Emeritus CMPs

Bern Dayley, CMP
Lake Forest, CA

Ten years ago, when I decided to take the CMP test, I had no idea what it would mean to me in the future. I had an associate take it, who had become a CMP and I decided to do it so he would see that I could become one also. I did not know that there were study groups to study for the test so I got the books and began my individual studies.

During my studies I discovered that I had much to learn even though I had been in the meeting planning business for over 30 years. I successfully passed the test and was given the designation of CMP. What then happened was amazing to me. I found that when I was working with people in my meeting planning efforts that I had more respect with them. Sales people at hotels were easier to work with and I was able to negotiate better prices and make better arrangements for my meetings. It seemed that they had more respect for my position and I also found that I had learned how to better work with them. This also held true when working with the F & B people at a hotel.

As the years went by things only got better, as I developed my meeting planning efforts through further experience and education. Through attending MPI events I not only gained further education, but also became aware of the CMM program. I decided to pursue that and obtained that designation as well. When someone asks me what the difference is between these two designations I tell them that the CMP program is having the knowledge of what to do and the CMM program is putting that knowledge into practice.

Obtaining these designations has opened up a new world to me. I have been of more use to those who I plan meetings for and have been able to put together more informative and entertaining and cost effective meetings.

I have now reached the age of retirement, but because I still enjoy my work I intend to continue efforts to organize meetings for several more years. I know that I can continue to learn and become better in those efforts because of what the CMP program has taught me.