Featured Article
Resources for Meeting Professionals on the Ebola Situation
Archive | Printer Friendly Version | Send to a Friend | www.conventionindustry.org Follow Us: Twitter YouTube LinkedIn
October 2014

In This Issue

Featured Article
CMP Events
Recertification
CMP on the Road
On The Move
The Convention Industry Council is monitoring this situation closely and are receiving updates from the Meetings Mean Business Coalition, CIC members, U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel and Lodging Association, as well as government agencies to provide you with the very latest travel information regarding the Ebola outbreak.

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Centers for Disease Control, along with the newly appointed Ebola Czar, are working together to manage and stop the spread of the Ebola virus. We will continue to defer to these experts and follow their direction on any travel protocols and precaution.

We are confident in the policies, procedures and protocols that have been established to identify travelers who may have a communicable disease, keeping travelers safe and out of harm’s way.

As of now, we have been assured that travel and the meetings industry remain unaffected. The CDC is not currently recommending a travel ban, nor restriction of meetings or meeting attendance. It is important for those considering traveling or attending meetings to listen to government and health officials and make their decisions based on the facts and not opinion or hyperbole from other sources. It is also important to underscore that the White House and the nation's top health officials have emphasized that the dangers of a serious outbreak in this country remain extraordinarily low. 

What we do know:
As of Oct. 22, the Obama administration will require all travelers from countries affected by the Ebola epidemic to arrive at one of five major U.S. airports in order to undergo a health screening, officials announced Tuesday.

The administration previously instituted special Ebola screenings at five airports: Washington Dulles International Airport, O'Hare International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Now, people arriving from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone will be required to travel through one of those ports of entry to ensure they undergo an interview and a temperature check.

Dr. Thomas Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has stated that the best way to protect ourselves is not to seal off these countries, but to work to contain the disease there. Airlines for America has prepared a Q&A about airline travel and Ebola, and the World Health Organization has issued a Global Alert and Response for those traveling to affected countries.

The CDC has resources available to answer questions about the disease and protocols: 

In addition, the White House has additional information regarding their response to the crisis.

Activity from CIC Member Organizations: 
The U.S. Travel Association has prepared a toolkit for members of the travel industry to use in educating its constituencies. 

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) will host a member-wide webinar on Ebola and emergency preparedness on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2-3 p.m. EST. This webinar will feature health and industry experts who will discuss how to prepare for Ebola and other outbreaks, including the flu, and provide additional important information.

Articles and Other Resources:
Successful Meetings: Poll: Ebola Hasn't Infected Business Travel
ACTE Global Business Travel Survey: Most business travelers only mildly concerned over Ebola
 
CIC at IMEX America 2014
IMEX America, the global trade show for international meetings, incentive travel and events industry, now in its fourth year, is fast becoming known as "the trade show with a difference." CIC usually sponsors and hosts the Inspiration Center at IMEX, but this year, CIC had the opportunity to host its own booth and showcase CIC projects and collaborations. CIC staff led campfire education sessions on: the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, the CMP Healthcare Subspecialty (CMP-HC), the Meetings Industry Advocacy Hub and APEX's Room Block Poaching Workgroup research. 

For the first time, CIC participated in the Hosted Buyer program, with 15 CMPs from across the country joining us as hosted buyers. As a hosted buyer, the attendee gets their flight and room paid for, with the agreement to attend at least eight individual appointments a day as well as pre-assigned appointments that they are required to attend with other members of their hosted group. So what is the Hosted Buyer experience like? Here is our interview with Cori Dossett, CEM, CMP, President Conferences Designed, LLC and Hosted Buyer through Hilton out of Dallas, Texas: 

Q: Is this your first time at IMEX America and what has been the best part? 

CD: This is my first year at IMEX America and it’s not just about getting to reconnect with my American contacts, but the international component is really invaluable. I don’t have the resources to travel all over the world – yet maybe in three years I may have a meeting in Singapore or Tokyo, and I will know who to call directly. 

CD: I was worried about the 30 minute appointments being held back to back as I have heard how IMEX is so big, but it really wasn’t that hard to get around and it worked out well. 

Q: What are your "go-to tools" to do your job?

CD: When I first started in the industry, I had a contact at a CVB, and I noticed all her friends were in the industry, and at the time 10 years ago, I had pockets of friends, from college or home or other connections that I kept in little bubbles, and I realized she was way ahead of me. My favorite tool now is my relationships, and calling on someone I met three or four years ago. 

Q: What do you think is the most challenging part of the industry right now? 

CD: New business is always at the forefront of my mind and free WiFi! Negotiating contracts isn’t necessarily the hardest, but it’s getting the concessions that we need, I feel that right now it’s really a hotelier’s market. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

CD: Take the time to cultivate relationships and really find a niche in the market, ask questions, join a planning committee and commit to advocacy.

