cic 2007 report

2007 Certified MeetingProfessional Report

The Convention Industry Council

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. 1

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT .......................................................................... 2

CONVENTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL ....................................................................... 3

CIC MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS .............................................................................. 4

FOREWORD..................................................................................................................... 5

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW................................................................................................ 6

Industry Market Analysis ............................................................................................ 6

International Meetings ................................................................................................. 7

Technology and the Industry ....................................................................................... 9

PLANNERS AND SUPPLIERS .................................................................................... 11

Event Planners ............................................................................................................ 11

Suppliers ...................................................................................................................... 12

Planner-Supplier Relations ........................................................................................ 13

CERTIFIED MEETING PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM.......................................... 15

Overview ...................................................................................................................... 15

Growth ......................................................................................................................... 16

Geographic Distribution............................................................................................. 17

Experience ................................................................................................................... 18

2007 CMP TRENDS ....................................................................................................... 19

ADVANTAGES TO HOLDING THE CMP DESIGNATION .................................. 22

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT On behalf of the Convention Industry Council, I am pleased to announce that the CMP designation has now been awarded to over 12,000 meeting professionals from 35 countries and US territories. Today, the CMP credential is widely recognized as the premiere professional designation within the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry. I congratulate the individuals who earned their CMP in 2007 and wish them continued success in their careers. I also want to thank the many CMPs who have graciously volunteered their time, energy, and intellect. These efforts are greatly appreciated and remain critical to the continued development and refinement of the CMP program. In publishing the 2007 CMP Report, our intention is to provide practicing CMPs with information that will enhance their understanding of the industry trends and developments that directly affect them. We also hope that this report demonstrates the value of the CMP designation to both meeting professionals and their employers.

Sincerely,

Jason B. Clawson

President and CEO, Convention Industry Council

Publisher Editorial and Design Support Jason B. Clawson Christine Marshall President, Management Options, Inc. CMP Program Director President and CEO, CIC Alison Heath Publication Staff CMP Program Manager Manju Mathai Editor Michelle Measel CMP Program Coordinator Emma Wallace Editor Tom Rigsby

Alison Levesque CIC Marketing and Communications Director

Statistical Analyst

Contact CIC

1620 I Street NW, Suite 615 • Washington, DC 20006 • T (202) 429-1600 • F (202) 463-8498 www.conventionindustry.org

Copyright 2007 © Convention Industry Council

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CONVENTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL

The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is a federation of leading national and international organizations involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. CIC’s member organizations represent more than 103,500 individuals and 17,300 firms or properties across all sectors of the industry. The Convention Liaison Council was founded in New York in 1949 by four organizations – American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); American Hotel and Motel Association (AH&MA); Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI); and International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (IACVB). In 2000, the organization changed its name to the Convention Industry Council. In the 58 years since its inception, CIC has grown to include 32 member organizations. Formed by organizations seeking to enhance the industry, CIC facilitates the exchange of information, develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry, and educates the public on its profound economic impact. CIC is the voice of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry and provides a forum for leadership to productively and cohesively move the industry forward. CIC’s most notable programs include:

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program recognizes individuals who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. Established in 1985, the CMP program was developed to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals in all segments of the industry. The requirements for certification are based on professional experience and an academic examination.

The Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), an initiative spearheaded by CIC, is

uniting the entire meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry in the development and implementation of voluntary standards. Over 5,600 industry professionals have been involved in the development of APEX. Its mission is to bring together all stakeholders in developing and implementing accepted practices to create and enhance efficiencies throughout the industry.

Since 1985, CIC has honored the industry’s outstanding leaders and innovators

through its Hall of Leaders initiative. CIC member organizations and the industry community submit nominations to a blue-ribbon committee appointed by CIC, which then selects the award recipients. A video tribute to each inductee is placed permanently on display at the Hall of Leaders Recognition Pavilion housed within the Washington DC Convention Center. Additionally, a bronze plaque bearing the recipient’s name is displayed at McCormick Place in Chicago. A gala ceremony marks the induction.

