CMP Spotlight: November ReConnect

CMP Spotlight:  Anna Miller, CMP, Event Manager,
Digital Industries Automation Field Marketing, Siemens Industry, Inc. 
We are glad to share the following feedback from Anna Miller, CMP, our most recent new CMP who is a member of MPI Georgia Chapter and who participated in the MPI Georgia Chapter’s Spring CMP Study Group.  Anna was her CMP Study Group’s “Ambassador of Fun” and kept the weekly sessions enjoyable as well as productive.  If Anna’s experience as a CMP candidate inspires you to follow her example, please mark your calendar for our March 9, 2027 CMP Information Session.

* When you were initially considering earning the Certified Meeting Professional ("CMP") designation,  please share what motivated you to pursue the CMP?

Honestly, my pursuit began with a quest to earn more money. I have been responsible for specific events since I was hired in 2016, but in our recent reorganization, I moved into an Event Manager role, exclusively creating events and events alone. I felt to legitimize myself in this role, education was the obvious next step. And education is a step toward earning more money.  Event experience is paramount, but education is the key to legitimizing what we do.

* How did participation in the MPI Georgia Chapter CMP Study Group support your preparation to take the exam?

My study group was a collection of amazing people who not only helped navigate the plethora of study material but wholeheartedly cheered each other onward and upward.  This is all while we are in the thick of real life wearing multiple hats trying to juggle work and home life and make it all look like we’re Mary Poppins with better shoes… They were a lifeline to staying the course and pushing through challenges.

* Your Study Group had their weekly sessions on Zoom; what was that experience like for you?

Zoom is a bit of a challenge for me, as we’re a MS Teams sort of company. I had to use my personal computer or personal phone to login to ZOOM, as our company won’t let us even download it.  That being said, having to be an active participant, on camera, was critical to successful interaction with the group.  I mean, these people have unknowingly seen me in PJ’s (covered by a sweatshirt) in the early morning hours while I was in Germany for an event and beyond exhausted.  The calls & weekly quizzes were especially helpful to talk through the abundant material.  Toward the end of our sessions, I learned about Pocket Prep, and I found this app also extremely helpful.

* How did you feel when you received your exam results and saw the words "You Passed" ?

Teary eyed and tingly!  I believe I raised my arms up overhead in triumphant celebration, did a little chair dance and tried to sit with it for a whole minute. But, I’m in the people-business, so I found that rather unfulfilling. I quickly cleared my test station and headed out to the check-in desk where I ended up celebrating with the testing facility staff. They made it sink in and feel even more real. The rest of the day I just smiled knowing I accomplished something I set out to do. It was a magnificent feeling.

* Has having your CMP designation enhanced your position as a knowledgeable industry expert?

While I can’t sit here with my imaginary tape-measure out of my back pocket and accurately tell you how many inches Chair A needs to be away from Chair B, I feel like I fine-tuned what I already knew from experience but then elevated my knowledge on a whole heap of details I didn’t know or hadn’t considered.  It makes me feel more well-rounded and prepared.  Moreover, it has enhanced how my daughter sees me and what I do for a living. She watched me study night after night, put my education as a priority and achieved a goal. How she sees me is more important than anyone else, as I set the example.

* 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 guide meetings you are managing?

While it has only been four months, I have chuckled a few times pulling CMP study material out of my noggin’.  I haven’t had many instances just yet, but I know I will consult the book going forward.

* Reflecting on your having achieved the CMP designation, do you feel was it a good use of your time and resources to take that step?

Education is never a waste of time and resources. You will learn and grow – develop and enhance your skills.  I did this during my busiest time of year, including my two largest shows – one in Germany… and I survived.  It’s an investment in yourself, the value you bring to everything you do and it shows others that you value yourself enough to make it happen. 

* Being among our MPI Georgia Chapter's most recent CMPs, how has that experience validated your dedication to professional development?

Being an example to my daughter, who over the last 16 years has taught me more than anything and anyone, showing her that learning is a life-long process.  Personal and professional development is worth the time and energy.  Watching her celebrate that victory though, absolutely made all the hard work worth it.

* What words of encouragement would you have for future CMP candidates?

*Whoopie Goldberg’s voice from Ghost*  “Guuuurrrrrllll,  get off your butt and do it.”

If Anna Miller, CMP’s story has prompted you to add earning your Certified Meeting Professional designation to your 2027 goals, please email Connie Bergeron, CMP, at connie@siteselectionsolutions.com or call at 404.819.0891.  The Spring 2027 CMP Study Group will begin with an Information Session on Tuesday, March 9, 2027 at 6:00 pm via Zoom.