Q: What’s your favorite destination to plan a meeting?

CD: Well, that is tough as there are so many, but I would say San Diego or New Orleans, particularly for the southern food! 

CIC also hosted a CMP Cocktail Hour where we had the opportunity to meet, mingle and network with CMPs attending IMEX. At that event, we also gave away one all-expense paid trip to the 2015 CMP Conclave in Reno, Nev., on Sept. 27-29, 2015 to Amanda Cecil, Ph.D.,CMP, Associate Professor & Program Director, School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at Indiana University. Congratulations, Amanda!
 
CIC Honors 2014 Hall of Leaders Class & Pacesetter Award Winners
Kicking off IMEX America 2014 and co-sponsored by MGM Resorts Event Productions, MGM Resorts International, the IMEX Group and other partners, the event honored industry pioneers whose intelligence, leadership, innovation and influence have changed the landscape of the profession. 

The night got off to a rocking start when CIC Chief Executive Officer Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, and the 2014 chair of the CIC Board of Directors, Bob Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, welcomed attendees to the 19th annual Hall of Leaders Gala, including more than 15 past inductees who were in attendance.

After a heartfelt thank you to all of the gala’s generous sponsors, the ceremony began with the presentation of the Pacesetter Award to two young professionals for their outstanding achievements early in their careers. Honored this year were: Lindsay Arell and Donnell Bayot, CHE, CPCE, CFBE.

"We’re all so fortunate to be a part of the meeting industry, and I’m glad we have the Hall of Leaders, acknowledging the great contributions and influence of those within our profession, as well as the Pacesetter Awards, which recognize the strength and promise of the industry going forward," said event chair Teri Breining, CMP, CMM.

The Master of Ceremonies, Glenn Thayer, then took the stage to announce the three new game changers joining the prestigious CIC Hall of Leaders: John Christison, Gary Sain (1950-2012), and Patti Shock CPCE, CHT.

The acceptance speeches moved and inspired many in the audience as each inductee or their family member shared their journey and thanked many that helped, encouraged and pushed them along the way. Education and leadership was a common thread amongst the group as they all either indirectly or directly taught others along the way to create a better future for the industry. Passion rang clearly in the messages delivered of the deep friendships that were created. John Christison stated, "I have made lasting friendships and have had a really great time doing what I love. Hopefully, during that time I have been able to contribute in a small way." 

Guests later dined on a superb four-course meal including roasted center cut filet of beef and butter poached shrimp, prepared by the chef at the MGM Grand, and enjoyed a night of upscale entertainment that featured all types of rock-n-roll performed by the band Song Division, as well as a spectacular light show by Extreme Beam. 

All of the HOL inductees had a connection to rock-n-roll, Patti being considered the "original rock chick," John Christison a former roadie and guitar player who started out in events on the music side, and Gary, who was an avid guitar and vocalist. Songs during the entertainment presentation were all in tribute to each HOL inductee, a Harley Davidson emerged on stage during John’s tribute, and signs were held up during Patti’s to spell out her name, Gary Sain’s favorite song was "Free Bird," and during the final song ("I Believe I Can Fly"), performed by a full gospel choir in white robes, orange hearts fell from the ceiling in honor of his favorite color from his time working in Orlando. 

After dinner, the band led attendees into the dessert room while playing the tune "Walk this Way," by Aerosmith. Once there, they enjoyed treats from multiple dessert tables, each themed for an inductee. The party continued to rock into the night with an energetic DJ, who kept the fun going. Before the night ended, it was announced that nominations for the 2015 Hall of Leaders will soon be open and, as a surprise, Lenny Talarico, CSEP presented Karen Kotowski, CEO of CIC with a duplicate ISES Espirit Award from their winning earlier in September. Next year’s celebration will be a tough act to follow, as this Hall of Leaders gala was truly a night to remember.
 
CMP Events
CMPs Contribute to Dress for Success
Dress for Success is well known for providing resources to women in need who are entering or returning to the workplace and do not have professional clothing needed to interview for (and secure) jobs. Diane Riche, Board Chair of Dress for Success New Orleans shares how our donations are helping women in New Orleans.

How is Dress for Success helping women in New Orleans, particularly. Are there any circumstances or issues particular to New Orleans that make the work you do in that city different or special?

The issues in New Orleans are no different than any other city. The women that we serve all have one thing in common – they want to have a better life for themselves and their children, and they know that in order to do that and to be able to provide for their families, they need to find gainful employment. Many of us take it for granted, that if we need a new suit or a new dress, we can purchase it. These women do not have that luxury. And without the appropriate clothing, they cannot go to an interview and make a good first impression. When they come to our "boutique," by appointment, they are usually shy, a little apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. By the time they walk out of our doors, they have the confidence that they need in order to secure that position.

