It’s that nightmare that we’ve seemingly all had once or twice: You’re 15 years old, and you’ve just arrived in math class to find that there’s an exam waiting on your desk—and you haven’t studied. Except, it’s not a dream; you’re an event planner growing in your career, and the exam is to earn your CMP designation.
Introducing Marcus Eng
Marcus Eng, now an accomplished CMP Fellow, of course didn’t forget to study for his CMP exam, but he shares, “The day of the exam, I was a nervous wreck.”
Throughout his studying journey, work got busy, and it took over his attention. “My study routines kept falling behind to the point where I had to take PTO two days prior to the exam, check into a hotel, and lock myself in the room to cram for the exam.” While waiting, he noticed a group of fellow test-takers who were part of a study group, whereas he had studied on his own. “Thinking about that, I knew I missed out on meeting new people in the industry and preparing for the exam in a less stressful way,” he says. “I thought it was a miracle I passed!”
Of course, it was no miracle—it was Eng! He passed the test that day, and went on to serve in his current role as director, meeting operations and technology for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Later, he would become part of the first ever class of CMP Fellows. One of his proudest moments, he says, was planning APTA’s 2023 Exposition and Annual Meeting. “The meeting was very successful programmatically and financially,” he says, and, being in Florida, he says, “We walked a fine tightrope from the DEI perspective between our members and the venues that followed Florida State Law. We ultimately produced core DEI programming and features that the venues accepted, and the attendees very much appreciated. It was so successful that we were acknowledged with a TSEGold100 Grand Award in DEI Leadership.”
The most gratifying aspect of the gratifying aspects? Eng says it was “knowing I had the confidence to lead the logistics for this meeting for the very first time based on the core knowledge and experience I have accumulated over the years. Being a CMP, of course, was a key building block!”
Becoming a CMP
Eng got involved in the association industry out of college with a job at The American College of Preventative Medicine (ACPM). At that point, his goal was to go into work for the federal government. With a degree in political science, he set his sights on spending a year working as a program coordinator and saving money before moving into politics.
After about two months of working there, the event planner at the time left to start a family; the new event planner hired in their place ended up leaving the company after about another month. With the annual meeting coming up and nobody to lead it, the job fell to Eng—and he never looked back.
He first learned of the CMP in the late 90s, right around the moment when he decided on a career in the business events industry. “I wanted to do as much as I could to learn about the industry and equip myself as best as possible to start moving up the career ladder,” he says. “At the time, I felt the CMP Program helped elevate the profession and provided education to make me a better business events professional.”
After earning his CMP, Eng says, he felt an immediate impact on his job opportunities as increasing numbers of jobs either required or preferred candidates who held the CMP designation. It was a door-opener, and it molded him into the successful professional he is today. He says, “It has always provided me a solid bedrock of knowledge, giving me confidence in making the right decisions for my events.”
The CMP in the Industry
Eng spent the next 30 years of his career honing his skills. “Over time, I was fortunate to be able to take on increasingly larger planning roles with different organizations, learning and experiencing more along the way,” he says.
In addition to spending time on the association side, he spent nearly a decade with a third party. He joined industry organizations such as PCMA and networked with his peers; he saw Martiz evolve from its original name as Conferon, to Experient, to Martiz. “This was a really key period in my career where I really learned how a lot of the hotel and supplier side of the business worked as well as some really sound, fundamental planner skills with room set-ups, food and beverage and audiovisual,” explains Eng.
The CMP Fellow
Eng says, “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. I was honored to be selected for the first class, and I feel it’s important to support the new designation as a marker for other business events professionals to aspire to.”
For those CMPs who look forward to earning the CMP Fellow designation down the road, Eng says that he doesn’t believe there is necessarily a specific checklist of things to accomplish before pursuing it. You may not feel ready, but, Eng says, “There are many pathways to this designation. Ultimately, I feel it’s about service to the industry and providing leadership amongst the Events Industry Council and any of its organizational members. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone who feels they have achieved significant involvement within the industry to apply and help shape the future of the industry.”
Looking Forward
As Eng looks towards the future of the industry, the young professionals who are entering it provide a great sense of inspiration and excitement. “I feel like I’m probably one of the last generations to have ‘accidentally’ fallen into the profession,” he says. “Many emerging professionals consciously chose this industry while in school.”
This new generation has ample resources, education and tools at their disposal, as well as a whole industry full of people like Eng who are willing and enthusiastic about guiding them. “It is a gratifying feeling seeing how much more professional and purposeful the industry has become,” he says. “Knowing all this gives me great hope that the next generation will have all the tools and experience needed to improve the industry for the generation after them.”
Read More: CMP Spotlight: Get to Know Benoit Sauvage, CMP Fellow
