Emeritus CMPs

J. Duff Shaw, CMP
Mississauga, ON, Canad

Meeting Management has been around for many years. In fact some would argue that it may be one of the first occupations known and recorded. There have been some great meeting Managers recorded in history. One that comes to mind was Noah. Imagine the challenges: accommodation and catering with all the special meal requirements, and of course walking a guest was not an option. Tow of the great Meeting Managers of more recent times were Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower. If we think about it, the allied invasion of France was a huge logistical challenge not unlike arranging a huge international convention. The delegates today may be more friendly toward one another however consider the logistics of travel, accommodation, catering, over booking, and supplies!

For thousands of years no one thought of us as professionals, at least not until 1985 AD. The CMP certification changed the industry in many more ways that we may ever appreciate. Certification created a bench mark that had never existed before. It gave credibility to those who carried it and gave a goal to those who aspired to get it. The CMP became the industry standard and said to the meeting world that we are professionals in a professional field.

There is no doubt that the advent of the CMP resulted, directly and indirectly, in many colleges and universities introducing courses and even programs in Meeting Management. This furthered the credibility of the profession. Our employers began to appreciate that Meeting Management is a complex and demanding role beyond a part time secretarial function. Since the CMP we now have a Coordinator and Manager Standards. Again the CMP was the catalyst that started the professional acceptance and recognition movement.

Other organizations have tried, with some success, to offer additional certifications however CMP will always be the most recognized around the world and the one with the most credibility. I am proud to have carried the letters CMP following my name and my cards for almost 20 years. I am so pleased that the CIC has added an Emeritus Status and people like myself can continue to display our letters. I fully intend to carry my CMP Emeritus for many years.