2014 CMP Conclave – New Orleans

The 2014 CMP Conclave in New Orleans was a sell-out event! Before the Conclave kick-off, there was an exam development session where CMPs rewrote questions for the CMP exam. Working with other CMPs brought new light on how the exam is structured.

My first impression at the opening session later that afternoon was one of great emotion. The Water Coolers welcomed us with comedy and laughter. Their keynote presentation set the mood for the entire conclave. Being in a ballroom with 500 of my peers was exhilarating!

After the opening session we were bused to the New Orleans House of Blues for the Welcome Reception. The food and music was enjoyed by all.

Simon T. Bailey spoke to us about "Leadership Brilliance" on Sunday morning at the general session. We learned how to let go of what is comfortable and convenient in order to create what is progressive and desirable.

The educational sessions included topics ranging from burn out to improving RFPs to a hotel contract boot camp! We learned about strategic leadership, how hotels evaluate our business and employing best practices in planning global meetings.

We lunched with Kaplan Mobray who spoke about "The 10Ks of Personal Branding" and (K)reating a better you. Ever wonder when you leave a room what people say about you? Kaplan offered case studies and exercises to help us discover our personal brand – how to manage it for success – and, in turn, uncover our true purpose in life.

The afternoon brought sessions on the dietary needs of attendees, financial fluency by

learning the three different budgets organizations use in financial management, information about hybrid meetings and creating events that support all using inclusive hospitality.

Monday morning there was a networking breakfast and more time to connect with the wonderful sponsors that made this conclave a reality.

The final sessions included food and beverage trends, successful site visits, personal technology and how high speed internet is impacting all areas of events, key strategies for sustainability, crisis planning and event safety, mobile event apps, room block piracy, and critical management.

We were delighted with James Carville and Mary Matalin at our closing session and lunch. One of America’s best-loved political couples wove stories from their professional backgrounds with analyses of hot-button issues from current headlines. They are New Orleans residents and together they are helping to rebuild and promote their city. Married for over 20 years they provided entertainment and education about the current political climate from an insider’s perspective.

If you have never attended a conclave please consider going in 2015. Next year the conclave will be in Reno/Lake Tahoe, Nevada!

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