Past Issues/Subscribe | Printer-Friendly | Advertise | Send to a Friend | pmpi.org | Engage Archive November 2011
In This Issue
Galveston Island CVB
Features

In response to the Office of Government Ethics' continued refusal to discuss their proposed ethics rule, ASAE is launching an aggressive campaign to educate the administration on the importance of association meetings to the economy and society. This campaign will be multi-faceted, but your role will be the most important one.

Our ask is simple: contact your Democratic members of Congress and ask them to support including trade associations in the nonprofit exemption. The process is even simpler: ASAE has created an action page seen here to provide talking points, contact information and every possible item to make your outreach easy and efficient.

The goal of this outreach is to support ASAE's inside-the-beltway strategy of contacting Democratic offices to make them aware of this issue and gain their support for expanding the exemption. Your calls, Tweets, posts and stories will drive home the point that this is not a "politics as usual" issue, but one that truly impacts the public-private partnership that exists between government and the nonprofit community. The ability of trade associations to invite federal employees to participate in trade shows, seminars and meetings is vital to both government and business interests. This is our biggest ask up to this point because your outreach is so vital. That is why we created the action site – to make it as easy as possible for you to contact your Democratic members of Congress.

ASAE's initial strategy involves outreach to Democratic offices. The idea is that an initial show of support from Democratic offices would drive home to the White House the point that this issue is not a political issue, but an economic/good government one. ASAE will expand outreach to Congressional Republicans, but is dedicated to showing that this proposed rule is not simply an election year box to check. If you do not have any Democrats in your Congressional delegation, you can help by either submitting comments to OGE or writing about the issue in your newsletters/social media.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Policy Department at (202) 626-2703 or publicpolicy@asaenet.org . 

 

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Board of Directors announced approval of a revised CMP Blueprint, now to be known as the CMP International Standards. The new CMP International Standards, also sometimes known as a "body of knowledge," define and categorize a comprehensive summary of the competencies, skills and abilities a certificant must possess to be successful in his or her field. These competencies are identified through a job analysis process, and this resulting document guides the development of the examination.

"Our standard practice is to update the blueprint every five years. The last blueprint was revised in 2007, so this update is right on schedule," stated Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, chief executive officer of the Convention Industry Council (CIC), the industry body which administers the program and awards the CMP certification.

"The difference in this regular update was that we partnered with the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC), which had recently completed a job analysis for their standard, "Event Management - International Competency Standard". Our analysis included their standard, the CMP Blueprint, as well as MPI's Meetings and Business Events Competency Standard, which is also aligned with CTHRC's competency standards. To complete this process we conducted an additional job analysis to validate the resulting body of knowledge and ensure alignment with the CMP. The resulting CMP International Standards are much more detailed than the previous blueprint, so it was really a matter of re-weighting the topics and adding updates that have occurred in the industry over the five years since the previous analysis. Candidates will not see sweeping changes."

Alignment with the CTHRC's competency standard, which has been adopted by several countries, is an important strategy for the CMP program moving forward, as other countries look to the CMP certification as a means to qualify their work force.

"The process of making the CMP globally applicable has been under way for some time," stated Martie Sparks, CMP, chair of the CMP Board. "The first major change was implemented last year with the introduction of the new CMP application. The new application places the emphasis on industry experience and education. The next step was to conduct an international analysis of the skills and competencies required of today's meeting professionals. That has been completed and is embodied in the new CMP International Standards. Now that we have the new standards there is additional behind-the-scenes work that needs to take place before they go into effect. Those candidates planning to take the exam in 2011 and through the January 2012 exam will prepare and test against the outgoing CMP Blueprint."

"Adoption of the CMP International Standards is part of a large-scale project," stated Kotowski. "Next steps will include development of additional exam questions to address any new competencies in the standard, and taking a look at study materials to see if additional materials need to be developed. Additionally, the CMP Board has initiated the process to move to computer-based testing in the second quarter of 2012. This will truly open up the CMP certification to the world with a global testing platform. With paper and pencil-based testing, we are able to offer only 40-50 testing sites, primarily on two specific days, per calendar year. Our testing partner has access to more than 10,000 testing facilities in 166 countries, and with this change, we will be able to offer testing windows that are five to seven days long, several times a year. Access to the exam and convenience for candidates will multiply exponentially."

