Member Spotlight - Relections of a New CMM!

Anita Carlyle, CMP, CMM, Moore Carlyle Consulting

As a newly certified CMM, I would recommend this experience to anyone passionate about the business of meetings and events. It is challenging, but rewarding on various levels - professionally and personally. I now appreciate the need for strategy revolving around planning events and the education required to properly fill the needs of clients who do hire professional to run their events. Good Luck to the many Toronto MPI members who are completing the course in November. Here are a few tips for those thinking about becoming certified.

Recommended do’s and don’ts for CMM course participants

Do’s

• Ensure you have adequate time to complete the course requirements. There is significant pre-reading, a long week in class, an exam that needs at least 2 days to complete and at least 2 weeks of dedicated time to complete the business plan.
• Connect with your assigned CMM team ahead of the course. You will have to work with them throughout the course and they will become your cheerleaders when times prove to be difficult. Everyone on the team has something to offer.
• Attend non-classroom events put on by the local sponsors. These sponsors have committed financial resources to offset the education and therefore deserve your time. Also, the course instructors and graders do attend, and are aware of those participating and engaging in the entire experience.
• Join your CMM social media conversations. Many participants posted questions and concerns and collectively the group was able to help.
• Be passionate and realistic about your business plan. It will help you justify your time and keep you engaged.
• Do apply to the many organizations that offer CMM scholarships for financial assistance.

Don’t

• Expect to get your day-to-day work done during the class week.
• Skip classes or hand in assignments late!
• Don’t tell your colleagues that you are hiring a consultant to write the business plan for you!

Interested in obtaining a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or CMM (Certification in Meeting Management) designation?

MPI Toronto Chapter has scholarships to help members achieve their educational goals and objectives.
For funding help, apply here.