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September 18, 2013
In This Issue
Featured Article
 IMEX America, being held for the third year,October 15-17,2013, at the newly renovated Sands Expo, has quickly become the industry’s premier show for meeting planners and executives from the US and around the world. Truly a global marketplace, IMEX America provides a great opportunity to network, learn about hot topics and trends, and get a lot of business done!Unrivaled Business Opportunities Over 2,500 international and US exhibitors – an increase of 10% from 2012 - will be at IMEX America 2013, providing buyers with "one stop shopping." With over 30 new exhibitors confirmed to date, get the latest on leading and upcoming destinations, hotels, cruise lines, DMCs, meeting services companies, and technology & product providers. To help maximize your schedule at the show, use IMEX’s online scheduling system that allows you to control with whom and when you want to meet. Turbo Learning at Smart Monday October 14th Fuels CMP Certification Kicking off the event, prior to the show floor opening, is Smart Monday -- Powered by MPI, held on October 14th. This year, the line-up includes HMSAI and ISES, participating for the first time, as well as Site, GMIC, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, PCMA and ICCA. Additional sessions are being offered to participants as well, all of which count towards CMP certification. Pick from a mixed format of sessions, opting to spend an hour or two in classes like "Brain Food: How Your F&B Choices Can Boost Your Meeting’s Strength," "Developing A Successful Social Strategy for Meetings and Events," and "Current Practices in Strategic Meetings Management," or spend a larger part of the day taking a deep dive session. A new feature this year, the "deep dive sessions" delve into topics like developing winning leadership & management skills, sustainable meetings planning, budgeting and communications, and influencing, communicating and selling more effectively. As an added bonus, some of these sessions will also be aimed specifically at industry veterans with over 15 years in the industry. That evening, MPI will also host a planner reception to cap off the day with more mixing and mingling. Don’t forget to join Association Focus for "a conference within a conference," specifically for association professionals and executives boasting a strong daytime education program and evening networking event. Learning & Networking : Expanding Your Mind, Skills Set & Connections If Las Vegas never rests, then neither does the IMEX America show education program. Directly on the heels of Smart Monday, participants will discover a powerful range of FREE brain food opportunities when IMEX America 2013 opens the morning of October 15tht and all for free. Find education locations like the Sustainability Hub and IMEX-CIC Inspiration Center right on the show floor and address topics from research, marketing & communications, and environmental & social responsibility to meetings and events performance as well as professional and personal growth. Debuting this year is the Technology Hub (located near the App Bar), designed to help event professionals meet tech demands and leverage the best. Additionally, a new Networking Hub will offer facilitated networking sessions, plus health/well-being and business performance advice. Finally, just off the show floor, top-line, daily keynotes sponsored by MPI will be held as well as blockbuster events such as the new Policymakers’ Forum (organized in partnership with the US Travel Association), The Women’s Leadership Forum and more. Once the sun goes down on "The Strip," networking comes to life at IMEX America with a variety of fun and exciting events like Site Nite North America, MPI Foundation Rendezvous, Association Evening, and the CIC Hall of Leaders (Sunday Oct 13). Hands-on CSR & Sustainability Lastly, at IMEX America you’ll get a truly hands-on experience with green meetings, and CSR. You’ll be invited to roll up your sleeves and help out with Clean the World,TM an organization that recycles used hotel toiletries and donates them around the world. The IMEX kits created will go to children and others in the Las Vegas community. You can also cast a vote for a local Las Vegas charity by turning in your badge when you leave the show. Depending on the bin chosen, a donation will be made by IMEX to one of two local community programs, either the Shade Tree or Opportunity Village, and your badging materials will be reused or recycled. IMEX will also announce the planned IMEX America IMEX Challenge for the 2014 show (taking place in Las Vegas). To see if you qualify as an IMEX America Hosted Buyer (with flight & hotel provided) visit http://www.imexamerica.com/hosted-buyers/terms-conditions/ or register for free at http://portal.imexamerica.com/register.php and take advantage of special flight and hotel discounts. www.imexamerica.com |
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On Sunday, October 13, 2013, the Convention Industry Council (CIC), MGM Resorts’ Mandalay Bay, the IMEX Group, Freeman and other event partners will roll out the red carpet for the now annual Hall of Leaders Gala, as the meetings industry power players arrive in town for the first-ever CIC kick-off event to IMEX America in Las Vegas.