Many of our ladies have never owned a suit, and when they see themselves in that mirror for the first time, it is overwhelming. A Volunteer Personal Shopper helps them select a complete outfit, that is flattering to their body type and feels good to them. But our program is more than the suit. We also provide help with writing resumes, with interview skills, a Career Center where they have access to computers and printers, and a network of support to help them thrive in work and in life. After the ladies get their job, they are invited to join our Professional Women’s Group, which meets monthly. They enjoy a professional speaker, who addresses topics ranging from financial literacy, to written and unwritten rules of the workplace, to work/life balance, to health and wellness.

Can you give us an overview of the donations you received during Conclave?

The attendees of the CMP Conclave donated terrific items to our affiliate. We collected 24 suits, 60 separates (including several St. John knits!), 10 pair of shoes, five purses and a beautiful selection of costume jewelry. Additionally, personal care items were donated, as well as a lovely suitcase (filled with beautiful clothing), which will come in handy when our delegate travels to the Annual Success Summit next July.

What is the process once the donations are made/received by Dress for Success?

Volunteers sort through our donations, and organize by size, season and type. The items are carefully checked to make sure that they are in good condition, then they are either put into the inventory at our "boutique," or if they are off-season, they are brought to our storage facility until they are needed.

What was your experience like working with CIC during Conclave?  

When I was approached by Jodi Halter of Accent on Arrangements (who sponsored this event) regarding this event, I was very excited. My "day job" is Director of Sales & Marketing of the Loews New Orleans Hotel, so I am very familiar with the CIC. I knew that the attendees would be professional, well-dressed women (and men) who would be inclined to donate lovely items. Everyone that I spoke with at the event was very interested in our program and many were familiar with Dress for Success in their own communities. The beautiful clothing that the attendees donated has been put to good use and the women who come through our program will be thrilled to receive such lovely items. Each woman that we serve gets a complete outfit in preparation for her interview, so 24 ladies will be served with the suits, then after they get a job, they can come back for five days-worth of professional clothing, so that they can start to build their wardrobe.

You serve as Board Chair for Dress for Success. How did you get involved with the organization and why do you serve in that capacity? 

I was invited to serve on the Board five years ago by an industry colleague. I was somewhat familiar with the organization, as I had donated suits in the past, but quickly learned how vital DFS was to the underprivileged women of New Orleans. The very first client that I met was "Ingrid." She was a single mom and had been laid off several months prior to our meeting. She came through the program, landed a job, and became a member of our Professional Women’s Group that meets monthly. I have watched her son grow and thrive. She is very proud of her accomplishments and credits Dress for Success with helping to turn her life around. She has subsequently moved on to a better, higher paying position. It is "Ingrid" and the women like her, that make me want to give my time to this organization. When one woman becomes financially independent, it changes her life and the lives of her children. We serve 500 women each year. I know that what we do positively impacts families and our community.

We receive no government funding. All services that we provide are free of charge and we rely on donations from individuals and corporations to sustain our program. We very much appreciate the partnership with CIC and the wonderful items that your attendees brought to New Orleans and donated to Dress for Success New Orleans.

   


 
Tropicana Casino
Recertification
Continuing Education – What Counts for CMP?
By Joanne Dennison, CMP

If someone wants to recertify their CMP credential, one of the requirements for most applicants is 25 hours of continuing education. Three of the most common points of confusion are:
  • What is a continuing education hour?
  • What content counts?
  • Where can I get continuing education that "counts"?
The following attempts to dispel some of the CMP Program myths and give CMP candidates and those recertifying their designation a clear understanding of what they need to know and do.

What is an Hour?

An hour, which is called a clock hour on the applications, may also be called a "contact hour" or "classroom hour." A clock hour is one hour spent in a structured learning environment, for example, with a presenter, instructor, facilitator, discussion leader or panel. It can be in person or virtual. It does not include trade shows, recreation or entertainment (unless there is a structured learning component), or committee meetings.

A structured learning environment should have measurable learning objectives listed specifically in the description of the session. This will also help when determine what content will count for CMP credit.

CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are sometimes used interchangeably with clock hours. The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) developed the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) in 1970 and is the caretaker of the CEU. But the term "CEU" often causes confusion with CMP candidates because the true definition of "CEU" is calculated differently than a "clock hour." But there is an easy way to determine your continuing education hours no matter what the unit is called: CIC awards continuing education on an hour-for-hour basis down to the quarter hour. Therefore, if you participate in an activity that is 90 minutes, you will report 1.5 CE hours on your application. It is that easy.

What Content/Topics Count?

This question has become a big one since the CMP-International Standards (CMP-IS) went into effect in 2012. The reality is that the requirements are not that different than they were under the former CMP Blueprint.

The CMP Blueprint was the body of knowledge for the CMP, based on the 27 Functions of Meeting Planning. This outline is updated every five years based on changes in the meetings industry. If you applied, or recertified prior to 2012, your continuing education had to pertain to one of the 27 functions. 

