Emeritus CMPs

Freda Monk, CMP
Houston, TX

The CMP designation has certainly made a difference in my career. Back in 1985 when I first became certified, meeting management was just one part of my job. In 1988, I realized that meeting management was the career path I wanted to take, and sought a full-time position in the industry. I quickly received several offers, and accepted a position as a meeting and travel manager for a Fortune 500 company at a significant salary increase. After I accepted the job, I was informed that there were three very qualified candidates under consideration, and the deciding factor was my CMP- I was the only one of the three candidates who was certified.

In 1992, I married and moved to Houston and decided to become an independent planner. Again, my CMP certification as instrumental to my success as I informed prospective clients about the qualifications needed to obtain and maintain the CMP certification. I quickly found and have maintained all the business I need to be successful as an independent planner.

For several years I taught meeting management courses at a local junior college, and once again my CMP helped. The school required a Masters Degree for adjunct faculty, but because I was able to demonstrate that the CMP designation was just as valuable and more relevant to my courses because it required special training in meeting management, I was hired and went on to develop and teach two courses.

My dealings with suppliers have also been made easier. As soon as they see that I’m a CMP, I don’t have to explain my qualifications or justify my involvement in the industry and the meeting management process of my clients.

Although I have reached an age when many people retire, I hope to stay in the hospitality industry for many years and to keep flaunting my CMP certification. I expect to start slowing down now, but can’t imagine not being involved in this dynamic industry. It’s what keeps me young!