Diane Keen, CMP
CMP EMERITUS STATUS
THE WIND BENEATH BY WINGS…
I’m a CMP! Sometimes, even after 30 years, I find it hard to believe, for the designation helped propel me to professional heights I thought unattainable for this gal without a college degree.
And now that I have retired, I can take the time to reflect on the past and to the wonderful adventure that led me to sit for the coveted CMP Exam.
Guess I’m one of the lucky ones! You know - one of those people who find themselves in the right place, at the right time.
For me, the “right time” began in the early 1970’s when I had the good fortune of being hired as a part-time catering secretary for the Dallas Sheraton Hotel. I immediately fell in love with the hospitality industry! As the months and years rolled by, I relocated to Virginia and continued my career growth, moving from Hotel Catering Secretary, to Outside Sales Representative, to Inside Sales Representative, to Assistant Catering Manager. Hotel management policies dictated that the Management Team learn the ropes: i.e., cleaning rooms, working the front desk and appreciating all the back-of-the-house functions. Finally, in the late 70’s, I became a full-fledged Catering and Event Manager. On this “hotel side”, I learned to do it all and loved every crazy minute of my busy life!
During ensuing years, I worked for multi-property hotel management companies, traveling across the USA to participate in acquisitions, conversions, staff training and grand openings.
Then, in 1981, good fortune stuck again, and I was hired as Meetings Manager for a large trade association. Here I learned the art of juggling multiple meetings – over 100 annually. Being a “buyer” of services was exciting and I had some of the best teachers and mentors in the industry to help me along.
In 1991, with the encouragement and support of my employer, I felt brave enough to sit for “THE EXAM”! Yes, it was hard! But the combination of hands-on experience along with studying paid off and I passed the CMP exam the first time. The pride and confidence of my achievement was felt immediately and shortly thereafter, I was named Director of Meetings and Conventions for my association. My responsibilities grew exponentially and included participation in conventions of 100,000+ attendees and planning foreign meetings. Real or imagined, I highly doubt that my step up the ladder would have occurred without my CMP designation.
Now, 30 years after the start of my hospitality industry adventure, I have retired. But the CMP credentials after my name still have much merit and provide me with occasional ad hoc opportunities as an Independent Contractor (any one out there want to hire me?)
My heartfelt thanks to all those wonderful CIC industry professionals for making the CMP Emeritus designation possible! You are my heroes!
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