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CIC MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International (ACCED-I)

AMC Institute – Formerly IAAMC

Alliance of Meeting Management Companies (AMMC)

American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)

American Society of Association Executives and the Center (ASAE)

Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM)

Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME)

Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE)

Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) – Formerly IACVB

Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA)

Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA)

Financial and Insurance Conference Planners (FICP) – Formerly ICPA

Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA)

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)

International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM)

International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)

International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) – Formerly IAEM

International Association of Protocol Consultants (IAPC)

International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB)

International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)

International Special Events Society (ISES)

Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

National Association of Catering Executives (NACE)

National Business Travel Association (NBTA)

National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP)

National Speakers Association (NSA)

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA)

Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP)

Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE)

Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA)

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FOREWORD The Convention Industry Council defines a meeting as “a coming together of a number of people in one place to confer or carry out a particular activity.” Meetings vary in size and scope, but they ultimately function as a means of accomplishing a variety of organizational goals. Conducting organization business is a major purpose served by meetings. Meetings enable groups of people to communicate, educate, train, motivate, establish a vision, make decisions, promote, network or socialize. Many organizations’ reputations and financial resources are dependent upon flawlessly planned, highly promoted, and competently managed meetings. A person who contributes to the planning of a meeting is often referred to as the meeting “planner” and a person who services the meeting is considered a meeting “supplier.” CIC refers to anyone involved in the planning or servicing of a meeting as a “meeting professional” to embrace both sides of our mutually dependant industry in one inclusive group. This group of meeting professionals encompasses a broad range of individuals – corporate, association, hospitality, government, religious and destination marketing, to name a few. The Certified Meeting Professional program’s mission is to elevate and enhance the professionalism of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry and the dedicated individuals who are responsible for meeting management. By evaluating both the current economic state of the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry along with recent CMP program statistics, we hope to enhance CMP understanding of relevant trends and development, and demonstrate the value of the CMP designation and its wide acceptance as being the foremost certification for the industry.

Using secondary research from industry resources, overall program demographics, and primary research from recent CMP Examination applications, we hope to present a view of the industry and the increasing relevance of CMPs.

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INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Industry Market Analysis As the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry continues to evolve, the increasing number of meetings, and the staggering amount of revenue they generate highlight the impact our industry has on the global economy. Examination of critical industry trends will reveal the expanding role of meeting professionals – both planners and suppliers – in this dynamic business. Every year more than one million meetings, conventions, and exhibitions are held within the United States. The 2006 Meetings Market Report, conducted by the Meetings & Conventions Magazine, reported approximately 1.25 million meetings were held in 2005 – a 25% increase from 2004, according to the CIC Economic Impact Study.

Number of Meetings1

Meeting Attendance

Total Expenditure

Corporate 1,020,300 79.7 million $31.8 billion

Association 210,600 37.9 million $41.8 billion

Conventions 12,700 18.9 million $33.6 billion

Total 1,243,600 136.5 million $107.2 billion Total Direct

Spending2 Total Direct Employment

Incentive Travel $6.24 billion 87,000

Corporate and Association Meetings

$48.15 billion

673,000

Conventions and Exhibitions

$67.92 billion

950,000

Total $122.31 billion

1,710,000

Total Economic Impact

$250.01 billion

1 Meetings Market Report, 2006. Conducted by Meetings & Conventions Magazine. 2 CIC Economic Impact Study, 2004. Conducted by Veris Consulting.

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This rapidly-expanding industry accounted for more than 1% of the approximately $11 trillion US gross domestic product. Direct spending revenue of over $122 billion contributed to an estimated $250 billion in economic impact for the US economy. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) does not consider the meetings, conventions and exhibitions sector to be its own industry – however, if it did, the industry it would rank 29th among all US private sector industries. Industry experts commonly use the term “seller’s market” to describe a recent industry trend. Today’s market is characterized by too few commodities to meet an increase in demand. For the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry, this means that the number of meetings held each year results in increased competition for available properties and additional challenges to manage budget impact from increased prices. A survey of 1,443 meeting professionals conducted by MPI and American Express, confirmed this development within the industry. Planners and suppliers must anticipate this challenge, envision innovative approaches, and execute solutions collaboratively with their industry counterparts. 3

International Meetings Globalization is emerging as a primary issue throughout the industry. Most meeting management and service companies, especially hotel and resort companies, plan to increase their global presence. 47% of hotels companies anticipated plans for expansion within the year. Meeting management and services companies followed with 36%, and corporate planners’ organizations with 26%.

