The CMP Designation – OUR Designation

The first month of each New Year always motivates me to take a good look at the year we have just completed, as well as to look forward to the future. In 2014, there were many advancements and enhancement to the CMP Program, and we all should be proud of the many volunteers who helped make this happen. Let me just recap some of our 2014 accomplishments and take this opportunity to thank Ms. Melody Kebe, CMP, CGMP, for her leadership as 2014 CMP Board Chair:
In 2015, CIC answered CMP and CMP candidate requests to allow for online application submissions, and we are proud to report that it is now possible to use the online portal to:
Sincere thanks to the CIC staff for working hard to get the online portal application process available for all of us! Whether recertifying or applying for a designation, the opportunity to submit the application online will be an invaluable asset for present CMPs, future CMPs and CMP–HC candidates.

I would like to start 2015 off with a question for all of you:

Why are you proud to be a CMP?

Each of us has a different answer to that question but I think it would be fun to gather your thoughts and ideas over the course of the year. So please feel free to send me a short email and I will share your responses, if you give me permission to do so, in my upcoming articles.

To start us off, let me share three of my thoughts.

Community: We share a very special bond by holding the CMP designation and it is always a wonderful conversational start when you see CMP on someone’s nametag at a professional event. My job with ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) puts me in contact with industry professionals from over 94 countries and it is so rewarding to meet proud U.S., Canadian and global CMPs throughout the year.

Relationships and Friendships: The most important part of the total CMP experience develops out of knowing CMP colleagues and meeting potential CMPs. How we all enjoy the CMP breakfasts at industry events, and I know that new CMPs always marvel that there are so many of us willing to get up so early to spend time with each other.

Professional Education: Our very own CMP Conclave will be held September 26-28, 2015 in Reno, NV. Please put this on your calendar now and make sure that you seize the opportunity to attend. Of course, you will receive clock hours for your recertification applications, but the relationships and friendships you develop may serve as a catalyst toward obtaining future goals and objectives. You will never know "What Conclave Can Do for You" if you don’t attend!

I wish you all a successful, professionally rewarding, and CMP active 2015 and look forward to my year representing all CMPs and future CMPs as Chair of the CMP Governance Commission. And, as mentioned above, I look forward to learning your reasons why having and maintaining your CMP designation is important for you.

With best regards,

Joanne

Joanne H. Joham, CMP, CMM
2015 Chair: CMP Governance Commission
Regional Director North America – ICCA
jjoham@optonline.net

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