Member Showcase - CMP Spotlight - April 2023

Heather Herrig, CMP President and Chief Event Strategist every. last. detail

What motivated you to pursue the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation? Honestly, with my very first position in this industry, I was encouraged by my first manager to achieve this certification as soon as I was eligible. She communicated how important it was in the industry as a symbol of recognition and expertise/experience attained. So, it was on my radar from the beginning. And as soon as I could, I began to prepare.

How did participation in the CMP Study Group support your studying to take the exam? Truly, there is no way I could have sufficiently prepared on my own and succeeded. The group support, discussion, and accountability are critical.

How did you feel when you saw the words "You Passed" ? Absolutely elated!

What benefits have you experienced as a result of having your CMP? There is an automatic recognition within the industry when you have those essential letters after your name. Peers, suppliers, vendors, and other partners know instantly you can talk business on an elevated level. And clients, even without knowing what the letters mean, know you’ve achieved something great.

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 your meetings go well? I do use a good bit of the learnings for sure; I’d say the greatest benefit was learning how to craft effective learning objectives for sessions. That has been invaluable!

Reflecting on the time since you achieved the CMP designation, was it a good use of your time and resources to take that step? Without question! I would encourage anyone and everyone to make this a goal in their careers.

Anything additional you would like to share about the CMP study group or about the CMP designation. As an independent planner, the CMP designation offers instant credibility that has immense value when meeting and then working with clients, vendors, suppliers, partners, and other planners. I would not be where I am today without it! 

For more information on the CMP designation and the MPI Georgia Chapter CMP Study Group, please click here.