Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Study Group Information Sessio

CMP Information Session : CMP Information Session From Application to Study Group to Exam

Agenda : Agenda Online Class Housekeeping CIC History of the CMP Designation Benefits of Certification The CMP Process

Agenda : Agenda The CMP Application The CMP Exam Exam Preparation Your CMP Action Plan Discussion/Questions

Housekeeping : Housekeeping Interactive session Go ahead and ask questions as I am speaking There will also be natural breaks to ask questions Those with mics and cameras can activate them so you too can speak/be seen if you choose You have writing controls so we can work interactively

Introductions : Introductions Everyone type your First name Location Current or most recent position Why you are seeking your CMP and/or what you hope to gain

Introductions : Introductions Ellen Maiara, CMP Tampa, FL Independent Planner and Instructor for CMP Candidates Have worked for Fundraising Organization Association Corporations Academic Institutions CMP in 2005

Introductions : Introductions Study Group My career needed a jump start What I gained Education Best practices Fantastic network

Convention Industry Council (CIC) : Convention Industry Council (CIC) An association for associations 34 meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry member organizations represent over 103,500 individuals 17,300 firms

Convention Industry Council (CIC) : Convention Industry Council (CIC) Facilitates the exchange of information Develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry Educates the public on its profound economic impact Owns and administers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification

Convention Industry Council (CIC) : Convention Industry Council (CIC) Major Programs Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Hall of Leaders Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) CIC Manual & Publications Economic Impact Study and other white papers Task Force on Sustainability and Responsibility

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program CMP is owned and managed by CIC “Governed” and administered by the CIC Professional designation Not an individual membership Follows best certification practices

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program History of the CMP Designation Began in 1985 by The Convention Liaison Council “Certified Meeting PROFESSIONAL” Began as a response to increase the professionalism of meeting managers Only industry certification endorsed by 34 CIC member organizations

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program CMP Program Goals Identify a body of knowledge Establish the level of knowledge and performance required for certification Stimulate the advancement of the art and science of meeting management Provide unique networking opportunities for those involved in the program

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program CMP Program Goals Increase the value of practitioners Recognize and raise industry standards, practices, and ethics Maximize the value received from the products and services provided by CMP’s

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program CMP Program Players CMP Board of Directors Representatives of CIC member organizations and CMP stakeholders Establish and document the level of competence required for CMP Develop and Review final exam forms Market and promote CMP

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program CMP Program Players CIC Staff Testing Agency – Prometric, Inc. Psychometrician – “Testing Expert”

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program CMP Program Players CMPs Item (question) writers Assistant proctors Booth coverage Study group leaders CIC, CMP Board, Study Group Leaders Committee

Certified Meeting Professional Program : Certified Meeting Professional Program CMP Designation Today Global Designation Over 14,000 CMPs have earned the designation worldwide in 35 countries and US territories I have trained more than 40 CMPs in 7 countries 64% of CMPs are planners 36% are suppliers

Benefits of Certification : Benefits of Certification Professional development Personal achievement Competitive advantage & increased credibility Global recognition

Benefits of Certification : Benefits of Certification Use of the CMP designation on letterhead, business cards, etc. Competitive salary – according to an industry survey, CMPs earn $12,000 more annually than their non-CMP colleagues

Benefits of Certification : Benefits of Certification Benefits – in my opinion ;-) Immediate recognition Camaraderie with industry professionals who have met a personal goal and professional standard Conclave Study group Keeps me sharp

The CMP Process : The CMP Process Application Demonstrate Eligibility Application fee of $225 Exam 165 question over 3.5 (4) hours Exam fee $450 Recertification every 5 years Application with points earned since exam Fee $200

The CMP Process : The CMP Process

CMP Application Requirements : CMP Application Requirements A minimum of 3-years work experience in meeting management Responsibility and accountability for the successful completion of meetings Current, full-time employment in meeting management (Unemployed individuals may apply within 12 months of the onset of unemployed status)

The CMP Application : The CMP Application 2 Parts CMP Handbook Describes the process – this is a must read before beginning the application DON’T SKIP THIS STEP! CMP Application

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Website: www.conventionindustry.org Follow the link to download the CMP handbook and application Make a copy of application, do a draft in pencil Gather all required documentation Submit with required documentation & fee by the application deadline of August 14, 2009

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Point system A Minimum of 90 out of 150 possible points is required. Recommend a minimum of 100 points

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Maximum points per section: Experience – 35 Management responsibility – 50 Education/continuing education – 25 Membership – 10 Professional contributions in meeting management – 30

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Application “do’s” Fill out once in pencil then take a break Have a colleague and a significant other review Use a CMP as one of your references Let your references know They will be called

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Application “do’s” Count as many points as possible Don’t stop at 90 – 100 Count partial points They add up! Check and double check your addition Type it!

