CMP 20th Anniversary

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2005

CONTACT: Ann Peshoff
Convention Industry Council
(703) 610-0224

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
CMP CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

McLean, VA – February 4, 2005 – The Convention Industry Council (CIC) announced today that 2005 marks the twentieth year of its Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program. The organization will commemorate the anniversary with several promotional events throughout the year and a in a dinner celebration during the 2005 CMP Conclave at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, June 26 – 28, 2005.

Established in 1985, the CMP program was developed to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals in key components of the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry; recognize and raise industry standards; and, increase the value of these practitioners to their employers and individuals to whom their services are provided. Today it is regarded as the premier certification program in the industry.

The CMP examination tests the candidates’ knowledge of meeting management. In addition to passing a rigorous examination, candidates must also demonstrate management experience in the field as well as responsibility and accountability for successful meetings.

The first CMP examination, which yielded 23 passing candidates, was administered on June 6, 1985 in Chicago, Illinois. Howard Feiertag, CMP, CHME, CHA, hospitality and tourism instructor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute was among the first to receive the credential. Feiertag reflects, "Throughout the 20 years that I've been a CMP, it has added greatly to my credibility and standing in the meetings and conventions industry. I credit CMP with aiding me in doing more business with other CMPs while I was in the hotel business. Even now, teaching meeting & convention management at Virginia Tech, I am still getting recognition and great respect from students, faculty, and university officials because of my being a CMP."

Over its two decade history, the CMP program has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the industry. The program, which expanded internationally in 1993, now certifies an average of 1,000 new CMPs annually. In 2005 the number of individuals who have obtained the CMP credential will total over 10,000 in 26 countries worldwide. CMP Board Chair, John S. Parke, CMP asserts, “As more industry professionals achieve the CMP certification, the entire industry is enhanced through the sharing of best practices. Over time, those practices are setting new standards of excellence for our profession and the entire industry, on a global scale.”

Beginning in 1995, CIC instituted an annual CMP Conclave to ensure that the CMP program remains current and reflective of the role of meeting professionals. Each year, this high-level group of industry leaders collectively contributes its industry expertise to review, edit, and validate current test questions from the CMP Item Bank. Over the last 10 years, the conclave has evolved as well. The addition of an educational component specifically tailored to CMPs has allowed the Conclave to become one of the most highly regarded events among the CMP community.

In an effort to further enhance the CMP program, the CMP Board of Directors is currently in the process of revalidating the content of the CMP examination through an extensive research project called a job analysis. The entire project, which involves a comprehensive survey of the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry, is expected to be complete by the end of 2005. Based on this analysis, the subject matter tested on the examination may change. “The key to the CMP program’s success is its ability to continually evolve along with the meetings industry. With the support of our member organizations, and the generous contribution of our current CMPs to the program, CMP is positioned to remain the premier industry certification for decades to come,” states Mary E. Power, CAE, president and CEO of CIC.

Recognizing industry trends towards the globalization of meetings, CIC is working to educate current CMPs and future candidates for the CMP on key issues to consider when executing meetings outside the U.S., or when executing meetings that will be attended by international delegates. It is increasingly important for meeting professionals to recognize the cultural differences that exist in all parts of the world as it affects the way we do business.

The new Convention Industry Council International Manual, 1st Edition, which will mirror the 7th edition of the Convention Industry Council Manual, is being written and reviewed by a team of international industry experts and edited by Tony Carey, CMM, editor and author of The European Handbook. This international supplement is intended to globally broaden the scope of all professional meeting and event organizers. With a strong team of authors from around the world in place, CIC is confident that the new manual will provide an authentic view of international meeting practices. This international manual will become the primary study text for CMP candidates in preparing for international content on the CMP examination. The publication will be launched at the 2005 CMP Conclave in Toronto.

The Convention Industry Council’s 30 member organizations represent more than 98,000 individuals as well as 15,000 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry. Formed in 1949 to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry, CIC facilitates the exchange of information and develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact. In addition to the CMP Program, CIC is also responsible for the APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) initiative, the Hall of Leaders, and the CIC Economic Impact Study.

