Help Us Celebrate Our New

Alexandra Pelayo, CMP

Est. August 30, 2021

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I know the value this certification brings to your professional career in this industry and I wanted to be a part of that. I’m sure this certification opens the door to better and more opportunities to those who successfully pass.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

I truly believe having this globally recognized Certification provides credibility of the profession, it serves as a badge of excellence in the events industry

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

I would mention to those pursuing their CMP to keep studying, it’ll all be worth it!

Jennifer Shira, CMP

Est. August 26, 2021

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I wanted to pursue my CMP to expand my knowledge of the event industry that I have been a part of for over 8 years and to have the globally recognized designation of CMP.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

My current position in the events industry is focused on Facility Operations. Working towards my CMP reminded me of my early years in fundraising and event planning while continuing my education in areas that I am currently not utilizing, adding value to my knowledge of the entire industry.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

I would highly recommend taking the MPI CMP Bootcamp to anyone pursuing their CMP. The chapter worksheets, practice quizzes and weekly meetings were just what I needed to stay focused, work hard and continue studying even after the boot camp ended. Also, the PocketPrep app was a great benefit to me as I worked through the questions provided several times.

Julius Smith, CMP

Est. August 23, 2021

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I knew I wanted to excel in my career in the meetings industry and having a CMP would definitely advance that mission. I wanted to challenge myself as well as better understand our clients and the industry as a whole; the process of getting the CMP definitely achieved those goals. Luckily I have an amazing group of coworkers and we all decided it would be awesome to pursue it as a team. Their determination and drive helped pushed me forward and now most of us in our group have our CMP and hopefully, there's more to come.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

Having 'CMP' behind my name means that I have a better understanding of the meetings and events industry than I did before. Hopefully, when I decide to advance my career or pursue other opportunities, employers will know that Julius Smith will bring a level of expertise and knowledge that not everyone has.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

I would tell them to study, study, study and never give up. I'd highly recommend signing up for Carol Benavidez's CMP Study Group, it was by far the biggest contributing factor to my passing the exam. Take any and every practice test you can, especially ones that will reference the book and page number where to find the answer.

Emily Talley, CMP

Est. August 23, 2021

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I have been in the events industry for 8 years and chose to pursue my CMP to elevate my understanding of this industry and to obtain a globally recognized certification.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

The CMP broadens my understanding of the industry. My current position focuses on venue management, the CMP has more of a focus on the event planning side which was useful for understanding my client base better and the methods behind most of their planning processes.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Take a bootcamp! The bootcamp I took with Carol Benavindez and the discussion, handouts and practice tests were a game changer for me! Also, the pocket prep app was very very helpful while I studied!