3 FutureWatch 2007, 2007. Conducted by Meeting Professionals International and American Express.

Meeting Statistic Estimates for 20073

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Number of meetings held (organization)

Total budget for meetings

Number of meetings personally planned

Budget for meetings personally planned

Number of attendees per meeting

Length of meeting in days

Spend per meeting

Number of facilities considered per meeting

Average % increase reported over 2006Association/Non-profitCorporate

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Foreign travel throughout industry has, however, seen significant changes over the last couple years. In 2007, US planners reported that they intended to keep more meetings domestic. Planners projected that 90% of their meetings would be held in the US 4

compared to 83% the year before. Meetings in Canada dropped to 1%, compared to 5% for the previous year. While the number of meetings per planner and the number of attendees at international meetings increased, the percentage of planners who planned meetings outside of the US dropped to 27% from 32% in 2003. The drop in the number of foreign meetings is attributed to several different factors. The most commonly cited reasons include new US passport regulations, post-September 11 security concerns, increasing oil and gas prices, and the increased use of virtual meetings. The economic forecast for the industry continues to be robust, both from the perspective of planners and suppliers. The growing number of meetings that are anticipated for 2007 should have a positive effect on the employment and economic impact of the industry.

4 FutureWatch 2007, 2007. Conducted by Meeting Professionals International and American Express. 5 Meetings Market Report, 2006. Conducted by Meetings & Conventions Magazine.

% of Planners Involved in Meetings Outside of the Continental US5

2001 36% 2003 32% 2005 27% 2006 33%

Anticipated Location of Meetings4

0 20 40 60 80

US

Canada

Europe

% of anticipated meetings

20072006

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Technology and the Industry The expanding role of technology is having a profound impact on the industry and the role of the meeting professional. From emails to RFPs to site selection, planners and suppliers are now heavily reliant on technology to perform their job functions more effectively. A clear understanding, and effective use, of technology is essential to making the art and science of meeting planning seamless and efficient. In 2006, 83% of corporate and 82% of association respondents log onto the internet while planning meetings – significant increases from the previous year’s results for both demographics.

Internet Usage Among Planners6

A list of the sites most frequently used by planners suggests that planners are primarily using the internet to view convention and visitors bureau and individual hotel web pages. Other commonly visited sites included search engines such as Google and Yahoo!, online travel booking services, and local city sites. 6 Meetings Market Report, 2006. Conducted by Meetings & Conventions Magazine.

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Planners' Usage of the Most Popular Websites7

0 20 40 60 80

CVB site

Individual hotel site

Google

Local city site

ExpediaYahoo!

Travelocity

% of planners who report usage

CorporateAssociation

Planners consistently cited difficulties finding existing, affordable or accessible tools for needed technologies, except for internet access at hotels and event venues. Planners list their most sought-after technology and internet applications as:

1. LOGISTICAL PLANNING (23% CITED DIFFICULTY FINDING APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY)

2. ATTENDEE FEEDBACK (50% CITED DIFFICULTY)

3. IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION AND TRACKING (42% CITED DIFFICULTY)

4. BETTER ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AT VENUES AND HOTELS (NO DIFFICULTY CITED)

5. RFP PROCESS FACILITATION (35% CITED DIFFICULTY)

Surprisingly, when it came to meetings software, only 14% of corporate planners use specific programs. Association planners reported a comparably low usage of software programs, at 17%. No single software product was dominant. Research findings support the belief that an ever-present and demanding need exists for industry-wide technology solutions. 7

7 Meetings Market Report, 2006. Conducted by Meetings & Conventions Magazine

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Event Planner Subcategories

65%

34%

1% Occasional planners

Event planners

Strategic eventprofessionals

PLANNERS AND SUPPLIERS

Event Planners There are roughly 90,000 individuals that make up the event planner market in the US and Canada. This market is hard to precisely quantify, due in part to the high rate of turnover, ambiguous job titles and descriptions, and the large number of people engaged in occasional planning. Types of Planners One way to characterize planners is based on the frequency with which they plan events, their decision-making power, and their underlying work characteristics.

