FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- June 27, 2006
CONTACT: Mary E. Power, CAE
President & CEO
Convention Industry Council (CIC)
Phone: 202.429.8634
Email: mpower@conventionindustry.org

The Convention Industry Council Builds Assets
With Recent Additions to Staff

WASHINGTON, DC-- June 27, 2006--The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is pleased to announce the addition of four new staff members to its team. Alison Heath, CMP Manager, and Michelle Measel, CMP Coordinator, will work with CMP Director, Chris Marshall, to strengthen CIC’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program. Katie Brannan, CMP, APEX Director, and Katherine Brick, APEX Coordinator, will work directly with the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) Initiative.

The CMP Program continues to grow world-wide with more than 11,000 Certified Meeting Professionals in over 29 countries. To ensure smooth and effective CMP application and exam processes, Alison Heath will apply strong focus on customer service to aid those seeking the CMP designation and to their employers. Heath’s background in associations and meeting planning will positively effect the CMP program. Michelle Measel will maintain accurate records for CMP Candidates and will prepare for the implementation of CIC’s new database. She will also to increase participation for the CMP program, in addition to working directly with current volunteers. Chris Marshall will focus on the program’s international development and expansion. She also directs the efforts of the numerous CMP Committees and study groups, as well as developing new tools for effective CMP Exam self-study.

The APEX Initiative has entered its next stage, moving from concept development phase to the industry implementation phase. Katie Brannan, CMP will take positive steps to ensure APEX maintains forward momentum. With experience specifically in development and implementation of streamlined systems and processes, Brannan is enthusiastic about bringing APEX into daily use for all meeting professionals. To provide additional support to this industry-wide initiative, Katherine Brick will target new APEX marketing and learning tools towards CIC Member Organizations and specific industry segments.

The CIC and its new management company, Management Options, Inc. (MOI) joined efforts to reorganize and fully staff CIC’s team for its first time in three years. “One of the reasons CIC selected Management Options, Inc. was our commitment to the development and promotion of quality staff. We have exceeded even our own expectations with this quality team,” commented Jason Clawson, President of MOI.

The Convention Industry Council’s 32 member organizations represent more than 103,500 individuals as well as over 17,300 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 professionalism of the industry, the 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 Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program and the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative, CIC’s other programs include the Hall of Leaders, Project Attrition, the Prestigious CIC Cup, and the CIC Economic Impact Study. For more information, visit www.conventionindustry.org.

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Please email all requests for Staff Photos to Amy Hawthorne, Project Coordinator (ahawthorne@conventionindustry.org)