Member Showcase - CMP Spotlight - June 2023

Kristi Campbell, CMP, PMP Program & Portfolio Manager Intelligent Sustainable Technologies Division (ISTD) Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)

What motivated you to pursue the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation? I knew obtaining the CMP designation would help me advance my career goals and provide the professional development and support needed to succeed. The CMP designation shows your dedication to the profession and your willingness to pursue excellence through continued professional development and work in the industry.

How did participation in the CMP Study Group support your studying to take the exam? It provided me with the accountability I needed to stay on track. I knew each week I needed to cover the assigned study materials, reading and review to keep up with the group. Having the support of the other study group members also helped in knowing you were not alone on this journey. So the commitment was not only to my personal achievement but also support for the entire group. It was community.

How did you feel when you saw the words "You Passed"? Exhilaration and relief! After months of studying and preparation, it was a great feeling to have passed the exam. All of the studying and practice exams had been worth it.

What benefits have you experienced as a result of having your CMP? Having my CMP provides an extra stamp of credibility with my years of professional work. It distinguishes you within the industry by showing you have gone the extra mile to learn and demonstrating a commitment to continued professional development.

Does having your CMP designation enhance your position as a knowledgeable industry expert? The CMP designation has afforded me the knowledge needed to be considered an SME (Subject Matter Expert) for events in my organization. Over the years, various people have called me for information, advice, suggestions, etc., on event management practices. I can say that a portion of my knowledge is directly linked to my CMP professional development journey.

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 have used some of the formulas however, the most important thing I have gleaned is the general exposure to industry terminology and legal contracts when working with various vendors. The information has been invaluable. I have saved my organization thousands of dollars over the years because of the contract knowledge I gain from studying for the CMP as well as the professional development courses I have taken to maintain my certification over the years.

Reflecting on the time since you achieved the CMP designation, was it a good use of your time and resources to take that step?  Pursuing my CMP was definitely worth the time and effort. The designation and my years of experience have helped with my event management expertise and have allotted me a successful career at my organization.

What words of encouragement would you have for future CMP candidates?  Take the leap! Commit to the effort and move forward. You will not regret it!

LAST CALL for 2023 CMP Study Group!

If you have earning your CMP designation on your 2023 "to do" list, please email Gregg Lauer, CMP at glauer@etherio.com and Connie Bergeron, CMP at connie@siteselectionsolutions.com to let us know.  The CMP Information Session for the final CMP Study Group this year is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, and all Study Group sessions are held on Zoom.  For any questions regarding CMP requirements, please visit the MPI Georgia Chapter link or call Connie Bergeron, CMP, at 404.819.0891.