Reflections as I Conclude My Term as CMP Governance Commission Chair

Dear fellow CMPs,

It is a bittersweet moment to write my final message to you as Chair of the 2015 CMP Governance Commission. During this year, I have had the opportunity to be in touch with many of you either in person or by email, and I value each and every contact.

As many of you know, up until the end of 2014, the CMP program was governed by a CMP Board composed of one representative from each CIC member organization. I have always been proud to serve with all of you who dedicated countless hours to the CMP program. We were all leaders – we were all passionate about the CMP program – we were all friends. I, personally, miss working with each of you who served during my tenure on the Board and want to thank all of you for electing me to Chair the CMP Governance Commission in 2015. I always look forward to meeting up at industry events.

2015 signified a change in composition of the CMP leadership group, and it has been a pleasure to work with every member of the Governance Commission. We redefined – we learned – we shared – and we all worked together for the good of all CMPs. We can call 2015 the "year of change" and a year that defined the promise of the future. Many positive steps have been implemented to advance and support the CMP program for applicants and current CMPs. To my colleagues who served on the 2015 Governance Commission, I extend my sincere thanks for your willingness to share your expertise and knowledge for the good of all. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Chair this year.

I believe that one of the most important things in our careers are the relationships that we build and nurture. I have enjoyed working with each and every CMP who has crossed my path and especially enjoyed working in the initial stages of the new CMP Governance Commission. Being a CMP has provided me with so much insight into extraordinary people, so much knowledge and so many wonderful advantages. My hope that each and every one of you will take the best advantage of your CMP network and use every opportunity to advance your career and personal relationships.

To those of you who have answered the questions I have posed in my monthly articles about your CMP experiences and your CMP pride – I thank you. Even if you have only answered the questions in your mind and not in an email, I hope that my questions have been thought-provoking and provided a stimulus to remember that we belong to a very elite group of professionals.

All of you who volunteer your time on committees and task forces help to nurture and strengthen the CMP program. Thank you for every volunteer action that you can dedicate to the CMP program.

The future of the CMP program is guided by exceptional professionals who will be leading and serving on the CMP Governance Commission and a dedicated and professional staff at CIC headquarters.

I wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season filled with good times and happy moments and a New Year that will provide professional and personal success.

With warm regards,
Joanne

Joanne H, Joham, CMP, CMM
Regional Director NA – ICCA
2015 Chair – CMP Governance Commission

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