learn how Shapiro inspires events professionals to become leaders and advocates for sustainability in this video interview.

CMP Conclave is 16-18 November in Birmingham, Alabama! At CMP Conclave you have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and progression of the events industry with your fellow CMPs. Access a schedule of events, the keynote speaker lineup and more on the website.

The Events Industry Council was thrilled to partake in the 2018 Connect Marketplace in Salt Lake City, Utah. There, Director of Industry Advancement Mariela McIlwraith presented sessions about the value of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, providing attendees with insight into the process of becoming certified, starting with creating an online account all the way through the requirements for re-certification. McIlwraith also spoke on the necessity to create and design inclusive and welcoming events through overcoming unconscious bias that may make events inaccessible to different groups.

Gavin Rose, the Events Industry Council’s Membership and Operations Associate, was also on-site to staff the organisation’s booth in the Professional Development Lounge to answer questions from CMPs and prospective applicants (and give out plenty of CMP swag, too!).

Don’t miss out on your chance to attend IMEX America with industry colleagues from around the world. Join the Events Industry Council at IMEX America 16-18 October at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. as a hosted buyer.

Why attend IMEX America? Much more than just a trade show, IMEX offers attendees access to brilliant speakers, fresh ideas and continuous inspiration at more than 180 educational and networking events over four days. Check out these statistics from the 2017 show. See if you qualify to be a hosted buyer today!

Investing in the development of our industry’s future leaders is a proven best practice. The IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum is a global programme that is making this investment by supporting students considering a career in meetings and events.

All forums provide opportunities for the future leaders to:

• Gain an international perspective on the global meetings industry
• Overview of meetings and events industry career opportunities
• First-hand advice from meeting and event professionals
• Hear inspirational career stories and case studies
• Engaging session by industry experts on key topics (for example: sustainability, technology, online and offline networking, industry trends, business etiquette and personal branding)
• Career-focused networking opportunities
• Showcase their skills and talents

Combining active learning and experiential elements, this programme is designed to enable participants to implement their own sustainable events. Topics will include understanding the business value of sustainability for the events industry; practical solutions for improving your environmental performance in areas such as food and beverage, transportation, and supply chain management; and effective methods for achieving corporate social responsibility goals. As part of the programme, the participants will customise a road map for their own sustainable event. Participants will receive 8 continuing education hours towards CMP certification or re-certification.

Upcoming dates for the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate

• Detroit, Michigan, USA, 12 September, 2018
  As part of the Cobo Center Green Committee’s commitment to environmental stewardship in the community, on 11-12 September in Detroit, Michigan, the venue will be host to the Events Industry Council's (EIC) "Sustainable Event Professional Certificate."
  Register today
• Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-16 November, 2018
  Registration is open for the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Programme, to be held immediately preceding the CMP Conclave.
  Register today

The Events Industry Council thanks the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Premier Development Partner of the SEPC programme.

For more information visit our website.

The Events Industry Council is seeking engaged events professionals for volunteer roles with the Industry Insights Committee and the Sustainability Committee. The deadline for nominations is tomorrow, 31 August 2018. Selected volunteers serve two year terms beginning 1 January 2019.

Join us for our fall webinars:

• Monday, 11 September 2018: Designing a Welcoming Event

  (Speakers: Tamara Kennedy-Hill, VP Diversity and Community Relations, Travel Portland, Matthew Shapiro, Consultant and Public Speaker, 6 Wheels Consulting, LLC, Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, MBA, Director of Industry Advancement, Events Industry Council)

• Tuesday, 30 October 2018: Evolution of Global Sustainable Event Standards

  (Speaker: Amy Spatrisano, CMP, Chair, Events Industry Council Sustainable Events Standards Committee, President, AZano Inc.)

• Tuesday, 27 November 2018: Case Studies for Sustainable Event Strategy

  (Speakers: Lindsay Arell, Honeycomb Strategies, David Fiss, Sustainable Brands, Dale Hudson, IMEX Group,Sabrina Lichtnegger, pulswerk GmbH and International Green Events Austria Conference, Courtney Lohmann, Koncept Events)

• Tuesday, 13 December 2018: Sustainable Events 101

  (Speaker: Nancy Zavada, President, MeetGreen)

Sustainability webinars are eligible for one CE hour towards CMP certification or re-certification.

For full webinar descriptions, or to register, click here.

