CMP is the foremost certification programme for today’s meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry which is monitored and managed by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) in Washington, USA. The MICE Club recently hosted an introduction to CMP by the USA project director.

There are currently about 10 000 CMPs internationally, and the certification is fast becoming a recognized standard. Through the CMP programme, individuals who are currently employed in meeting management have the opportunity to be identified with their planning abilities.

Unlike the SA SAACI standard, this course aims to certifiy the individual and not the company. The largest group are currently in the US, but many are now qualifying in Singapore, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Norway, and in China as part of their preparation towards the next Olympics. South African planners would be well advised to qualify in the build-up towards the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Joanne H Joham, the CMP-CIC project director from the USA, is visiting South Africa with the express purpose of supporting the MICE Club in their endeavors to promote the CMP designation in this country and to bring this standard of industry excellence to South African Meeting Professionals.

Joanne went through the CMP application criteria to evaluate potential scoring for making the CMP application.

The application requires a chosen planner and supplier category, followed by a points system based on the following sections:

- Experience in Meeting Management
- Management Responsibility
- Education and continuing education
- Membership
- Professional Contributions in Meeting Management
- References

If you were not able to attend the launch and would like to know more, or to receive an application form, please contact:
Helen Brewer
MICE Club
(011) 791 6948
Mobile: 082 820 5382
Email: miceclub@mweb.co.za.
Web: www.miceclub.co.za.