CMP Chair Reflects on Her Term and the Future of the CMP Program

The past 18 months that I have spent as chair of the CMP Board of Directors has been gratifying and incredibly rewarding. During that time, we have seen a number of programmatic changes at all levels of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program — from the expansion of our enewsletters to include not only a publication for current CMPs, but the creation of CMP Pathway for CMP candidates. We heard your desire for more consistent engagement and have seen CMP Today grow to a monthly communication. We have added new members to our Board of Directors (Eric Blanc and Phelps Hope), our Regional Representatives (Jose Ferreras) and even our program staff (Gayle Dahlman and Belinda Thompson), all of whom we have introduced to you here. Additionally, we've made significant strides in developing the ninth edition of the CIC Manual and in undertaking the development of the CMP Healthcare Subspecialty, both of which are on track to be launched this year.

In the May issue, we instituted our first poll where we asked you, the readers, to tell us what types of articles you want to see more of, so that we can ensure we are meeting both your professional needs and wants. The results of that poll are detailed in this issue, and we would ask that you continue to look out for future polls so that we can hear your thoughts and tailor our content accordingly. We appreciate your support of CMP Today and know that it will only continue to get better.

Attending the 2013 Conclave this past weekend was indeed a special occasion for me, as it signaled the end of my tenure as chair of the Board of Directors and the passing of the torch to incoming chair, Melody Kebe, CMP. Next month, Melody will pen the Chair’s Corner column, where she will tell you a bit more about herself and her plans for the CMP Program going forward. Please welcome her as you have me.

I have so enjoyed my time as chair because it enabled me to interact with CMPs and with the program at all levels, including in this publication. It is my hope that you have felt engaged, connected and informed as a result of reading CMP Today and that you will continue to support the CMP Program going forward.

Thank you. It's been a pleasure.

Karen M. Gonzales, CMP, is the Immediate Past Chair of the CMP Board of Directors.

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