Member Showcase - CMP Spotlight - October 2024

Neysa Crist, CMP Meeting and Event Manager Cox Enterprises, Inc.

* When you were initially considering earning the Certified Meeting Professional ("CMP") designation,  please share what motivated you to pursue the CMP? 

I have always had a passion for learning and expanding my expertise in the event industry. When the pandemic upended the event industry, I felt I needed to act quickly to increase my knowledge and value in a rapidly changing market. Then I heard of the CMP Study Group that was about to start a new session, and I knew the timing could not have been better.

* How did participation in the CMP Study Group support your studying to take the exam?

Being a part of the CMP Study Group was essential to my ability to prep for the exam. The study group provided structure, support, and accountability that was instrumental in my success. Talking through the material each week with my fellow study group members helped me better grasp the concepts. The study group members and the committee itself also offered much needed emotional support whenever I felt overwhelmed. Most importantly, the study group provided the accountability I needed to never lose sight of my goal, thanks to the weekly sessions where I knew the other study group members were relying on me to come to the meetings fully prepared and ready to engage.

* Your Study Group was the first to have weekly sessions on Zoom; what was that experience like for you?

Zoom was new to everyone at this time, and we had to adapt quickly to make it work. While I regret my study group never got to meet together in person, Zoom actually provided us with unexpected benefits, too. We did not have to spend time traveling to our study sessions, allowing us more time to focus on our meetings and studying. We learned tricks to increase engagement, such as anonymous polling on quiz questions, so we could know if anyone had a challenging time with a question without anyone feeling singled out. We also quickly realized the importance of everyone being on camera and off mute, to fully engage. It turned into a wonderful chance to bond during a time of isolation. 

* How did you feel when you saw the words "You Passed" ?

Euphoria. Pride. And not a small amount of relief. 

* What benefits have you had career-wise as a result of having your CMP?

You mean beyond the pure joy of having initials after my name? ha. More seriously, my increased industry knowledge has made me a higher-valued event planner at my company, entrusted with managing more complex programs. 

* Do you find information you learned while studying to take the exam helpful in your positions since earning your CMP and are you able to use some of the formulas, etc., to help guide meetings your clients source?

I have applied several elements of what I learned studying for the CMP in my everyday planning. Many worksheets and formulas I still reference today, as well as best practices. 

* Reflecting on your having achieved the CMP designation, do you feel was it a good use of your time and resources to take that step?

Absolutely. Between the gained knowledge and recognition, I’m grateful I took the time to invest in myself and my career.

* Being a valued member of the MPI Georgia Chapter's CMP Study Group Committee, how has supporting future CMPs validated your dedication to professional development?

There is nothing more rewarding in this industry than paying it forward. I’m where I am today thanks to mentors, leaders, and colleagues who believed in me and invested their time in me. I believe in the future of this industry and want to invest my time in encouraging others along this worthy path.

* What words of encouragement would you have for future CMP candidates?

Tackle this exam the way you tackle the challenges of event planning, and you will conquer it. Time can be hard to come by in the event industry but invest this time in yourself. You will not regret it.