The Convention Industry Council (CIC) announced that 393 individuals passed the February 2, 2008 CMP examination, making them the newest class of Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs).

This prestigious credential, recognized throughout the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry, demonstrates an individual’s comprehensive knowledge of meeting management.

Currently, over 13,000 meeting professionals in 35 countries and territories worldwide have earned the CMP designation.

The CMP program, established in 1985, is designed to increase the professionalism of meeting managers in all sectors of the industry; recognize and raise industry standards; and increase the value of these practitioners to their employers and those to whom services are provided.

The demand for the designation has soared, with the number of CMPs almost tripling from the first ten years of the program’s existence to the second ten years.

Obtaining the CMP designation is a two-part process, consisting of an application and a written examination, administered and monitored by an independent testing agency.

Eligibility to take the examination is based on an extensive review of professional qualifications; candidates must have at least three years of employment in the meetings industry and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for successful meetings.

The comprehensive written examination tests knowledge of all functions of meeting management.

The next North American CMP examination is scheduled for August 9, 2008; the application deadline for this exam is April 9, 2008.

To view all members of the February 2008 CMP class or to learn more about the CMP program, please see attached or visit the CIC website at www.conventionindustry.org.