CMP Spotlight: August ReConnect

CMP Spotlight 

Susan Dunson, CMP, Special Events Coordinator, Mighty Auto Parts

by

Connie Bergeron, CMP Fellow, President, Site Selection Solutions, Inc. and

Chair, MPI Georgia Chapter CMP Study Group Committee

We are glad to share the following feedback from Susan Dunson, 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. If Susan’s experience as a CMP candidate inspires you to follow her example, please register for our CMP Information Session on August 18 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm by emailing connie@siteselectionsolutions.com 

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

Susan's response: I first considered earning my CMP certification about two years ago, when I had only one year of designated work experience. However, because of the EIC eligibility requirements, I had to wait until I reached three years of experience before I could apply. One of my main motivations for pursuing the certification was that many of the meeting planners I worked with held the CMP designation, and I saw the value and credibility it brought to the profession. Additionally, I wanted to challenge myself professionally and demonstrate my commitment to the meetings and events industry. And, if I’m being completely honest, having those letters after my name was an added bonus!

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

Susan's response: The biggest impact the study group had on me was the sense of community and support. It was incredibly valuable to be surrounded by people who were studying for the same certification and experiencing the same challenges. As we got closer to exam day, we were constantly encouraging one another, celebrating milestones, and cheering each other on. Sharing that journey with others made the process much less intimidating.

Another major advantage was access to Gregg and Connie's resources and expertise. They guided us through the entire process, from applying for the CMP and documenting our education credits to providing study materials and resources that were extremely helpful. The documents they shared were invaluable, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that many of the questions on the exam were directly related to information covered in those materials. Their support played a significant role in helping me feel prepared and confident going into the test.

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

Susan's response: Being on Zoom was actually a great experience. The virtual format created a comfortable and flexible environment where nobody cared what you were wearing, and it was completely understood if a pet, child, or even a work meeting made an appearance in the background. Many of us were balancing busy schedules, so that flexibility was invaluable.

Another advantage was that participants were located in different areas, making virtual meetings the most practical way for everyone to connect. Meeting online allowed us to collaborate and support one another regardless of location. It also eliminated drive time, which made it much easier to attend consistently and fit study sessions into our schedules. Overall, the virtual format made the study group more accessible, convenient, and inclusive for everyone involved.

How did you feel when you received your exam results on July 23 and saw the words "You Passed" ?

Susan's response: When I saw that I had passed, I was completely shocked. Even though I went into the exam realizing I could recall facts and information that I never thought I would know, I still convinced myself afterward that I hadn't done enough to pass. Because of that, seeing the passing result was both surprising and incredibly rewarding.

More than anything, it was a huge sense of relief. Earning the CMP was a significant personal and professional goal, and passing the exam felt like a major accomplishment. It validated all the time and effort I had invested in studying and preparing, and it gave me a real sense of pride in what I had achieved. It was not only a win for my career goals but also a big win for myself.

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

Susan's response: Earning my CMP adds credibility and validity to the knowledge and experience I've gained throughout my career. It demonstrates that I have met a recognized industry standard and have invested significant time, effort, and dedication into expanding my expertise in meeting and event management.

The certification is also a way for others to recognize my commitment to professional growth. It shows that I am dedicated to continually improving my skills and staying knowledgeable about industry best practices. For me, the CMP is not only a professional achievement but also a reflection of the hard work I've put into advancing my knowledge and career.

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?

Studying for the CMP exam answered a lot of questions that many people in the meetings and events industry seemed to already know, but that I had never formally learned. The preparation process helped me understand the standards and best practices behind event planning, rather than just relying on experience alone.

For example, I learned practical guidelines such as how many bartenders are needed for a certain number of attendees, the recommended number of guests to seat at a table for comfort and networking, and the appropriate distance between presentation screens and both the first and last rows of an audience. These details may seem small, but they play a significant role in creating successful events and positive attendee experiences.

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?

Yes, earning my CMP was absolutely worth the effort, and I would do it all over again.

Being our MPI Georgia Chapter's most recent CMP, what words of encouragement would you have for future CMP candidates?

If you're thinking about earning your CMP, my advice is simple: just go for it and stay the course. There were definitely times during the process when I wanted to give up. The studying can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to question whether you're ready. I even considered postponing my exam because I wasn't sure I had done enough to pass.

 Looking back, I'm so glad I didn't delay. Trust the process, trust the work you've put in, and keep moving forward even when it feels challenging. The sense of accomplishment when you achieve your goal makes all the effort worthwhile. Earning my CMP was one of the most rewarding professional achievements I've accomplished, and I'm grateful that I pushed through the moments of doubt.

Bravo and congratulations to Susan, and thank you to our CMP Study Group Committee members who are dedicated to supporting CMP candidates in their professional development goals. For more information on the CMP designation and the MPI Georgia Chapter Fall CMP Study Group, please see the link below:

https://www.mpi.org/chapters/georgia/education-events/cmp-study-group