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Application “do’s” Submit it on time Faxing is not permitted Provide back up Place it in a binder with tabs

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Application Backup Resume Job descriptions, past and present Chronology of meetings planned Membership dues/Continuing Education cancelled checks or paid invoices Diplomas, certificates of completion

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Application Backup PowerPoint notes if you have spoken Copies of published articles Web articles too! Awards, designations Those given on the job do not count

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Application Backup Internships Agendas from Continuing Education Trade show floor time Monthly chapter meetings

The CMP Application : The CMP Application Send a self addressed, stamped envelope with your application, you will receive this back indicating it was received You wait…weeks You will hear back just before the deadline to register for the exam But in the mean time…

The CMP Exam : The CMP Exam Offered in 1st and 3rd Quarters in North America Offered once a year outside North America 3.5-hour (4-hour) exam 165 multiple-choice questions (items)

The CMP Exam : The CMP Exam 4 answer (options) choices for each question No fill-in-the-blank or True/False questions No all of the above/none of the above All very situational – operational Best choice of 4 options May be more than 1 “correct” choice

The CMP Exam : The CMP Exam Situational, not rote Tests 49 functions with 230 knowledge subjects Calculator supplied (by CMP Board), and pencil You can comment on questions; Flawed questions discarded Answer sheets scored by computer Exams screened for cultural nuance

The CMP Exam : The CMP Exam Each test comprised of a new selection from the CMP “Item Bank” CMP “Item Bank,” is a database of test questions prepared by CMPs at CMP Conclaves Exam is designed to measure competency rather than academic excellence Exam is scored as either pass or fail

The CMP Exam : The CMP Exam Exam items undergo review process --- CMP item writers, the CMP Board of Directors Exam Committee, and the testing agency Items measure competency and skill Writing & reviewing questions ongoing process to keep exam current

The CMP Exam : The CMP Exam Job Analysis - study of the profession Conducted every 5 years Evaluate the level of knowledge and skills expected within the profession Blueprint 5 Domain Areas 49 Tasks 230 Knowledge Topics

The CMP Exam : The CMP Exam Five Domain Areas Strategic Event Planning Process 24% Financial and Contract Management 20% Facilities and Services 18% Logistics 20% Program 18%

Sample Questions : Sample Questions A company hires three experts to discuss a particular topic during a session for its 100 representatives. There is to be limited audience participation. What type of session should be planned? A. Forum B. Seminar C. Symposium D. Lecture

Sample Questions : Sample Questions ANSWER C. Symposium Definition: A symposium includes a series of short presentations by several speakers, each of whom addresses a single issue. Each speaker has a time limit in order that a number of viewpoints may be heard. Source: Pg.19 CIC

Sample Questions : Sample Questions A meeting professional needs to set up a breakout room for a 30-person discussion in a room containing 1,200 square feet (111.5 m2). Which of the following would be the MOST efficient room setup? A. School room with 30 inch (76 cm) tables B. Tablet chairs C. Round tables seating ten person each D. Hollow square

Sample Questions : Sample Questions ANSWER D. Hollow Square Definition: A hollow square is used when 13-30 people are in a schoolroom or conference-type setting and there are no A/V presentations planned. Source: Pg. 196 CIC

Sample Questions : Sample Questions The meeting professional with ABC Corporation receives a telephone call from a client who needs to hold a meeting with 100 attendees within the next four weeks. What is the FIRST action the meeting professional should take? a. Reserve sleeping rooms and meeting space b. Prepare a meeting budget c. Secure travel arrangements d. Determine the goals and objectives of the meeting

Sample Questions : Sample Questions ANSWER D. Determine the goals and objectives of the meeting Determining the purpose of an event and creating clear goals and objectives is the most important step in planning a compelling event. This strategy will guide logical planning and provide a basis for the decisions you make about every aspect of the event. Source: Pg. 21 CIC