Using this rubric, planners can be divided into three main groups:

Occasional Planners These planners comprise the majority, with 73% of the event planning market. They may, or may not, have meeting or event planning as part of their titles or job descriptions, are unlikely to actively seek continuing education in the meeting profession, and do not usually belong to related professional associations.

Event Planners

These planners account for 26% of the total planner population. They frequently have meeting or event planning as part of their job title or job description, are more likely to belong to related professional associations, and participate in continuing education and certification.

Strategic Event Professionals

1% of all planners fall into this category. These planners do not plan events on a day-to-day basis, but have strategic oversight of all the event planning activities within organizations.

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Demographics Women continue to dominate the planner demographic, accounting for approximately three-quarters of the planner population. The age of planners has increased since 2004 – average age now falls at 45.1 years for corporate planners and 48.7 years for association planners. The average meeting

experience for planners was 10.1 years for corporations and 11.3 years for associations.

Suppliers In the US and Canada, an estimated 14,000 properties are involved in servicing the meetings market. To attempt to classify this market into appropriate segments is a considerable task, as categorization varies depending on the source. Supplier Classifications Seven main subdivisions of suppliers are listed below. Hotels accounted for the substantial majority of suppliers. Following behind were conference centers, convention centers, general service contractors, and destination management companies. Significant influencers in the supplier market not included are the convention services segment, and the food and beverage segment.

Hotels – 12,000 properties

Conference Centers – 300 properties

Convention Centers – 800 centers

General Service Contractors – 80 contractors

Audiovisual Contractors – 40 contractors

Convention & Vistors Bureaus – 750 organizations

Destination Management Companies – 500 companies

8 Meetings Market Report, 2006. Conducted by Meetings & Conventions Magazine.

Corporate8 Association Age 45.1 years 48.7 years Women 73% 77% Men 27% 23% Experience 10.1 years 11.3 years Industry Certified

13% 28%

CMPs 11% 22%

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Preferred Strategies for Building Loyalty with Planner Clients9

0 20 40 60 80 100

Competitive pricing

Flexible contracts

Preferred supplier agreements

Timely responses to RFPs

More consultative relationships

Planner reward programs

Wining and dining

% of respondants

PlannersSuppliers

Planner-Supplier Relations To ensure that the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry functions at its optimal level, healthy relationships between planners and suppliers are crucial. Topping the list of needs that encourage planners to build lasting relationship with suppliers were competitive pricing, flexible contracts, and preferred supplier agreements. Suppliers listed competitive pricing, timely response to RFPs, and flexible contracts as their top approaches to building loyalty with planners. One tactic that both planners and hotel representatives concur to be the least effective way for suppliers to building lasting relationships is “wining and dining” prospective clients. 9 Preferred supplier programs are gaining more and more importance in planner-supplier relationships. 60% of corporate planners considered their preferred supplier program to be successful in achieving their goals. The top reasons cited for this are cost and time savings, and improved relationships and partnerships with suppliers.

9 FutureWatch 2007, 2007. Conducted by Meeting Professionals International and American Express.

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Pricing Strategies11

0 10 20 30 40 50

Time-spentfee

Fixed projectfee

Commissions

Fee as % ofcost

% of respondents

Meeting mgmt.firmIndependentplanners

12345

Almost three-quarters (74%) of corporate planners participate in a preferred supplier program. Of the companies that do have a preferred supplier program, 63% state that more than half of their meetings suppliers are included in the preferred supplier group. Only 12% stated that all of their meeting suppliers were included.

10 FutureWatch 2007, 2007. Conducted by Meeting Professionals International and American Express. 11 Ibid.

Planners’ Evaluation of the Success of Preferred Supplier Programs10

1 to 5 scale 1 = Not at all successful/beneficial 5 = Extremely successful/beneficial

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CERTIFIED MEETING PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

Overview As the foremost certification program of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry, the CMP designation recognizes those who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. Established in 1985, the CMP credential was developed to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals by:

Identifying a body of knowledge Establishing a level of knowledge and performance necessary for certification Stimulating the advancement of meeting management Increasing the value of practitioners to their employers Recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics Maximizing the value received from services provided by Certified Meeting

Professionals

Program Milestones 1985 Convention Industry Council launches the Certified Meeting

Professional program. 1993 The first CMP Examination outside of North America is held in

Rome 1995 The first CMP Conclave is held in Braselton, Georgia. At its 10th anniversary, 2,500 individuals hold the CMP

designation. 2003 The Convention Industry Council International Manual, 1st Edition

is commissioned with the intent of transforming CMP into a globally-focused program.