This isn’t a typical industry dinner or awards show. The MGM Resorts Events team is producing a show filled with jaw-dropping sets, elaborate transitions, show stopping performances and a few surprises along the way. The first-ever custom production show to pay tribute to the CIC Hall of Leaders will feature a live orchestra and a full cast of singers, dancers and specialty performers. The five remarkable honorees and their life’s work will inspire the dance and music performances. The night will be filled with glitz and glamour, befitting a celebration honoring the best and the brightest in the meetings and events industry. This year’s CIC Hall of Leaders Gala is breaking the mold and creating an unforgettable night that the industry and the new inductees won’t soon forget. "The Hall of Leaders represents intelligence and leadership, ideas and innovation, influencers and risk-takers—the true pioneers of the industry," said Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP and CIC’s Chief Executive Officer . "To date, the Hall of Leaders has inducted 106 game changers and this year we will add five more to the list." This year’s honorees are: •Jorge Castex, Honorary President, COCAL and Senior Advisor MCI Argentina: Nominated by International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) •Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM: Nominated by International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) •Peggy Daidakis, Executive Director, Baltimore Convention Center: Nominated by the Baltimore Convention Center Staff •Liz Erikson, Executive Director, Meetings & Incentives, Fairmont-Raffles-Swissotel: Nominated by Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) •Stephen Powell, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Intercontinental Hotels Group: Nominated by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) The gala will also honor two young professionals for their outstanding achievements early in their careers, with a Pacesetter Award. Those winners are: Robyn Mietklewicz, Director, Accounts & Global Meeting Management Services, Meeting Sites Resources and Meghan Schilt, Events Manager, Apax Partners. While this is the first year that CIC and IMEX are partnering to host this event, the collaboration is a natural extension of a supportive relationship."It is extremely significant that the 2013 CIC Hall of Leaders is taking place alongside the third edition of IMEX America this October," said IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom. "The Hall of Leaders is the most prestigious high point in our industry calendar. This means that come Sunday Oct. 13th, the most influential and accomplished leaders in our industry will be in Las Vegas ready to celebrate, network and do business together." Individual tickets and table sponsorships are still available for purchase. For more information, visit the Convention Industry Council website or call Peggy Marilley, Precision Meetings & Events, at 703-739-4480 or by email at Peggy@teamprecision.com. |
 As many of us begin to look towards 2014, in terms of budgeting and trying to predict where the industry is headed in the near and distance future, I had the pleasure of attending the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s Predict Conference last week in New York. The outlook was optimistic, but measured, according to most of the speakers and presenters. The overall exhibitions industry will show modest growth in 2013, according to the CEIR Index Report, by about one percent and continue to build over 2014 and 2015 as the economy continues to recover. Not surprisingly, the growth of exhibitions will vary by sector and this was confirmed by many of the speakers. Building, Construction and Home Repair as well as Financial, Legal and Real Estate Sectors will post their highest growth in 2013 in many years. Also unsurprisingly, the Education and Government sectors of the exhibitions industry are likely to continue to decrease over the coming years as governments at all levels continue to cut training, travel and education budgets. CEIR predicts that by 2015 the overall industry will grow by 2.8 percent. Several trends became apparent as tools used to grow shows in sectors that were either recovering or flat and wanting to increase market share. Collocation of shows with other organizations, either targeting the same or complementary exhibitors and/or attendees, as well as the need to look internationally to grow, were overwhelming themes expressed by show producers. Another trend, or at least sentiment, reported by many show organizers, was that technology will not replace face-to-face events. Trade shows and exhibitions continue to be viewed by both attendees and exhibitors as a valuable marketing and business sales experience. For more information on the Predict Conference or the CEIR Index, go to the CEIR website. |
Chair's Corner
 Gee, how time flies when you’re having fun. It seems like the summer months just breezed right by us, and in a few months we will be celebrating the end of another year. If I had a crystal ball, I would wish for world peace and extra spending money. Since I don’t have a crystal ball, my hope is that individuals who are seeking to become certified in their career profession will be able to do so. Recently, the Convention Industry Council (CIC) officially launched the new CMP Health Care Subspecialty certification. Beta exams will be administered via computer based testing starting in the fall. Read on for an update on that exam. Detailed information about the CMP-HC can be found on the CIC Web site. We can use your help in spreading the word about this new initiative.Speaking of certification, members of the CMP Board are working on a white paper that outlines the value of certification in whatever career profession you’re in or seeking. This document will not only address the value of being certified but how one can use their credentials to help enhance their professional development. Do you remember how excited you were when you obtained your CMP designation? I do, and I still answer questions about the initials behind my name. For some, being certified has its perks and it has helped many land employment or get to the top because they are considered experts in their field. In this issue, we feature once such story from Christina Desmond, a meeting planner who sought her CMP certification after being laid off. She took a leap of faith; read on to see how it fared. Additionally, this year, to date, nine of our fellow CMPs obtained Emeritus status. Please join me in congratulating Pamela C. Myers, CMP; Lynn K. Kletzkin, CMP; Brian Kampschroer, CMP; Katherine Winans, CMP; Sharon J. Vojtek, CMP, CEM; Lorraine Cruz, CMP; Diane G. Keen, CMP; Betty S. Helm, CMP; and Julie Carroll, CMP. Looking ahead, the CMP Board of Directors will host Town Hall Meetings in the same cities where we hold our board meetings. In fact, the first-ever CMP Town Hall Meeting will be held on October 28, 2013 in Birmingham, Alabama. We invite our fellow CMPs in Alabama and the surrounding states to join us for a face-to-face dialog about evolving trends in the profession, how to better market your CMP credential to colleagues and employers, and how we can best serve the CMP community. Read on for more details. Speaking of industry updates and trends, the CMP Board recently developed an information-sharing tool that allows us to enhance our communication between the CIC member organizations and how we can continue collaborating together during these challenging times. Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to publicly recognize and congratulate one of my fellow board members, Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, who will be inducted into the CIC Hall of Leaders on October 12, 2013. As always, I welcome your feedback and thoughts. Melody Kebe, CMP, CGMP Chair, CMP Board (Society of Government Meeting Professionals) |
CMP Events
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SAVE THE DATE
2014 CMP Conclave
September 6-8, 2014
New Orleans, LA Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge, build relationships and partner with other meeting professionals! Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2014 CMP Conclave! Registration Fees Early Bird Registration $325 USD Regular Registration $399 USD Hotel Information Hyatt Regency New Orleans $159 single/double (plus tax) More details to follow. |
In Depth
 In May of 2011 I lost my job. I had worked at the company for over five years and suddenly found myself unemployed. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t even see it coming. I felt a rush of emotions. I must have been blind, I thought. "How could this happen to me." "What did I do wrong?" I even became irritated, thinking, "they’re going to regret letting me go as I know I’m an invaluable asset." What I came to learn as I was going through these emotions is that losing a job unexpectedly brings on a form of grieving. My pride was wounded, knowing that they would do just fine without me.It didn’t help that I live in the nation’s capital where everyone introduces themselves by what they do for a living. But on the bright side, I was in the nation’s capital giving me more job opportunities. The challenge was, "How do I get noticed in an ever expanding, over-qualified, pool of applicants?" There is no quick and easy answer to getting back on the fast-track; it’s a process and an emotional rollercoaster. As a planner, I plan and while this wasn’t a part of my plan, I had to trudge forward. Step one was to figure out how to pay my bills. So along with all my office supplies, I packed up my pride, too. I went back to serving tables at a local restaurant. It didn’t require much training and I could have cash in hand in as early as a week. I had to work nights and weekends and no longer had benefits, but it paid the bills. Step two was to dust off my resume and update it with flashy active voice words like supervised, maximized and organized. I set up job search agents through companies like ASAE & The Center, PCMA and Indeed. I tracked every job I applied to through my own personal spreadsheet in Excel. I didn’t want to get caught off guard if an employer contacted me and I couldn’t remember when and how I had applied to the position. As I was going through this step, I reminded myself that just because I wasn’t currently employed in a position as a meeting planner didn’t mean I wasn’t still a meeting planner. I had embarked on a career as a meeting professional over seven years ago, and that hadn’t changed. I quickly realized this was the perfect time for me to sit for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) examination. I had no work distractions, I had no excuses. I had submitted my application a year earlier, meeting the requirements and had for one reason or another put off taking the three hour exam. Now was the time to sit for it because the CMP designation represented three initials that I needed behind my name to give me that added leg-up when grabbing the attention of hiring managers. The highly regarded CMP designation is well known in the industry as a comprehensive tool that sets apart the expert planners from the average party organizer. The next step was to study. When you’re pursuing your passion, studying for it is much easier than you would think. It was the procrastination in studying that was causing more stress than the actual exam itself. I got together with a PCMA study group, which made learning the material fun and a great networking opportunity. After we all took the exam, we connected on LinkedIn and discussed the exam questions. The accreditor of the examination, the Convention Industry Council, even encourages feedback and comments on the questions. What came next? "I passed!" I am now in a class of over 14,000 experts in the meetings, conventions and exhibition industry. I felt back on-top as I added it to my resume and on LinkedIn profile. Holding the designation has increased my marketability one hundred percent by putting my resume ahead of other candidates. I am grateful for what the CMP designation has done for my career. Earning my CMP was the next step that I needed to ensure my success. Not only did I get a position as a meeting professional, but I advanced in my position! I am now with the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) as their Manager of Conferences and Member Services. Earning the certificate encouraged me to push forward in my job search, reinforced my commitment to the profession and gave me the confidence to pursue my passion towards finding the right organization for me. I hold the certification proudly. Christina M. Desmond, CMP Manager, Conferences and Member Services American Frozen Food Institute |
CMP Program News
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We have good news about CIC’s new healthcare certification beta exam! We recognize that being the first at anything can be daunting. When that "first" is a new certification exam, well, we don’t want anything to stand in your way of being our pioneers in this journey. Therefore, for those approved to take the beta exam, CIC is waiving both the $155 application fee and the registration fee of $255. That’s right: there will be no costs for you to sit for this beta exam. It is our way of saying thank you for taking this leap with us. And, if you pass, you will be the first to hold the new designation of CMP-HC.
