Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program

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Emeritus CMPs

What the CMP designation means to me
Matthew M. Malok, CMP
Atlanta, Georgia

When I first thought about studying for the CMP exam back in 1996, I thought I knew all there was to know about meeting planning. Quite frankly, I didn’t see how a CMP designation would improve the skills I already had. Was I ever wrong!

Shortly after I achieved certification as a CMP, I was downsized from a job I loved managing continuing education courses at a major technical university in the South. I had traveled all over the States and even spent time in Europe and Hong Kong coordinating our programs and meetings, but our training programs office was absorbed into another department so I found myself out of a job. Fortunately I had the CMP designation after my name, and that went a long way in maintaining my self-esteem and eventually helped me to obtain another position within state government.

Since I left the university, I have had jobs with Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Human Resources and currently am Program Manager with the Georgia Council on Aging planning to retire in 2008. The skills I have learned in my years as a meeting professional coupled with the knowledge that came with my preparation for the CMP exam and the recertification 5 years ago enabled me to excel in my field. I have become the “go to” person when it comes to coordinating a meeting, conference or training event.

One of the most rewarding aspects of obtaining the CMP designation is that it has become widely recognized over the years and therefore increasingly more valuable. Back in 1997 I had to explain to just about everybody (even folks in the industry) what CMP meant. Now it is rare for me to encounter anyone who plans or supplies meetings and is unaware how the CMP designation contributes to managing a quality event. Many GMs have told me that they prefer to work only with Certified Meeting Professionals and some require the designation before hiring sales staff. I have found that the designation enables me to negotiate a contract more successfully and with less stress since CMP defines the planner as a competent professional.

When I look back at over 25 years in the industry, I feel that one of the smartest moves I made was to obtain the CMP designation and to recertify. In many ways it has been more important to me professionally than my B.A. or M.A. degrees. I am so happy that the Convention Industry Council has an emeritus status for those of us who hope to continue to serve or volunteer in this wonderful field in retirement. I am not sure what the future holds for me, but I am certain that the CMP emeritus status will be a constant reminder of the high standards that have been set with the CMP designation. Thanks to all who made this designation a reality!

(Back to all Emeritus CMPs)

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Emeritus CMPs

What the CMP designation means to me
Matthew M. Malok, CMP
Atlanta, Georgia

When I first thought about studying for the CMP exam back in 1996, I thought I knew all there was to know about meeting planning. Quite frankly, I didn’t see how a CMP designation would improve the skills I already had. Was I ever wrong!

Shortly after I achieved certification as a CMP, I was downsized from a job I loved managing continuing education courses at a major technical university in the South. I had traveled all over the States and even spent time in Europe and Hong Kong coordinating our programs and meetings, but our training programs office was absorbed into another department so I found myself out of a job. Fortunately I had the CMP designation after my name, and that went a long way in maintaining my self-esteem and eventually helped me to obtain another position within state government.

Since I left the university, I have had jobs with Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Human Resources and currently am Program Manager with the Georgia Council on Aging planning to retire in 2008. The skills I have learned in my years as a meeting professional coupled with the knowledge that came with my preparation for the CMP exam and the recertification 5 years ago enabled me to excel in my field. I have become the “go to” person when it comes to coordinating a meeting, conference or training event.

One of the most rewarding aspects of obtaining the CMP designation is that it has become widely recognized over the years and therefore increasingly more valuable. Back in 1997 I had to explain to just about everybody (even folks in the industry) what CMP meant. Now it is rare for me to encounter anyone who plans or supplies meetings and is unaware how the CMP designation contributes to managing a quality event. Many GMs have told me that they prefer to work only with Certified Meeting Professionals and some require the designation before hiring sales staff. I have found that the designation enables me to negotiate a contract more successfully and with less stress since CMP defines the planner as a competent professional.

When I look back at over 25 years in the industry, I feel that one of the smartest moves I made was to obtain the CMP designation and to recertify. In many ways it has been more important to me professionally than my B.A. or M.A. degrees. I am so happy that the Convention Industry Council has an emeritus status for those of us who hope to continue to serve or volunteer in this wonderful field in retirement. I am not sure what the future holds for me, but I am certain that the CMP emeritus status will be a constant reminder of the high standards that have been set with the CMP designation. Thanks to all who made this designation a reality!

(Back to all Emeritus CMPs)