Emeritus CMPs

Dody M. Collier, CMP
Melrose, MA

Nearly 15 years before taking the CMP exam, I was heavily involved in planning meetings and events. In the early 1980’s there was minimal opportunity to become a full time planner in most business environments. During the late 1980’s while at MIT, I learned about MPI and persuaded my manager to sponsor membership. This was a definite turning point in my pursuit of a full time planning position. The more I learned about the skills of meeting planning, the more I wanted to learn.

It would be 10 years after the first CMP exam before I would be able to take the exam. I spent up to 90% of my time planning meetings and events around the world but could not convince my current employer or human resources that meeting planning was a valid position. I needed a way to bring the recognition and respect to my job that was long overdue. With the 10th anniversary of the CMP accreditation receiving a lot of press, I thought it would be an ideal time to apply. In spite of a very heavy travel schedule and meeting calendar, I made the commitment to study hard and to pass the exam no matter how many tries it took. In the summer of 1997, I passed on the first try.

The events that followed had major implications for me; within 2 weeks of passing the exam, my manager resigned and I was now reporting to the SVP of finance. I quickly set up a meeting and within 35 minutes, had negotiated a (double) promotion to Corporate Meetings Manager, a 37% increase and a home office. My certification, along with solid backup documentation of my accomplishments over the past 5 years, made it happen. The certification provided the credibility to prove to management that meeting planning is a valid profession and not just an add-on task to an administrative job. Certification elevated my self confidence and set me apart form those who would “like to obtain their CMP someday” versus those who set a definite goal and reach it.

In 2002, I was downsized and at my age, could have felt that this was the worst timing ever, but instead I started focusing full time on running my own company, Mainely Meetings. My CMP, complimented by my experience, definitely gives me the advantage over others. My CMP provides instant credibility with my clients and proves my commitment to the profession of meeting and event planning. I have never looked back.

The CMP accreditation is one of the best things I ever did for myself as a meeting planner. Once you have earned the CMP designation keeping it is just as important. You make extra activities and educational opportunities as much a part of your job as the planning; you keep current, and maintain your professional standards. Anyone who is serious about our profession should make the commitment. I’d gladly do it all again.