As I write this article to close out my tenure on the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Board Chair, I look back and wonder what on earth has happened to the year 2014? This year has come and gone with the blink of an eye. Just 11 months ago (January 2014), I wrote an article focused on turning challenges into opportunities to make something positive happen. I certainly have had my share of challenges this past year and have somehow managed to get through each one. I honestly believe the people with whom I surround myself had a lot to do with me getting through the challenges.

Immediately, thoughts of my fellow CMP Board members and CIC staff come to mind of the people I’d like to thank who have a hand in my tenure as the Chair of the CMP Board. During my time spent as Chair, I worked closely alongside some amazing, smart and dedicated leaders who represent each of the 33 Convention Industry Council member organizations. We shared our experiences, ideas and other countless ways to ensure the CMP Program remained the best, most recognized certification in the meetings industry.

Here are just a few highlights of the work we accomplished this past year:

• Hosted a successful Conclave in New Orleans, Louisiana. The largest attended Conclave ever with more than 400 CMPs in attendance. Attendees took full advantage of the educational sessions led by top notch speakers, as well as availed themselves to ample networking opportunities with fellow CMPs to engage in discussing new ideas and current trends within the meetings industry. The Conclave could not have been a success without the support of our industry sponsors. Time and time again, they come through for the CMP community. For the first time, I learned how to speak Cajun and was thrilled to learn how to say "laissez les bon temps rouler," pronounced "lay-zay lay bon ton rule-ay," which means "let the good times roll." In just a few minutes, I became a NOLA native. (smile)
• Launched the first subspecialty to the CMP, the CMP-Healthcare (CMP-HC). The new subspecialty designation has been awarded to 55 CMPs. 
• The 9th Edition of the CIC Manual was published this year and, for the first time, is now offered in e-book format in addition to hard copy.  
• Hosted our second CMP Town Hall in Alexandria, Virginia. The Town Halls gave CMPs an opportunity to dialog with board members face-to-face, network with other CMPS, hear about new developments with the CMP Program, and shared what was on their minds. The information the CMPs shared with the Board and CIC staff members will definitely help us to shape future policies and programs to ensure the CMP remains a world-class designation.
• Conducted a board self-assessment to ensure we were still meeting our obligations to the CMP Program, as well as ensuring we are structured appropriately as a certification board.  
• The CMP Communications Task Force conducted a short survey with the Board members on how information on certification is communicated throughout their respective member organizations. The results of the survey will be used to create a benchmark for assessing current and future strategies of the value of certification.
• The Global Expansion Task Force and CIC staff identified specific international markets for expanding the CMP Program. CIC contracted with Avenue M to conduct further research to establish a framework for assessing international certification markets.
• The Long Range Planning Task Force conducted extensive research and findings as it relates to long-term occupational and demographic trends with certifications.

As you can see from the above accomplishments, the Board and CIC staff were very busy this past year. 

Congratulations to all of our new CMPs who earned the distinct honor of having their names added to the list of over 10,000 CMPs around the world. Did you know that more than 50 million American adults (one-quarter of the population) hold some credential (professional certification, license, or certificate) per the U.S. Census? For those who have yet to recertify your CMP certification, please remember to do so before your hard-earned designation expires. I don’t know about you, but I certainly do not want to re-take the CMP exam. (smile)

I would also like to take this time to extend my sincere appreciation to the CMP Board and CIC team who continuously dedicated their personal time and commitment to serving on behalf of our CMP community this past year.

Finally, please join me in congratulating Joanne Joham, CMP, CMM, 2015 Chair of the CMP Board.

Best wishes for a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Melody Kebe, CMP, CGMP
Chair, CMP Board

 

 

CIC will be participating in the Hosted Buyer Program for the first time at IMEX Frankfurt! This is a great opportunity to attend the event and be a part of the group that is specifically for CMPs. If you are interested, please email kconnors@conventionindustry.org for the direct registration link.

The IMEX Hosted Buyer Programme is designed for meetings and events organizers just like you, bringing together your peers and your suppliers for three days of unrivaled innovation and inspiration, outstanding business and valuable networking.

As a Hosted Buyer, you can benefit from:

• Complimentary travel and accommodation
• Finding inspirational new ideas for your meetings from global suppliers – under one roof
• An unrivaled educational program in tracks to match your career development needs
• Exclusive social events and networking opportunities with senior industry professionals before, during and after show hours
• Full list of benefits here 

"I find IMEX to be my favorite trade show of the year. It's my opportunity to meet the world all in one place and to really get new ideas, to meet with old friends and to just find what I need for the coming year. The quality of the exhibitors is probably the best that I have ever found anywhere." ~ Una Cote, UC the Source Inc, USA

 

I always had the passion to organize charity events when I used to volunteer during university years, and plan social activities among my friends. Obviously, this was still at a very amateur level! Then my dream came true when I joined a professional event management company as an event executive in mid-2006 after "coincidently" interning with them for two months. Then and there, my passion was intact, and I was destined to fall in love with the field professionally. 

Coming from a background in biochemistry – yes, you read it right, biochemistry – I had to build my event knowledge from scratch. My knowledge of the industry was acquired through my superiors, the CEO and the infinite internet. I still remember when I first came through the title "CMP" attached to someone’s name who published an article online about meetings, and I wondered what CMP was! I was struck with the number of people that held this certification and its importance in North America; whereas, we’ve never heard of it in the Middle East, even though our company has planned a good number of high-level and international meetings and were already members of the ISES at that time.

Our knowledge was acquired through research, and by trial and error, we managed great events, yet internally we knew some aspects could have gone better. Luckily, our CEO comes from an open-minded background, and always believed in investing in new technology. We were among the first few companies to implement event management software, online registration and mobile applications. 