The first Pan-Asian CMP Examination is conducted in Singapore. 2004 The first Pan-European CMP Examination is conducted in

Frankfurt, Germany. 2005 The CMP program celebrates its 20th anniversary – over 10,000

individuals hold the designation.

The CIC International Manual, 1st Edition is issued to the CMP community.

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Through the CMP Program, individuals who are currently employed in meeting management have the opportunity to pursue continuing education, increase industry involvement, and gain industry-wide recognition by achieving the CMP designation. The requirements for certification are based on a rigorous application process, requiring educational and professional experience, followed by an academic examination. A Certification Board, which includes representatives from both planner and supplier organizations, governs the program. The Board seeks to represent the diversity that exists within the profession and serve as a voice for stakeholders interested in maintaining a high meeting industry standard.

Growth Since the program’s inception, the CMP community has surged to 12,167 individuals. Within the past 10 years, the CMP credential has seen dramatic expansion, as it continues to gain domestic and international recognition as the standard of professional excellence.

Growth of the CMP Community1985-2006

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Year

Num

ber

of C

MPs

“Having achieved the CMP certification has given me insight into many

dimensions of meeting planning that I had never given much thoughtto. It has given me the ability to make better decisions and negotiate

better contracts, and it has given me the self-confidence to know the bestpath to take in any situation that arises.”

Daniel J. Lough, CMPProject Coordinator – United Transportation Union

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Geographic Distribution With increased acceptance of the CMP designation as the industry certification standard, international growth should come as no surprise. To date, the CMP certification has been bestowed upon individuals in 35 countries and US territories. This designation now touches all corners of the globe. CIC will continue international expansion of the CMP program through the Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events (IMEX) venue.

International Presence of the CMP Designation Antigua & Barbados France Malaysia Singapore

Australia Republic of Georgia Mexico South Africa Austria Germany Monaco South Korea

Bahamas Hong Kong The Netherlands Switzerland Belgium India North Korea United Arab Emirates Bermuda Ireland Poland United Kingdom Canada Italy Puerto Rico United States Cayman Jamaica Russia US Virgin Islands China Japan Saint Lucia

The highest concentrations of CMPs in the US are consistent with the top-ranked states for population according to the Census Bureau – California, Texas, Florida and Illinois. Although not included on this list, Virginia also has one of the top concentrations of CMPs. This is due in part to the sizeable number of associations headquartered in the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Number of CMPs by State

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Experience The CMP designation requires a minimum of three years of professional meeting management experience. 2007 CMP applicants’ experience ranged from 3 years to over 35 years. The fact that a significant number of “senior planners” seek out the CMP designation is a testament to its value regardless of experience.

Data also show that the average amount of industry experience for these planners was 10.1 years for corporate planners and 11.3 years for association planners. 13% of corporate and 28% of association planners were industry certified. Of these certified planners, 87% of corporate and 79% of association planners were CMPs (11% and 22% of planners, respectively). 12 This shows that of those that do obtain industry certification, the vast majority seek out the CMP designation.

12 Meetings Market Report, 2006. Conducted by Meetings & Conventions Magazine.

Years in Meeting Planning Industry 2007 CMP Candidates

Median: 9.25 Average: 10.28 Range: 3.0 to 35.83

0

15

30

45

60

75

90

105

120

>4 >6 >8 >10 >12 >14 >16 >18 >20 >22 >24 >26 >28 >30 >32 >34 >36

Number of years

Num

ber

of p

lann

ers

“Throughout the 20 years that I've been a CMP, the designation has added greatly to my credibility and standing in the meetings and convention industry. I have to credit my CMP designation with aiding me in doing more business with other CMPs while I was in the hotel business.” Howard Feiertag, CMP Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management – Virginia Polytechnic Institute

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Meetings Industry Sector Representation2007 CMP Candidates

Planners64%

Suppliers36%

Planners’ Subcategories2007 CMP Candidates

35%

26%

13%

8%6%

5% 3%2%

2%CorporateAssociationThird PartyIndependent PlannerEducationGovernment/Military MedicalInsurance/FinancialOther

2007 CMP TRENDS In an ongoing effort to refine the CMP program, CIC analyzed the demographics of the two most recent application cycles for the January 2007 and July 2007 exams. Planners and Suppliers Over one-third of all the CMP applicants in 2007 came from the supplier segment of the industry, evidence of increased interest on the part of this sector of the industry. This suggests that an increasing number of suppliers and their employers are recognizing the value of the CMP certification. Planner and supplier demographics are further broken down into more specific categories. While half of the applicants are corporate and association planners, the exceptionally broad range of applicants further establishes the extensive appeal of the program.