On 24 July 2018 at the NACE Experience conference, the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) announced its elected 2018–2019 board of directors. As 2018–2019 president, Ed DiAntonio, CMP, CPCE will guide the NACE Board of Directors in effectively carrying out its mission to be the premier resource and community for catering and event professionals. Learn more about the new board today.

The Foundation of NACE has announced Zena Phillips, CMP, CPCE as president of its 2018–2019 board of directors. The board will be working toward achieving their strategic goals by guiding the Foundation of NACE in continuing its mission to support the catering and events industry by educating NACE members and investing in their communities. Phillips will also be honored as a 2018 Events Industry Council Pacesetter during the Hall of Leaders Celebration at IMEX America. Find out more about Phillips and other CMPs serving on the board online.

The Ridgeland Tourism Commission has selected Chris R. Chapman, CMP as its new executive director, replacing Mary Beth Wilkerson, who retired in June. Chapman has more than 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry of Mississippi, including being a bureau manager for Visit Mississippi (the state’s tourism office).

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced Alice Mathu, CMP has been promoted to vice president of exhibitions, conferences, and sales. Mathu will oversee sales and operations for IAAPA's three global expos — IAAPA Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show and Asian Attractions Expo — and other IAAPA conferences, meetings and events around the world.

SPIN:Senior Planners Industry Network announces the 2018 recipients of the industry’s first recognition for veteran meeting planners - SPIN:40 Over 40. This initiative was created in 2017 to recognize and honor planners who are industry role models, influencers, innovators, and pioneers.

"It was tough selecting only 40 people from the nominations," said Tracey Smith, CMP, CMM, SPIN’s Executive Director. "The variety of work experience, volunteer efforts and industry advocacy this year’s group represents is truly outstanding."

Look through the list today to see current CMPs being recognized for their great work in the meetings and events industry.

The Events Industry Council recently announced that 238 individuals passed the latest Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) examination, and two individuals passed the additional examination to receive their Certified Meeting Professional – Health Care (CMP-HC) designation. This distinguished credential, recognised throughout the events industry, demonstrates an individual's comprehensive knowledge of meeting management as well as a commitment to the profession. Click here to view the full list of August 2018 new CMPs.

The Events Industry Council will continue to power the CMP programme, driving and advancing the education, certification and professionalism of the industry.

Fellow CMPs: Don't forget to congratulate your peers for passing the August exam on social media with the hashtag #CMPproud! 

Over the past couple of months, we have been sitting down with the 2018 Hall of Leaders inductees to get their take on the future of the events industry, leading and inspiring events professionals, and major career successes. Learn more about these exceptional leaders and how they continue to evolve the industry from their spotlight articles:

Henry Givray is Chairman of the Board of SmithBucklin and created both the SmithBucklin Leadership Institute and Leadership’s Calling®. We asked him about his ongoing role in shaping the events industry and how associations’ event strategies should evolve. Read more.

Corbin Ball, CMP, is a speaker, consultant and writer who specialises in helping organisations worldwide use technology to save time and improve productivity. We talked to him about his accomplishments and the evolving role of technology in events. Read more.

Deborah Sexton has served the meetings and conventions industry for 35 years, including 12 years as president and CEO of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). We talked with her about her innovative career. Read more.

Edward Lui is the group managing director of Singapore-based CEMS. We talked to him about his long history of success in the events world. Read more.

In July, the Events Industry Council welcomed Tina Wehmeir, CMP, CAE, CEO of the AMC Institute, as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. With more than 25 years of experience with associations and the hospitality industry, as well as an active member and leader of the council, we’re excited to have Wehmeir lead the council. Today, she shares her story as a leader and events professional. Keep reading to discover more about her leadership style, perspective on the industry and how she wants to see the Events Industry Council evolve.

Teneo Hospitality Group named Ashley Crunstedt, CMP as director of events. She was senior event manager for Ewald Consulting based in Minneapolis, Minn.

Rachel Levy, CMP has joined The Diplomat Beach Resort as director of national accounts, responsible for large corporate accounts in the Northeast market. She most recently served as complex senior sales manager at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Conrad Chicago.

Las Vegas Bellagio names Amanda Voss, CMP as new vice president of sales. In this role, she is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for Hotel Sales and Convention Services at Bellagio, a AAA Five Diamond, 3,933-room resort.

Have you been quoted in an article? Do you have some exciting news to share?

Contact us at cmptoday@eventscouncil.org and we can share it with the leading individuals and companies involved in the events industry!