Even as the new CMP International Standards advance, work continues on globalizing the existing examination. A project is under way to evaluate the entire CMP exam item bank. The current questions are being reviewed for applicability and language comprehension at a global level. These improvements to the examination will take effect with the July 2011 exam, resulting in a heightened accessibility and relevance to candidates outside the United States and Canada.

 

IMEX America initial reviews are in, and the business conducted and connections made in Las Vegas brought international meeting professionals together during the three-day trade show and exhibition for what many attendees call a resounding success. As strategic partner and premier education provider, MPI delivered on the new rules of engagement. What began in Orlando during WEC 2011 was front and center in Las Vegas.

The MPI experience began on Smart Monday, with a slate of professional development that focused on successful adaptation, creativity and relevancy in today’s business environment. Hosted buyers attendees were at the day-long exploration of how to meet differently, where the new rules of engagement came to life:

· Courage to Act, Innovate and Inspire To Make a Difference: The opening session from Cheryl Cran, CSP, led the call for attendees to employ strategies for embracing change in the industry and use it across generations.

· Proving Value and Performance: Mary Boone and an expert panel of professionals discussing the intersection of budgeting, tech, learning formats and more as it relates to executing the best events for both attendees and clients.

· Embracing Technology to Enrich Connections: MPI delivered on future trends in technology and integrating virtual events into a meeting portfolio.

· Positive Effects Economically, Socially and Environmentally: The initial findings of Phase 1 of the Leeds Metropolitan global CSR study debuted.

The MPI team is already thinking about what to deliver to members and attendees at IMEX America 2012. Will you be there?

 
Peppermill Hotel Casino
Upcoming Events

Business is changing and the people who are successful are leading the change and not playing catch-up. In this session Paul Bridle, who researches effective organizations and the people who lead them, will share with us his insights about a changing world and how we can stay ahead. He will share valuable information on growing and maintaining a successful business in a changing world and give tips to planners who are trying to increase attendance, awareness and revenue, as well as suppliers who are trying to build clientele and yield higher returns.

Come and find out:

1. How the meeting business is evolving;

2. What leadership style is needed;

3. Where you need to focus to stay ahead.

Who is Paul Bridle?

Paul is an information contextualizer. For nearly two decades he has studied effective organizations and the people who lead them.

Clients call on Paul because of his ability to explain things in a simple and uncomplicated way. He is very challenging, but in a manner that helps people take a fresh look at what they need to do to raise their performance. His global perspective combined with personal research means he gives practical ideas that people can actually use to raise their ability to manage and lead.

Paul is a faculty member of the Institute of Management Studies, Fellow of the Institute of Business Consulting, Fellow of the Professional Speaker Association and a Certified Speaking Professional. Paul was also voted 12th in The Top 30 Most Influential Leadership Gurus in the World in 2007 and 2008 for his contribution to leadership development.

 

At Meetings Quest it is understood that your time is valuable. That's why this event has been neatly packaged to offer you the most efficient and productive day away from the office. Meetings Quest provides outstanding opportunities to explore new properties, visit exciting destinations and discuss industry trends. Experience the value of meeting exhibitors in a unique setting all in one day, one place, one show.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Road NW
Washington, DC 20008

Please click here for detail and to register today.

 

Monday, November 21, 2011
Marriott Wardman Park
2660 Woodley Road NW
Washington, DC 20008

Build your brand and your business – sign up for a booth today! Build your professional network and event expertise – click here for details and to register today!

 

Please plan on joining PMPI for the December Grab & Go: Easy Uses for Interactive Technology on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. This session will introduce new meeting technologies and demonstrate how established interactive technologies may be used to enhance the meeting experience.

To accommodate the diverse locations of our membership, this Grab & Go will be hosted in three locations simultaneously. We hope you will be able to join in on this interactive educational session!

American Hotel and Lodging Association
1201 New York Ave NW #600
Washington DC, 20005-3931

University of Maryland - Alumni Center*
College Park, MD 20742-1521

*For turn by turn directions, click here. The University of Maryland - Alumni Center does not have a physical address. If you would like directions to the facility from your starting address, please use the map link.

