The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is pleased to announce 16 newly designated Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs) who passed the May 11, 2004 CMP examination held in Frankfurt, Germany and Singapore.

With the addition of these new members, the number of individuals who have obtained the CMP credential now totals 9,854 in 26 countries world-wide. The list of the new CMPs is available on the CIC website at www.conventionindustry.org.

Regarded as the premier certification program in the industry, the CMP examination tests the candidates’ knowledge of meeting management. In addition to passing this rigorous examination, candidates must also demonstrate employment in the field as well as responsibility and accountability for successful meetings.

The CMP Program is designed to increase the professionalism of meeting managers in any component or sector of the industry, recognize and raise industry standards, and increase the value of these practitioners to their employers and individuals to whom their services are provided.

The next CMP examinations are scheduled for January 22, 2005 with an application deadline of September 13, 2004 and July 9, 2005 with an application deadline of March 7, 2005. Interested meeting professionals may purchase the CMP Candidate Handbook from the CIC website www.conventionindustry.org.

The Convention Industry Council’s 31 member organizations represent more than 98,000 individuals as well as 15,000 firms and properties involved in the meetings, convention and exhibitions industry. Formed in 1949 to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry, the CIC facilitates the exchange of information and develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact.