March 2018 Grapevine

Announcements   

		Shout out to Nancy Wilkerson on her new position as National Sales Manager of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  Nancy rejoined the resort sales team in January. During her career she has represented the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for 20 years. Nancy is an excellent resource when planning your next meeting on the Emerald Coast. Based in Atlanta, she is responsible for fostering and developing business from Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, and the North Central states.
		Lance Hornecker, CMP, CMM joinedthe Global Accounts team this month with Omni Hotels & Resorts. Lance was born in a beach town (San Diego) and raised in a casino town (Las Vegas), so it's only fitting that the hospitality business would be in his blood. He is excited to join the Omni team as a Global Account Director based in Atlanta. Lance is enthusiastic about heading back to where he left his heart in the hotel industry.
		Congratulations are in order to MPI Georgia President, Andy Williams, CMP, TMP of Destination South Meetings & Events. They are expecting a new addition to their family – a daughter. Cheers to Andy and his wife, Ryan.

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Committee Showcase: CMP Study Group

As a NEW FEATURE monthly article, The Grapevine will highlight one of our chapter committees to share the amazing efforts they make on behalf of our members.

Connie Bergeron, CMP President Site Selection Solutions, Inc. Chair, CMP Study Group Member since 1980		Gregg Lauer, CMP Sr. Director, Event Management Equifax Vice-Chair, CMP Study Group Member since 1994

If you are a Certified Meeting Professional who earned your designation by taking the CMP Exam with other candidates in the same location on the same day, and if your certificate was issued by the Convention Industry Council, you may not realize the dramatic amount of change that has taken place in the CMP process over the last five years.
Who can CMP candidates turn to for the most updated, accurate information on earning their CMP designation? The MPI Georgia CMP Study Group Committee, founded in 1991, is a resource for planners and suppliers who desire to prepare for the CMP Exam. The committee has supported hundreds of candidates by leading Information Sessions, Application Boot Camps, and Study Group Start-Up Sessions. Thank you to our committee members who support and encourage our members:

• Lesli Castaneda, CMP
• Amber Dillard, CMP
• Karen Ewing, CMP
• Cynthia Gomes, CMP   
• Jennifer Smith-Hicks, CASE, CMP
• Adriel Jones, MA, CMP
• Sandie Sears, CMP
• Chris Yueh, CMP

We are appreciative of every one of the committee members, and especially thankful for Lesli Castaneda, CMP, who finds host venues for events. She also compiles and administers a final review quiz with additional questions provided by the study group members, and reminds CMPs of their year to renew their designation. Members of the committee must be CMPs and willing to protect the confidentiality of the candidates. Recertification is required every five years. A directory of all current CMPs may be found at the Events Industry Council website (formerly the Convention Industry Council).

Available to MPI Members and Non-Members Alike

CMP candidates are not required to be members of our chapter, although many have joined as a result of participating in the study group. There is a nominal $60 participation fee to join the study group.

Why Is CMP Important?

If you have any questions regarding the importance of having the CMP designation, ask anyone who is job hunting in the industry today. Events Industry Council research has illustrated that CMPs earn 10% more over the course of their careers. 

Where Can I Go to Learn More?

The CMP Study Group Committee schedules four groups per year. You can find the dates listed in the Education & Events section of the MPI Georgia website.  For more information on the Study Group or renewing your designation, please contact Connie or Gregg. On a special note, Connie founded the MPI Georgia CMP Study Group Committee in 1991. With over 40 years combined service, we are most appreciative to Connie and Gregg for their continued service and dedication to our chapter.