NAFA Meetings Assistant Gladys Reyes Earns Certified Meeting Professional Designation
In the workforce, education is the key to doing one’s job better. Employees are always faced with changing situations, new technologies, and increased demands. Advanced training helps workers to stay ahead of the curve. NAFA believes strongly in advanced training – not only for the Members of the Association, but for the members of NAFA staff as well. The Association salutes Gladys Reyes on taking the initiative and earning her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.
The CMP program recognizes individuals who have achieved the industry’s highest standard of professionalism. Established in 1985, the CMP credential increases the proficiency of meeting professionals by identifying a body of knowledge; establishing a level of knowledge and performance necessary for certification; stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management; increasing the value of practitioners to their employers; recognizing and raising industry standards, practices, and ethics; and maximizing the value received from the products and services provided by Certified Meeting Professionals.
"Higher education is something I truly believe in," said NAFA’s Executive Director Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "I am always proud when a staff member earns a certification in their stated field. Gladys has been an integral part of our meetings department; it’s wonderful to see her further her interest and knowledge in the field."
Reyes, NAFA’s Meetings Assistant, began working for NAFA in 2005. Before working for the Association, Reyes worked as a meetings assistant for the New Jersey Dental Association and for the Alameda Center for Rehabilitation and Care. She plays a major role in NAFA’s annual Institute & Expo each year. The event is not only the largest of the year for NAFA, but is the largest fleet management industry event as well. Reyes helps set up the meetings rooms for more than 60 hours of educational sessions, Keynote Speakers, and networking events. In addition, she works with the hundreds of exhibitors who line the expo floor and is deeply involved with the host hotels. She also helps to organize the Association’s annual Board Meetings, fleet educational seminars, and other events throughout the year.
"Out of all the jobs I have had in my lifetime, I find meeting planning to be one of the most enjoyable," said Reyes. "Meeting planning requires work that pays special attention to detail and when it all comes together I feel great satisfaction at a job well done."