Emeritus CMPs

Mary Ann Carbone, CMP
Hawthorne, NJ

The inscription on my CMP Certificate reads “For having met high standards of proficiency in meeting management as demonstrated by substantial professional experience and superior examination performance.” Not only do I believe completely in these words, but I feel that CMP is the earmark of distinction among meeting professionals, thus compelling my pursuit.

In 1996 when I decided to pursue my certification, I was the only person in my office to do so. I studied in a group that met on weekends, and took my exam in Hamilton Park Conference Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. I remember the joy and pride when I opened my letter from CIC indicating that I passed. As a pharmaceutical planner for fifteen years I became the authority in my office. I then went on to a Medical Communications Company.

When I sought to leave the pharmaceutical industry a human resources person informed me that they sort their applicants into two piles, those with the CMP certification and those without. They then put the CMP’s on top. Today most job descriptions require CMP designation. I was also a member of MPI for many years. The educational conferences are an excellent source to further build your knowledge, network with your peers and keep up with industry changes.

My advice to newcomers whether you venture into Corporate, Pharmaceutical, or Association planning is to seek the CMP certificate. The materials covered for the CMP designation will give you a solid foundation and arm you with the knowledge to perform your tasks with complete confidence.

I still take great pride when I sign my name followed by those three powerful letters, CMP. I am grateful for the Emeritus Status program in that it will allow my CMP to remain with me always.