The testing window has been both moved and lengthened. The testing window for the beta test will now be November 7 through December 2, 2013. The exam will be 3.75 hours. We hope you’ll join the inaugural class of the CMP-HC by applying for the beta test! For more information on the CMP-HC, please visit the website. |
APEX - Standards and Best Practices
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GMIC, in partnership with Twirl Management, has announced the launch of a certificate in Sustainable Event Planing "as a 36-degree learning environment to create a new class of sustainable event practitioners."
According to the press release, "students will walk away with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to implement the highest quality of sustainable meetings and events." Guided by "Sustainable Meetings Coach" Johanna R. Walsh, CMP, of Twirl Management, who had implemented the APEX/ASTM standards in over 10 meetings since their release, the GMIC course includes 40 hours of instruction and application plus onsite field work. The majority of the program is online with some offline experiential application of concepts and CEU credit will be available. "The students will be working towards the mission of creating, guiding and implementing the sustainability goals and performance outcomes of the 2014 Sustainable Meeting Conference. Through their participation the students will be responsible for the successful implementation of the sustainable event initiatives," with the culminating experience an onsite practicum at the 2014 Sustainable Meetings Conference in San Francisco, California, April 14-17, 2014. For more information on the program, slated to begin October 8, 2013, please visit the GMIC website. |
Industry News
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Calling all conference center CMPs! Rev up your engines and join the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) for the 32nd Annual International Convention Center Conference (ICCC) October 3-5, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina — home of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Taking place at the Omni Charlotte Hotel, this event is designed to help you kick your career into high gear with superior professional development, essential industry updates and trends, and high-caliber networking opportunities.
IAVM recently announced that 2013 CIC Hall of Leaders inductee Peggy Daidakis, the executive director at the Baltimore Convention Center, is the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient on behalf of IAVM’s Convention Centers/Exhibit Halls Committee and will be presented with her award during the conference. Please visit the IAVM website for additional information and to register. |
 The National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Inc. (NCBMP) recently announced that Ozzie Jenkins-Gibson, "one of the most recognized leaders in meeting and hospitality management," will retire effective December 31, 2013, after over 30 years of service. Over the years, Ms. Jenkins-Gibson has been very active in the industry on a number of fronts- founding OJA, a meetings and management consulting firm, managing the day-to-day operations of NCBMP for 26 years, and participating "in some form or fashion with all of the major industry associations, including the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), Meetings Professional International (MPI), and the Convention Industry Council (CIC)," among others. Before retiring, Ms. Jenkins-Gibson will manage the upcoming NCBMP conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 4-8, 2013. "We will celebrate Ozzie's departure from managing the organization at our December Conference with a recognition that is appropriate for her years of service, but we are hopeful she will remain a key member of NCBMP for many years to come. We encourage those in our industry who know her to reach out and give her a fond farewell," said NCBMP chairwoman Ana Aponte Curtis.
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Research and Trends
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CMP on the Road
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CIC Hall of Leaders Gala (in conjunction with IMEX America)
Sunday, October 13, 2013, 6:00 pm Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada Attire: Black Tie Honoring: Jorge Castex, Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, Peggy Daidakis,Liz Erikson and Stephen Powell & Pacesetter Award winners Robyn Mietkiewicz, CMP, CMM and Meghan Schlit, CMP See our website for individual ticket sales and table information. IMEX America October 15-17, 2013 Sands Expo in Las Vegas, NV Visit CIC at the IMEX-CIC Inspiration Center. For a complete listing of CIC sessions, please click here. CMP Town Hall Meeting Monday, October 28, 2013, 1:30 pm -3:30 pm C.T. Westin Birmingham (Ballrooms A&B) 2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North Birmingham, Alabama 35203 RSVP: Please email CIChq@conventionindustry.org (Subject: CMP Town Hall Meeting) with your intention to participate. Participants will also earn two (2) continuing education hours toward recertification. |
On The Move
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Lyn Gleasure, CMP, CPCE, is the National Event Sales Manager for Biltmore ®, a National Historic Landmark that includes Biltmore House – America’s Largest Home –Inn on Biltmore Estate, and the Biltmore Winery.
Make an awesome career move? Let us help you celebrate! Send the details of your latest career triumph to cmptoday@conventionindustry.org. And while you're at it, be sure to log into www.conventionindustry.org and update your official CMP record. |
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