Exhibit & Event Management Certifications Earned:
CTSM, CME, CEM, CMP, CMM

Ever since launching my own business as an exhibit management freelancer in 1996, I’ve been working to improve myself by learning everything I can that affects the success of the exhibits and events I manage.

I’m proud to say that I’ve have earned five and maintain four professional event industry designations. (The association from which I earned the fifth designation, Trade Show Exhibitors Association, no longer exists to be able to recertify as required.)

I worked hard to earn these certifications, not only to better understand and manage all facets – both strategic and tactical – of exhibits, events, meetings, and exhibitions but also better serve my clients’ diverse needs. The knowledge I’ve gained and relationships I’ve made through these programs continues to be invaluable with each and every event entrusted to me.

To quote Pearl Buck, “The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”  I enjoy giving A+ results to my clients on each and every project!

Please don’t let my string of industry certifications scare you away. I earned them so I know what I need to do to provide the best skill set for managing exhibits and events for my clients. And even though I have the experience and credentials to consult, I won’t work just as a consultant; I don’t just give advice and run away before we make sure we hit the mark on your goals and objectives, producing the results you want.

I’d like to share a quote by Daniel J. Boorstein that sums up my ongoing quest for knowledge:“Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know.”

If you’d like more information on my industry designations, read on…

CTSM, Certified Trade Show Marketer received April 2001
No recertification required
Conferred by EXHIBITORLIVE and Northern Illinois University
www.exhibitoronline.com/ctsm/program.asp

The CTSM program is the only university-affiliated professional certification program in the exhibit marketing industry and is sponsored by EXHIBITORLIVE, which is regarded as the exhibit industry’s leading educational conference. Seminar offerings range from trade-show-specific content to general skills development, such as communications and negotiation.

Candidates are required to complete a curriculum of 28 EXHIBITORLIVE, EXHIBITOR FastTrak or EXHIBITOR eTrak seminars that equal 42 hours of classroom study, followed by a three-hour comprehensive exam that tests on the basic knowledge skills required of trade show marketers. All candidates currently work in the field of trade show marketing, and demonstrate their application of knowledge gained by submitting a Candidate Portfolio. This Portfolio documents show schedules, management of exhibit design and production, management of integrated marketing communications to support trade shows, and management of results reporting. (I have been an advisor to many CTSM candidates completing their portfolio and have a 100% success rate in helping them to have their portfolios approved on their first submission and also been a faculty member for the CTSM program.) The CTSM required course curriculum has been approved by the faculty of Northern Illinois University Outreach, and candidates may earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through NIU Outreach.

CME®, Certified Manager of Exhibits received October 1998
Recertified March 2003, 2008 and 2013
Conferred by the Trade Show Exhibitors Association

The Certified Manager of Exhibits™ (CME) was originally granted by the now-defunct Trade Show Exhibitors Association (an association for exhibit managers and a member of the Convention Industry Council) and was taken over by The Exhibit & Event Marketers Association (E2MA), who combined the Exhibitor-Appointed Contractors Association with the membership of TSEA. E2MA disbanded in 2017 and being unable to recertify as required, I have dropped the use of this designation.

CEM, Certified in Exhibition Management received May 2004
Recertified 2008 and 2012
Conferred by the International Association of Exhibition and Events™
www.iaee.com/cem

The Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation was created in 1975 to provide a professional designation for individuals in the exhibitions and events industry. To earn the designation, participants must complete a nine-part program within three years. Recertification is required every three years after the initial program is completed to maintain the certification. As of March, 2014, I have been granted the lifetime status of “CME – Emeritus” based on my experience in the industry.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) offers the designation.[expand title=”read more…”]

IAEE provides leadership, service, education and benefits to professionals in the exhibitions and events industry.  The CEM designation was put formed to raise professional standards and is recognized throughout the industry as the premier mark of professional achievement. Classes required to obtain the certification are available year-round at various locations across the country. The designation is attainable through classes that are offered online and on location. To begin the CEM Learning Program, new candidates must have three years of documented full-time experience in the exhibitions and events industry. www.iaee.com/cem[/expand]

CMP, Certified Meeting Professional received January 1997
Recertified 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 
Conferred by the Events Industry Council (formerly the Convention Industry Council)
www.eventscouncil.org

The foremost certification of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry, the CMP program recognizes individuals who have achieved the industry’s highest standard of professionalism.[expand title=”read more…”]

Established in 1985, the CMP credential increases 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 the art and science of meeting management;
• Increasing the value of practitioners to their employers;
• Recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics;
• Maximizing the value received from the products and services provided by Certified Meeting Professionals.

Through the CMP program, individuals who are employed in meeting management pursue continuing education, increase their industry involvement, and gain industry-wide recognition. The requirements for certification are based on professional experience and a written examination.  www.conventionindustry.org/CMP.aspx

CMM, Global Certification in Meeting Management received December 2002
No Recertification Required
Conferred by Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
www.mpiweb.org/Education/CMM

The mission of the Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) program is to select, educate, and certify management-level meeting and event professionals. The focus of the certificate is to provide continuing educational enhancements to the strategic decision-making ability of these leaders to manage and deliver exceptional meetings and events that drive organizational success.[expand title=”read more…”]

MPI’s CMM educational program was an intensive learning opportunity designed for experienced and highly accomplished members of our global meeting industry community seeking personal career advancement and professional recognition. The five-day program enhances the strategic decision-making ability of these leaders, enabling delivery of exceptional meetings and events that drive organizational success. The CMM certification and resulting designation is the most prestigious in the meetings and events industry. The program is continuously updated and revitalized with curriculum enhancements for today’s evolving business culture.

As of 2014, this certification has been merged with the Global Business Travel Association, still using the CMM acronym, but not keeping the same 10-year minimum experience level, week-long onsite education program, post-program testing or business plan to attain the CMM.  So, the high-level focus on meetings gained with MPI’s CMM program has been diluted for those obtaining this certification after 2013.