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©2004 Convention Industry Council
Contact the CIC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2005

CONTACT: Ann Peshoff
Convention Industry Council
(703) 610-0224

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
CMP CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

McLean, VA – February 4, 2005 – The Convention Industry Council (CIC) announced today that 2005 marks the twentieth year of its Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program. The organization will commemorate the anniversary with several promotional events throughout the year and a in a dinner celebration during the 2005 CMP Conclave at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, June 26 – 28, 2005.

Established in 1985, the CMP program was developed to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals in key components of the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry; recognize and raise industry standards; and, increase the value of these practitioners to their employers and individuals to whom their services are provided. Today it is regarded as the premier certification program in the industry.

The CMP examination tests the candidates’ knowledge of meeting management. In addition to passing a rigorous examination, candidates must also demonstrate management experience in the field as well as responsibility and accountability for successful meetings.

The first CMP examination, which yielded 23 passing candidates, was administered on June 6, 1985 in Chicago, Illinois. Howard Feiertag, CMP, CHME, CHA, hospitality and tourism instructor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute was among the first to receive the credential. Feiertag reflects, "Throughout the 20 years that I've been a CMP, it has added greatly to my credibility and standing in the meetings and conventions industry. I credit CMP with aiding me in doing more business with other CMPs while I was in the hotel business. Even now, teaching meeting & convention management at Virginia Tech, I am still getting recognition and great respect from students, faculty, and university officials because of my being a CMP."

Over its two decade history, the CMP program has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the industry. The program, which expanded internationally in 1993, now certifies an average of 1,000 new CMPs annually. In 2005 the number of individuals who have obtained the CMP credential will total over 10,000 in 26 countries worldwide. CMP Board Chair, John S. Parke, CMP asserts, “As more industry professionals achieve the CMP certification, the entire industry is enhanced through the sharing of best practices. Over time, those practices are setting new standards of excellence for our profession and the entire industry, on a global scale.”

Beginning in 1995, CIC instituted an annual CMP Conclave to ensure that the CMP program remains current and reflective of the role of meeting professionals. Each year, this high-level group of industry leaders collectively contributes its industry expertise to review, edit, and validate current test questions from the CMP Item Bank. Over the last 10 years, the conclave has evolved as well. The addition of an educational component specifically tailored to CMPs has allowed the Conclave to become one of the most highly regarded events among the CMP community.

In an effort to further enhance the CMP program, the CMP Board of Directors is currently in the process of revalidating the content of the CMP examination through an extensive research project called a job analysis. The entire project, which involves a comprehensive survey of the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry, is expected to be complete by the end of 2005. Based on this analysis, the subject matter tested on the examination may change. “The key to the CMP program’s success is its ability to continually evolve along with the meetings industry. With the support of our member organizations, and the generous contribution of our current CMPs to the program, CMP is positioned to remain the premier industry certification for decades to come,” states Mary E. Power, CAE, president and CEO of CIC.

Recognizing industry trends towards the globalization of meetings, CIC is working to educate current CMPs and future candidates for the CMP on key issues to consider when executing meetings outside the U.S., or when executing meetings that will be attended by international delegates. It is increasingly important for meeting professionals to recognize the cultural differences that exist in all parts of the world as it affects the way we do business.

The new Convention Industry Council International Manual, 1st Edition, which will mirror the 7th edition of the Convention Industry Council Manual, is being written and reviewed by a team of international industry experts and edited by Tony Carey, CMM, editor and author of The European Handbook. This international supplement is intended to globally broaden the scope of all professional meeting and event organizers. With a strong team of authors from around the world in place, CIC is confident that the new manual will provide an authentic view of international meeting practices. This international manual will become the primary study text for CMP candidates in preparing for international content on the CMP examination. The publication will be launched at the 2005 CMP Conclave in Toronto.

The Convention Industry Council’s 30 member organizations represent more than 98,000 individuals as well as 15,000 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry. Formed in 1949 to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry, CIC facilitates the exchange of information and develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact. In addition to the CMP Program, CIC is also responsible for the APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) initiative, the Hall of Leaders, and the CIC Economic Impact Study.

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