FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 8, 2007
CONTACT: Chris Marshall, CMP Director
Tel. (202) 429-8634
cmarshall@conventionindustry.org

CIC ANNOUNCES FREE ACCESS TO CMP APPLICATION ONLINE

Washington, DC – The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is pleased to announce new enhancements to the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program. CIC will now offer the CMP application and the CMP Handbook at no cost, as instant downloads on its website at www.conventionindustry.org.

“We are delighted at the advancement of the CMP program in offering the CMP application free of charge, and we strive to continually meet the ever-changing needs of our CMP community,” stated Amy Ledoux, CAE, CMP, Chair of the CMP Board of Directors, and Vice President-Meetings & Expositions, ASAE & The Center.

Due to the CMP program’s overwhelming growth and success, CIC sensed the urgent need to effectively communicate CMP requirements, and make the process more transparent for individuals interested in the program. Applicants are no longer required to purchase the handbook in order to understand the requirements and process of the program.

Recognition of the CMP program has exploded both domestically and internationally, and there are currently 12,167 individuals in 34 countries who have earned the Certified Meeting Professional designation. As more employers require or prefer this certification, the CMP application has become a valuable professional development tool. Free online availability gives meeting planners the ability to map out their careers, and provides employers with an added awareness of CMPs' knowledge base and the value that they bring to an organization. In addition, CMPs can now verify and revise their individual profiles immediately, and both they and employers can monitor their CMP status in the online directory.

“By empowering our CMPs to review the application in advance, without having to purchase it, we allow them to deepen their appreciation of our program,” said Chris Marshall, CMP Program Director.

In an ongoing effort to enhance the CMP program, CIC intends to provide additional website services, continue international expansion using IMEX as the key international venue, and provide more CMP exclusive programming, such as the highly popular CMP Conclave, held in conjunction with Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL for 2007.

For access to the CMP application and CMP Directory, or for general information on the CMP program, please visit the CIC website at www.conventionindustry.org.

 

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 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 Hall of Leaders Program, other CIC programs include the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program, the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative, Project Attrition, and the CIC Economic Impact Study. For more information, visit the CIC website at www.conventionindustry.org.