Capital Conference Center
3601 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201

Registration opening soon!

 
Join us on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Re-connect with old friends, make new ones and dedicate 2012 to advancing your career. Details are being finalized, but get on board and save the date now!
 

MACE 2012: Putting the Pieces into Place

Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center

February 10, 2012

No matter where you are in your career, everyone is looking to advance to the next level. How do you start pulling all of your strategies together to make that next move? This year, MACE is focusing on helping our members by providing the pieces of the puzzle and putting everything into place for a successful career. Through educational tracks, interactive sessions, the Flipped Marketplace and time for networking, every attendee will take home a new skill or a new business relationship they can apply to their own life and career.

Join MACE as either a planner or supplier with appointments at our Flipped Marketplace. Find the suppliers you need or the planners you have wanted to meet. The Elite Meetings upgraded online appointment tool will guarantee you make the right connections.

MACE is making sure you get the highest quality education in the industry. Education topics include: Marketing Essentials, High End Meetings on a Small Budget, Hot Trends and Menu Planning, Hybrid Meetings, Strategic Planning, Emergency Protocols and AV tips. All sessions will include real-world examples and templates to take back. Continue to check online for the most up-to-date educational information. Make sure to take it back to the office! Once again, PMPI is partnering with CadmiumCD to provide audio recordings and presentations for all MACE breakout sessions. You won’t miss a thing via Cadmium’s online presentation database.

New this year is a hands-on computer lab, sponsored by SmartSource. These lab sessions will focus on Microsoft Word and Excel at multiple levels. We have teamed up with one of the best educators in the computer industry who is creating specialized sessions just for the meeting industry. These sessions will fill up quickly, so be sure to add this to your registration.

MACE is adding an interactive mobile application, courtesy of CrowdCompass. This app will allow you to stay on top of your game during the event. Look out for future MACE announcements so you can download the app and begin your next move!

Save the date now! Look for more information coming soon - registration will open in mid-November.

 We would like to thank our host sponsor:

Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center

 
The National Conference Center
News and Announcements

The first quarter Shining Star nominations are posted and voting started on November 3. Don’t miss the opportunity to cast YOUR vote!

Voting closes on Friday, November 11. Click here for a link to the voting ballot.

 
Apply for a scholarship to participate in events ranging from educational sessions to MACE, CMP classes and WEC. Help us help you succeed! Please visit our website for more information. Come on, we dare you to spend our money instead of your own!
 

Help brighten the holidays for those in need by supporting this year’s holiday collection benefitting PMPI’s Charity of the Year – Martha’s Table. Each year, many charities face the daunting task of helping those in need with limited resources. The holiday season brings added worry as the surplus of essential items depletes faster than shelves can be replenished. Martha’s Table needs our support to help the families they serve this holiday season.

How you can help:

Healthy, non-perishable food items – applesauce, canned soup and vegetables, stuffing, pasta and cereal are some of the items needed daily. Visit Amazon online and click the "Wish List" tab to find what Martha’s Table needs the most!

Toys – new, unwrapped toys, games and books for kids of all ages.

Gift Cards – in any dollar denomination – always appreciated!

Donated items will be collected at the November E2 Thursday, November 17 at Carmine’s Washington, DC. Please click here for registration details.

Drop –off locations in DC, MD and VA - available to those who cannot attend. Contact Katie Hais at Khais@ahla.com or Beatrice Kustarz at bkustarz@thepalm.com for more information or to drop of donations.

Let’s team together and brighten the holidays for children in need!

 

Every PMPI member who recruits a new member during this campaign will have their name entered into a drawing to win a trip to New Orleans (courtesy of The Gulf States Chapter of MPI).  The new members recruited will also have their names put into the drawing for a chance to win!

Please ask the new member to list the recruiter MPI Member ID upon registration to be confirmed for this campaign and drawing!

BONUS - ALL new members who join in the month of NOVEMBER will receive a credit to attend their next PMPI event for FREE!! 

What are you waiting for?

 
Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Marriott Hotels of New Orleans
PMPI Strategic Partners

 


MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL
POTOMAC CHAPTER

Please visit our website at www.mpipotomac.org to learn more and register for all of our events,
as well as information about the resources we have to offer you.