About the CMP
Events Industry Council launched the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program in 1985 to provide meeting industry professionals with specialized continuing education. Today, the certification is a globally-recognized distinction. Those who earn it build their industry knowledge, refine their performance, promote their credibility and learn to engage in uniform standards of practice.
A meeting planner earns their designation through a course of study, an exam and a comprehensive professional evaluation. If you’re interested in earning your designation, read on to hear from successful industry pioneers they share their own experiences of earning it.
Get to Know Marcus Eng, CMP Fellow
Director, Meeting Operations & Technology, APTA
“[The CMP] has always provided me a solid bedrock of knowledge, giving me confidence in making the right decisions for my events…Just as I feel the CMP helps provide standards within the industry as well as a means to elevate the industry, I feel the CMP Fellow Program does much of the same. It was a natural evolution”
Get to Know Benoit Sauvage, CMP Fellow
Founder & CEO, Connect DMC
“Both the CMP and CMP Fellow designations have been transformative for my career. The CMP certification provided a strong foundation, enhancing my credibility, marketability and confidence. Becoming a CMP Fellow recognized me as a leader, offering mentorship opportunities, advanced roles and personal fulfillment.”
Get to Know Lynn Miles, CMP Fellow
Sales Manager, Ocean Center Daytona Beach
“Being a CMP has always been a source of pride and dedication to my personal career growth. The CMP Fellow designation has solidified my commitment to continued education, to improving my work performance and to my personal goals.”
Get to Know Ronda Keys, CMP Fellow
Assistant Director of Events, The Universities at Shady Grove
“It was my CMP designation that helped me feel confident in any endeavor that came my way.”
Get to Know Beth Surmont, CMP Fellow
Vice President of Event Strategy and Design
“Events are where ideas are born, where relationships are forged and where leaders are inspired to make tomorrow a little bit better than today. And I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of this.”
Get to Know Allyson Gee, CMP Fellow
Event Venue Manager, Hines@Airbnb
“People [will] continue to try to gather in person as much as possible. Our challenge is to do this in meaningful ways, providing space and ideas to foster these connections.”
Get to Know Aaron Wolowiec, CMP Fellow
Founder & President, Event Garde
“Having both the CMP and CMP Fellow designations behind my name lend instant recognition and credibility that I take my work seriously, that I’ve put in the time and know a great deal about my craft, and have earned the industry’s leading recognition for meeting professionals.”
Get to Know Barbara Connell, CMP Fellow
President & CEO, Solutions by Connell, LLC
“It is a true honor to hold this designation and be part of this important industry; be sure to remain committed to the field, continue learning, and mentor others so that the field is recognized and continues to grow and attract dynamic individuals and leaders. Become a leader and impact the future!”
Get to Know Susan Arts, CMP Fellow
Principal & Founder, Arts of Meeting LLC
“Education is a continuous process. I have learned so much from every job and position I’ve held and have had many amazing mentors along the way…The learning never stops.”
Get to Know Gary Murakami, CMP
Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations, Teneo Hospitality Group
“When one sees an individual with a CMP, I feel it demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a dedication to professionalism in the industry.”
Get to Know Alexandra Carvalho, CMP
Senior Event Manager, National Sales Events, Kaiser Permanente
“We all know we can do the job, and do it well, but having those three little letters after your name shouts it out to the rest of the world, and shows you are committed to your industry and your craft.”
Get to Know Teri Jakob, CMP
Associate Director of Special Events, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation
“The CMP has been instrumental in taking my expertise to the next level. It serves as a testament to my commitment to excellence and signifies a comprehensive understanding of the complexities in event planning.”
Get to Know Loretta Yingling, CMP
National Sales Manager at Visit Raleigh
“I believe having those credentials after my name really elevates my reputation within the events industry. The CMP designation brings with it a level of respect, the knowledge that the individual who has earned the CMP designation worked hard to achieve it and takes our industry very seriously (as I do!).”
Get to Know Courtney Mesmer, CMP
Vice President of Events, WorldatWork
“There is an inexplicable magic to events that can’t be replicated in any other marketing channel.”
Get to Know Melva LaJoy Legrand, CMP
Founder and CEO, LaJoy Plans
“I am inspired and motivated because, for me, events are a way I can contribute to the world and leave it a little better than how I found it…When I consider that I get to do this work as a mature, Black, female, independently funded business owner, I hope it sends a clear signal to the next generation that representation matters, and that there is space for all of us in this industry. “
Get to Know Rachel Aden, CMP
Senior Account Manager, Arrowhead Conferences + Events
“Having [the CMP designation] shows that you are dedicated to the industry and to professional growth. It has paved the way for many [of my] conversations to start on a higher level. I’ve felt the respect that having the designation provides.”
Get to Know Tarin Horan, CMP
Vice President, Events & Sponsorship, Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC)
“The industry certainly looks to the CMP as the gold standard for meeting professionals.”
Get to Know Vi Nguyen, CMP
Director of Sales & Marketing at AC Hotel Palo Alto and Hotel Citrine
“The CMP designation has always been a badge of honor showcasing dedication to the industry.”
Get to Know Heike Mahmoud, CMP
Chief Operating Officer at CCH-Conference Center Hamburg
“This certification is the foundation for everything you can achieve professionally in the meetings industry. You have the know-how—the CMP is a door-opener for the future.”
Get to Know Desireé Dolecki, CMP
Director of Conferences and Events at The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME)
“The events industry is constantly evolving, and I found the more I was looking for knowledge and training, the more I found.”
Get to Know Constance Samuels, CMP
Director, Events and Education at National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO)
“[This designation] continues to solidify our existence in the multi-billion dollar event industry, not as an option, but as a need.”
Get to Know Cynthia MacDonald, CMP
Travel Operations Manager at Cascadia Motivation
“Don’t think twice about whether you should or should not put in the time and effort into getting your CMP. All the effort, all the studying, all the experience is definitely worth it.”
Get To Know Robert Sanchez, CMP
Co-Founder of S3 Global Events, President & CEO at Colleyville Chamber of Commerce
“Obtaining my CMP…has helped me meet professionals from across the globe through conclave, groups and communities. It has also opened doors to fantastic friendships, valuable business partnerships and numerous career opportunities.”