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Within in the supplier subcategories, convention service managers represented 37% of CMP applicants. Hotel salespeople and conference and convention center suppliers made up an additional third of applicants. Together these three groups represent over two-thirds of the suppliers who applied for the CMP Examination in 2007.

Education CMP applicants are divided across a range of educational backgrounds. Almost two-thirds (64%) of the applicants have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree.

Suppliers’ Subcategories2007 CMP Candidates

37%

20%13%

12%6% 3%

4%2% 3%

Convention ServicesManagerHotel Sales

Conference/ Convention CenterCVB

Catering/Restaurant

DMC/Ground Operator

Audiovisual

Hotel Services

Other

Highest Level of Education2007 CMP Candidates

16%

20%

57%

7%HS diploma Associate's degreeBachelor's degreeMaster's degree

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Association Membership Although the CMP Application does not require association membership, an overwhelming percentage of applicants (82%) are members of a CIC association. 18% of applicants are not members of any CIC association and 7% are members of a non-CIC association. This shows that the CMP program has allure to those who do not have a direct affiliation with CIC and its member organizations.

Number of CIC Association Memberships2007 CMP Candidates

18%

46%

33%

3%

None123 or more

Individual Association Memberships2007 CMP Candidates

42%

12%17%

5%

5%5%

4%3% 7%

MPIPCMAOther CIC assns.ASAESGMPISESNACEIAEMNon-CIC assns.

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ADVANTAGES TO HOLDING THE CMP DESIGNATION Career Recognition As the premiere industry certification, the CMP designation distinguishes an individual as a career professional who has demonstrated a high level of experience, skill, and knowledge. A CMP brings value to their organization by investing time and effort to become one of the best of their field. Salary Enhancement The value of CMP certification is reflected in industry compensation. Salary survey studies indicate that CMPs receive higher compensation than the averages reported for all segments.

Credibility The CMP designation is a symbol of expertise. It conveys the credibility of a meeting professional’s opinions and ideas, both internally and externally. Employers recognize that CMPs enhance the quality and operational effectiveness of their organizations. The business counterparts of CMPs are aware that they are dealing with an experienced professional and can expect a sophisticated approach to planning and negotiation.

13 Meeting Planner Salary Survey, 2005. Conducted by Meeting Professionals International.

Corporate13 Association Third party CMP Average CMP Average CMP AverageMeeting Planner - Project Manager $51,014 $48,867 $46,266 $43,411 N/A N/A

Senior Planner - Manager $64,295 $62,794 $54,718 $51,547 $53,150 $51,443

“I earned my CMP certification in 1997 when there were less than 4,000CMPs. As a direct result of the CMP certification, I negotiated a promotion,

a 35% raise, and a home office.”

Dody M. Collier, CMPPresident - Mainely Meetings

“Experience is good, but there are so many meeting-planning skills that are not apparent at first. The CMP designation was a great way for me to progress quickly in learning all the facets of meeting planning. It gave me credibility and much-needed knowledge to do well in my job and to be promoted to director. When you have CMP beside your name, people in the industry trust that you are a good planner with good skills.”

Phyllis A. Brashears, CMP

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Commitment Successful completion of the certification process signifies that a meeting professional is committed and goal-driven. In addition to practical knowledge, certification also implies a process of individual study and industry-promoted continuing education.

“I believe that those members in our industry who become certified show that they are willing to go the extra mile and have increased their education. It is always a pleasure to meet and work with the planners and suppliers who have become certified as well. As my company has grown, I have encouraged my meeting managers to earn this distinction.”

Lynne K. Tiras, CMP President – International Meeting Managers, Inc.