Sample Questions : Sample Questions As a speaker for a conference on Asthma, you will be presenting your educational materials to an audience of 600 respiratory therapists. Based on research in adult education, what method would be MOST effective in presenting the materials? a. Lecture b. Visuals c. Discussion group d. Panel discussion

Sample Questions : Sample Questions ANSWER C. Discussion group Adults learn better when they are actively involved in the process. Small group learning situations such as workshops, promote interaction among participants and allow learners to be actively involved in the learning process. Source: Pg. 252 PMM

Exam PreparationManuals : Exam PreparationManuals CIC 8th Edition CIC International 1st Edition PMM 5th Edition APEX Glossary http://www.conventionindustry.org/glossary/ IAEM Guidelines for Display Rules & Regulations http://www.conventionindustry.org/cmp/Documents/IAEM_Guidelines.pdf All can be purchased from the CIC website http://www.conventionindustry.org/

Exam Preparation : Exam Preparation Time Commitment Reading Books 30+ Hours Studying 50 Hours Study Group 30 Hours Total Time required 110 hours +

Study Groups : Study Groups Independent from CIC $225 USD fee Weekly sessions online Starting the week of September, 8, 2009 Each online session will be recorded and saved

Study Groups : Study Groups WiZiQ.com for online sessions CRTeacher – Classroom Environment Once paid will send access code Weekly session links Week by week assignment schedule Forums Live chat

Study Groups : Study Groups The group leader is a facilitator, NOT a teacher I am here to guide you while you prepare to take the CMP exam I will not always have the answers as questions arise I will endeavor to get answers for you through the CIC

Study Groups : Study Groups You MUST do the reading and studying yourself. I cannot impress upon you enough the importance of creating your note cards on a weekly basis. As the exam approaches and you begin the review process, your note cards will be your most important tools.

Study Groups : Study Groups Submit 5 sample quiz questions weekly through the CRTeacher.com website. Those not submitting questions EVERY WEEK will not receive weekly, mid-term & final practice exams. No exceptions will be made. This is your obligation to assist each other

Study Groups : Study Groups Tuesday Write Vocabulary Note Cards for the upcoming week’s session Get words from website assignment page Write each word on one side On the back write the definition from the APEX Glossary

Study Groups : Study Groups Wednesday and Thursday Read chapters for the week. As you read, begin prepare questions to be submitted

Study Groups : Study Groups Friday Submit 5 sample quiz questions through CRTeacher.com website Questions will be required for the first week Sample questions and question writing directions will be posted on the assignment webpage so you can submit for your 1st week

Study Groups : Study Groups Sunday Ellen will post quiz to CRTeacher site based on your questions Take the quiz and plan to discuss/review during the session on Monday

Study Groups : Study Groups Monday Study Group meets online Each week we will Review quiz questions Discuss the material for the week Discuss how the exam and questions are assembled Play games to reinforce the week’s content

Study Groups : Study Groups If work will take you out of town, make sure you work ahead and submit your quiz questions, so you don’t fall behind Remember session will be recorded and available for review for a limited time

Study Groups : Study Groups Adhere to the CMP policies and deadlines outlined in the CMP Candidate Handbook Study the CMP Blueprint areas in the Handbook Concentrate most on those areas with 8-10 questions and those with which you are the most unfamiliar

Study Groups : Study Groups BUT, study each and every meeting management topic regardless of number of questions anticipated or your experience

CMP Action Plan : CMP Action Plan Download the CMP application and Handbook Complete and submit your application Purchase/borrow the study materials Join a study group Study independently and as part of a class Commit to taking the exam that’s right for you Give it your all!

CMP Action Plan : CMP Action Plan Make sure I know you have attended this session so I can send you an email that will outline your next steps to take. Determine your own reasons for pursuing the CMP designation

CMP Action Plan : CMP Action Plan Make the experience worthwhile Commit to putting aside regular time to study over several months Do it for yourself !

CMP Action Plan : CMP Action Plan Thank you for your participation this afternoon. Happy studies—best of luck on your journey. Enjoy it! Ellen Maiara, CMP 877-721-0044 ext 704 work 813-994-3417 direct 813-401-0739 mobile skype: emaiara twitter" @Ellencmp facebook: ellencmp linkedin: http:/www.linkedin.com/in/ellenmaiara ellen@eventsolutionsmanagement.com www.eventsolutionsmanagement.com