When the CMP-IS was put into place, it replaced the 27 Function Blueprint. The required areas of knowledge are now in the 10 Domains of the CMP-IS. This too was designed in response to updates to the knowledge needed to be a successful meeting professional. All continuing education now has to pertain to one of the 10 Domains. On the application it must be noted which Domain to the activity aligns with. The complete CMP-IS is on the Convention Industry Council website. Those completing an application, can easily find the correct Domain in the CMP-IS.

Some of the time it is very easy to see what Domain a program pertains to, because it is right in the title of the presentation. For example a session called "Handling Risk" is going to fall in Domain C-Risk Management. When it is not as obvious, it should be in the description and learning objectives for each educational session attended. If you cannot find the connection between the skills in the Domains and the learning objectives of the program, it most likely does not count for CE credit.

Where Can I Get Continuing Education that "Counts"?

Many of us get our clock hours by attending industry events sponsored either by our professional associations or by corporations such as hotel and media companies. Continuing education can also be found through colleges or community organizations. As long as it is a structured learning environment and the learning objectives fit the Domains, it counts. The activity cannot be a promotion for any organization or its products or services, although it can be sponsored by anyone. 

The CMP office at CIC does not have to approve each session before it is offered. It is up to the applicant to choose the right sessions that fulfill a subject area in the CMP-IS Domains. If the sponsoring organization wants to have their attendees to receive CE credits for their offerings, they need to be familiar with the CMP-IS Domains, and pick the topics and presenters accordingly. If they want it to be very "user-friendly" for the attendee they should make sure the learning objectives clearly show how it fits into the Domains, and can list the Domain with the session.

In the end, however, the applicant is the one responsible for making sure they are familiar with the CMP-IS, look for continuing education that fulfills the subject area, and completes the application correctly.

I hope I have cleared up some of the myths and rumors with this article, and have provided clear steps on how to fill in your CMP recertification application.

Joanne Dennison, MSEd, CMP, has been an educator in the meetings industry for more than 15 years, including preparing people for the CMP exam. This article is based on commonly asked questions she receives from people interested in the CMP process.
 
Recertification Reminder
CMPs, are you due to recertify your CMP designation in 2014? It's easier than you think! Please visit the recertification section of our website to determine the requirements and to download your application, the CMP Recertification Handbook and the CMP International Standards.

Status Due Date Fee Recert Year
CMP Recertification Sept. 1-Dec. 31 $250 USD 2014
CMP Recertification Lapsed Status* Dec. 31 $350 USD 2013
CMP Emeritus  Dec. 31 $200 USD 2014
CMP Certificate Reprint Fee N/A $25 N/A

* The deadline for recertification has passed if your CMP designation expired in 2013; however, you can still recertify even if your status has lapsed. Recertification applications will be accepted at the LAPSED status rate for those CMPs whose certification expired in 2013. 

Don't delay, recertify now! Our recertification video will help take the guess work out of completing your application! 



If you still have questions about recertification, don't hesitate to contact us at certification@conventionindustry.org.
 
Convention Industry Council
AHR Site Selection
CMP on the Road
See Us At ...
EIBTM The Global Meetings & Events Expo
Nov. 18-20, 2014
Barcelona, Spain
CIC will be sharing a booth (F81) with AMCInstitute
More information
 
On The Move
CMPs on the Move
Lina DiMatteo, CMP, CMM is now Manager, Events at Ontario Energy Association.

LaVette Henderson, CMP is now Director, Meetings & Operation at the National Dental Association, Inc.

Amelia Hodges, CMP is now the Meetings & Logistics Manager for the North Carolina Association of CPAs.

Kimberly Knight, MBA, CAE, CMP is the current chair of the CAE Commission overseeing the CAE credential. Her term began in August at ASAE's Annual Meeting in Nashville. Kim is Director of Board Relations at AARP.

Trisha Olach, CMP is now the Assistant Director of Sales at Boyne Resorts in Michigan.

Jan Shaw, CMP is now Events Manager at the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. She previously worked at MCI Australia.

Eliott Wilkes, CMP is now the Director of Catering and Event Sales at the Vancouver Club. He was previously the Senior Catering Manager at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport.

Make an awesome career move? Let us help you celebrate! Send the details of your latest career triumph to cmptoday@conventionindustry.org.  And while you're at it, be sure to log into www.conventionindustry.org and update your official CMP record.
 

CIC
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a
program of the Convention Industry Council

Convention Industry Council
700 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, USA, 22314
Tel: 571-527-3116
©2024, Convention Industry Council. All rights reserved.
Published by Naylor, LLC in association with the Convention Industry Council

Advertise

We would appreciate your comments or suggestions.
Your email will be kept private and confidential.