Meet MTA: Our Certified Meeting Professionals

Why is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential important?

The CMP credential is recognized globally as the “badge of excellence” in the meeting, convention, exhibition, and event industry, according to the Convention Industry Council (CIC).  Those with a CMP after their names are regarded with industry-wide trust and respect. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, continued education, and a strenuous exam.

Enlisting the services of an event planning company with CMP certifications will:

• Promote industry standards, practices, and ethics in the management of your event
• Offer access to a broad body of knowledge in the events profession
• Provide expert contract negotiation and management for your benefit
• Establish and enhance quality relationships with vendors, who recognize and honor the CMP
• Maximize the ROI of your choice in an event planner

Meet Our Certified Meeting Professionals

 Patty Cullim, CMP, Global Service Director

Years in the events industry: 20+ years

Reason for pursuing the CMP: I pursued the CMP for personal growth. I wanted to stay current on trends in the industry and have the opportunity to network with others in the industry.

Most interesting aspect of event industry that you learned through your CMP training: One interesting aspect of the training was identifying the cultural differences regarding international meetings and how they are not so different from USA.

Jenny Decker, CMP, Global Event Director

Years in the events industry: 13 years

Reason for pursuing the CMP: I received my certification in 2014. Education has always been important to me.  There is always more to learn regardless of the industry. I know that the value of a CMP designation extends far beyond passing a test—it encourages and provides continuing education throughout one’s career.  Earning my CMP has been empowering; I feel that it enables vendors, hoteliers and our clients to have a level of confidence and trust in my role as a planner and in my decision-making process.

Most interesting aspect of event industry that you learned through the CMP training: Learning about international meetings and how the culture impacts your decision-making not only was intriguing but has also helped prepare me for my role with Miller Tanner.

Melissa Eggert, CMP, Global Event Director

Years in the events industry: 12 years

Reason for pursuing the CMP: My motivation for having a CMP credential was two-fold. First, I wanted to challenge myself and expand my scope of the events world outside of pharmaceutical meetings. By studying for the CMP, I was able to glean from the knowledge of many event professionals and understand the central backbone of the field. Secondly, having the CMP credential boosts the confidence of both our clients and vendors in Miller Tanner as a company. It is important to me that I provide our clients with the best service in the industry, and having the CMP aids in achieving that goal.

Most interesting aspect of event industry that you learned through the CMP training: While learning how to set up trade shows and exhibition booths was exhilarating, I think the most useful piece of information absorbed was less tactical and more theoretical. I expanded my understanding of the WHY – why do we plan events? What purpose do they serve? What are we looking to achieve with this gathering of people? Setting the end goal before the planning begins is just as, if not more, important than the event itself.

Gracie Fisher, CMP, Global Event Director

Years in the events industry: 8 years

Reason for pursuing the CMP: New challenges keep me invigorated, invested and connected to our industry. Accepting the challenge of pursuing a CMP gave me a new objective and challenged me to grow beyond the skills I use on a daily basis.

Most interesting aspect of event industry that you learned through the CMP training: I feel as though I connected and related to the domain of event design and the purpose of design and its marriage to functionality. We do not create or design an event without taking the original objective and vision of the event and weaving it through every decision. Even something as small as the way a lounge area is set up or a piece of furniture chosen should contribute to the event objective as a whole. For me, it reminded me that every decision and element not only contributes to the event meaning and objective but that each decision can be related back to serving your clients holistically.

Kate Sheelen, CMP, Global Service Director

Years in the events industry: 19 years

Reason for pursuing the CMP: Personal goal and professional development were my reasons for pursuing the credential. I also felt a respect for the designation and achievement in the industry.

Most interesting or useful aspect of event industry that you learned through the CMP training: Something I still reference and use for MTA – the banquet calculations, room types, and setups.

Meredith Shottes, CMP, Director, Global Events

Years in the events industry: 17 years

Reason for pursuing the CMP: While working with our clients it became abundantly clear that this designation was a vital stat for them to share with their internal stakeholders to further validate their decision to choose Miller Tanner Associates.  By sharing that I, and other members of our team, have been certified by one of the leading industry organizations in our professional planning knowledge, we helped clear a path towards our selection for major alliance partnerships.

Most interesting aspect of event industry that you learned through the CMP training:  I don’t think that it was any one aspect that I found interesting, but rather how in depth the test goes on a large variety of topics with GREAT detail!  From Association stakeholders to individual learning styles to formulas that calculate how much coffee to order in the afternoon if your group is all women – the amount to absorb was endless and all fascinating!