Mary Ann Linder, CMP, The Water Environment Federation

Number of years as a CMP?
15 

Where did you grow up?
Several places around the Pittsburgh, PA area and a few years in Gettysburg, PA. I’m a Pennsylvania girl!

 What did you want to (or think you’d) be when you grew up?
I thought I might want to be a child psychologist. I loved the idea of helping children, and analysing people is something I am still interested in.

What was your educational field of study?
I was a double major in international relations and political science. But when I moved to Washington, D.C. post-college, I started working for a small trade association. I was quickly working exclusively on meetings. As I debated jobs, I realised living in D.C. and the extra studies I would need didn’t make financial sense. So, like many people with my major, I ended up in meetings!

When did you first hear about the CMP designation and what drew you to this certification?
I first saw the CMP on the names of participants on the original MIMList, which was an active online community. I looked at all the people I respected and looked up to who had the designation. I wanted to further my education in the field of meetings, and the CMP seemed the perfect way! 

What advice would you give to anyone preparing to take the exam?
Definitely participate in a study group! I found mine to be so helpful. On my own, I created tons and tons of index cards. 

What inspires you the most when you think about the future of our industry or the impact of our industry?
I think meetings have the potential to really connect people. We are social people, and through meetings, we can really change the world!

How has earning the CMP designation impacted (or benefited) your career?
I think having the CMP has helped make me a well-rounded professional. Currently, I work on the education side of meetings, but having the knowledge and background to fully understand the logistics is a powerful combination. I think having the CMP helps people know and trust you have a certain level of proficiency.

Favorite snack?
Anything with a good buttercream icing!

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned during the pandemic?
That family really matters more than much else in life. Spending time with my family was such a treat during the pandemic.

What is the most memorable in-person experience you planned?
The one that sticks out the most in my mind was an off-site evening event several years ago in Charleston, South Carolina. It was meant to be a social event, and we went to the Cotton Dock and enjoyed shucking oysters. One of the attendees spontaneously started playing the spoons with the music group (had no idea he could!). The attendees enjoyed the evening so much, they just chatted away about it on the bus ride back to the hotel.

What is the most memorable virtual event you have done so far?
For WEFTEC 2020, we took our entire event virtual. Over 300 speakers had an opportunity to have their presentation seen virtually!

What was the last book you read/listened to?
Design to Change by Roel Frissen, Ruud Janssen, Dennis Luijer

What are the benefits you like of hosting virtual events?
I like the fact that virtual events reach people who can’t attend in-person events for a variety of reasons- cost, time out of the office, whatever it is. This gives us an opportunity to reach new and different audiences.

What do you miss the most about in-person events?
The chance to talk to the volunteers who help develop the content right after a session. To have highly interactive sessions. Those are just really tough to do in a virtual world.

What is your favorite travel destination?
The museums in Madrid, Spain, and the food anywhere in Spain!

Do you have a favorite quote?
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” By Desmond Tutu