Emeritus CMPs

David J. Bloyd, CMP
Boys Town, NE

At the end of this designation period, December 31, 2006, I will have held the CMP designation for 10 years. That time period spans the last few years of my active employment and the subsequent retirement years.

While still working, the designation meant several things. First and foremost, the preparation and study for the exam was a learning experience which made me a better planner. Secondly, the designation carried a message of knowledge and experience to industry meetings for other planners and hospitality personnel to see and recognize. The designation also provided a source of recognition from my senior management, indicating a level of study, ability and professionalism. Wearing the designation proudly gave me an enhanced confidence that I felt enabled me to be more innovative and creative. Finally, carrying the CMP designation into negotiating situations with potential for business involvement provided a certain amount of respect from the other side that improved my negotiating stance.

There are also several reasons why I want to retain the designation. Since my retirement I have conducted a small business operation that involves private and corporate consultation, so all of the above still applies. There is also a certain amount of pride that accompanies the use and display of a professional designation, even in retirement. In addition, I have done some contract work in the meetings industry and I believe it has been important to be able to indicate that I have that professional status. Finally, I have recently been asked by a fellow CMP who is still employed as a planner to do some telephone survey work for him, and by holding the CMP designation I can give advance notice of my upcoming calls along with that professional title and the recipients of those calls are more willing to share telephone time with me.

Thus, I feel that being seen as a Certified Meeting Professional enhanced my career while working and has continued to serve me well in retirement. I want to continue being able to display the designation in correspondence, on business cards and in publicity with pride and assurance that my ability and talents are recognized. Thank you for the opportunity to make this request.