Meetings in the Middle East, in concept, are not very different than meetings in North America. Yet, they are much smaller in number of attendees, tighter on lead times and budgets, and also an important note is that the mentality of people is very different in the Middle East. Here, if we get a meeting with 1,000 people, that’s a milestone! The market is very tough, competitive and extremely conservative when it comes to budgets and new ideas. 

Nevertheless, when our clients’ bring in their own planners, and they join us as we work magic behind the scenes, they generally just get amazed how things get done with the suppliers. As, with the exception of the five-star facilities we have, most other suppliers are difficult to work with; this is mainly because of their individual contributions, lack of legislation, and absence of professionalism and organization.

In early 2013, due to political instability in the region, my wife and I decided that we will needed to move to the United States to secure a better future, and that is when I started thinking of a way to increase my chances in landing a job in the meeting, exhibitions and planning business. I needed to make it clear to potential employers that "I speak your language," and that’s when I started thinking about obtaining an accredited certificate. I read more about the CMP, and I knew this was the way to go. About the same time, a USAID program introduced the CMP for the first time in Jordan. Approximately 30 people registered in August 2013 for the CMP and attended a two-day orientation led by a CMP expert from the United States. In January 2014, we sat for the exam, and only five people passed.

During my course of study for the CMP, there was a lot of similarity of what’s in the books and what I was working on in reality, so it made it easy for me to always relate what I was actually doing as a planner in meetings and how I've previously conducted work, and I was very proud of what we’re doing and delivering. I did notice though, there’s a huge difference in specific areas, such as contracts, insurance and accessibility. Fortunately, the CMP study books made it easy, including both metric and imperial measurements. Even better, the APEX handbook made it a much easier explaining the industry terms in case they were different or unclear.

I felt so proud and content to have such a certificate, and even happier when I received it physically. However, even with a CMP in the company, it didn't mean a lot to clients here, as it will take time until they understand what a CMP is. Still, it gave me more knowledge, confidence and a title when introducing myself. 

I believe CMP will open new doors to additional opportunities for my career. For example, last August, shortly after obtaining my accreditation, I was at the World Education Conference in Minneapolis, and I was the "CMP from Jordan!"
To all planners thinking of becoming a CMP, I would highly encourage you to do so. With your knowledge of the industry, the study material, online resources, and your will and determination, you will pass the exam. However, a tip that benefited me greatly are study groups, as they will help you take your studying to the next level by discussing the various issues with other professionals.

 

 

Sustainability Clauses

Sustainable Planning – Don’ts and Dos – 
Look to the standards on: Sustainability Clauses

Don’t become the sustainability police at your event. Planners have enough to do without running around to check on sustainability compliance. This is not required by the standards.

Do make sure that all your contracts include sustainability clauses listing requirements for your venues and vendors. The sustainability standards that explain the performance requirements can be accessed at www.conventionindustry.org/StandardsPractices/APEXASTM/GettingAPEXASTM.aspx. If you read the standards, you’ll know what is expected, so you can create clauses for your venues and suppliers to meet industry standards.
 
CIC making it easier: If you don’t have the time or expertise to create your own sustainability clauses, just use the ones in the SMPP® found at www.SustainableMeetingPlanner.com. Use the CIC50 discount code to register.

If you have a question on the Don’ts and Dos according to the standards, send it through the Contact Us form at www.SustainableMeetingPlanner.com. 

 

From the press release ~ 

(IAEE) announces the appointment of Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, as the organization's Executive Vice President. In this role, she will oversee additional strategic planning and operational responsibilities.

"Cathy has been an integral member of the IAEE team for many years and has worked tirelessly to promote IAEE's strategic plan and initiatives," said David DuBois, President and CEO of IAEE. "She has earned respect and appreciation from our staff, volunteer leaders and global members."

Ms. Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, manages the day-to-day operations of the association, including overseeing marketing and communications, membership, education, conventions and events, and administration. In addition, she currently serves as the Managing Director of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) whose primary purpose is to promote the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering research-based knowledge tools. Ms. Breden earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1990, and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1995.

 

2015 ESPA  Annual Conference
January 9-11, 2015
Chicago, IL
More information 


PCMA Convening Leaders
January 11-14, 2015
Chicago, IL
More information 


Global Pharmaceutical & Medical Meetings Summit
February 10-12, 2015
Philadelphia, PA
More information 

 

Marcia Durst, CMP, is now an instructor with the Sacramento State University College of Continuing Education.

Jane-Lynn Everett, CMP, is now a Planning Manager on the Pricewaterhouse Coopers account for BCD M&I.

Tara Gray, CMP, is now the Meeting and Event Manager for Experient at McCormick Place in Chicago. She was previously at SAVOR.

Elisa L. Jaworski, CMP, is now the Director of National Accounts, Northeast for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp working with all accounts located in the Northeast from Pennsylvania to Maine.

Lindsey Keefe, CMP, is now Corporate Account Manager at kubik.

Devin Lewis, CEM, CMP, is now Director of Regional Sales for the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority – Washington, D.C., office. Devin was formerly Sales Executive-Association Market in the same location. 

Megan Ogden, CMP, is now Director, Meetings and Events for the National Association of Colleges and Employers in Bethlehem, PA.

Kathy Walters, CMP, CCEP, is now Assistant Director of Event Management at the Purdue Memorial Union at Purdue University located in West Lafayette, IN. She was previously Senior Conference Coordinator in Purdue University Conferences. Kathy Walters also recently earned her CCEP certification from ACCED-I.

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.