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Angela Feinstein, CMP

Est. 2022

Why did you pursue your CMP?

The CMP certification has always interested me. I believe it shows dedication and commitment to our industry. I decided to study and sit for the CMP to have a holistic viewpoint into the entire meeting process from inception through event execution.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

Having my CMP has already helped me to negotiate better terms for my client. It’s helped me to understand the “who, what and why” when usually I only work on the “where”. Knowing my client’s challenges allows me to have better conversations with my hotel partners to help clients locate the right financial package and location for their meetings. Today I was able to ask my client better questions about room rates and was able to negotiate a partitioned room block that allowed pricing for different attendees for a client. Win for the client and the hotel!

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Create an account with EIC, even if you are not sure if you are going to apply for your CMP. You need to start tracking your education hours. Give yourself a timeline to take the test and stick to it. Take the Study Course with Carol Benavidez offered by MPI THCC. Get involved in weekly class discussions, study and do the homework.

Anne Ledet, CMP

Est. 2004

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I had an incredible boss and mentor Terri Toennies who guided me into the CMP process. What a gift!

What value does your CMP add to your career?

CMP is always a door opener. It shows you are informed, current and in the industry as a professional.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Anyone considering CMP should do it! It is an investment in yourself and your future. A CMP almost always gets preference in the job market over non-CMPs. Put yourself first and jump in!

Jennifer Shira, CMP

Est. 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. 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. 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!

Our 2024 Board of Directors

Deborah Ann Farnum, CMP Emeritus

Vice President of Finance

Est. 2006

Why did you pursue your CMP over 15 years ago?

I was new to Austin, new to my association, and new to this business because of my job. With a master's degree in education I had taught middle school for 13 years, moved to Florida for two years and then returned to Texas. I was hired by an association to do meeting planning, receptionist duties, and education coordinator and didn't know the difference between a CEO and a BEO. Needless to say, I needed help and needed it quickly. Jeff Bell, past MPI THCC came to visit me regarding future meetings (he represented Visit Fort Worth) and told me about MPI so I quickly signed up for a meeting. It was there I found out about the CMP designation and realized this would give me an arsenal of resources, information, and networking. I jumped on it immediately and NEVER EVER regretted it - even at age!!

What value does your CMP add to your career?

I took the test and had to wait on results in those days which is not the case now. However, as I waited I submitted my application for a meeting planner position with the Texas Association of School Boards. At the interview it was plainly noted they would prefer a CMP designation. I was able to inform them I had just taken the examination and was awaiting the results. Long story short I was hired before the results were available and started my job at TASB three days after getting the notification I had passed the exam and was a Certified Meeting Professional. As the years went by I felt compelled to give back what I had learned from the CMP curriculum and became the co-chair of the CMP Study Group for MPI THCC. That was such an enriching experience - to be able to guide and nurture fellow meeting planners as they sought the CMP designation. Best thing I ever did!

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Don't wait and don't be scared about the exam. Study, review, talk to those who have their CMP, and LEARN. You will not regret it. Pinky swear.

Karen Fogle, CMP, HMCC

Vice President of Membership

Est. 2008

Why did you pursue your CMP?

The CMP is an industry-standard showing your dedication to the meetings industry and is supported and recognized by many organizations.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

Continued to give me a connection to other CMPs and I enjoy assisting others on their CMP journey.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Join a study group to help you cover all the key points, gain support and camaraderie; forget how you do it, just learn what they say you should do in the books.

Ellen Forsythe, CMP

Director of Fundraising

Est. 2003

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I chose to pursue the CMP credential because it is the most widely recognized and prestigious professional certification for meeting professionals. A CMP designation is the gold standard within the event industry.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

When doing business in the conference and events industry, this globally-recognized certification adds certainty that you possess a high level of professionalism and skill

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Don’t take it for granted that you can ace the exam because you have 10-years of experience managing conferences and events. Join a study group and pay attention to the industry standards within the CMP exam study materials. You may learn you haven’t been doing things exactly to industry standards. The correct answers will be based on those standards.

Michele Gonzalez, CMP

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Est. 2021

Why did you pursue your CMP?

Since I started my events career I knew that receiving my CMP would really solidify my knowledge and experience and let our community know that I take our profession seriously. It took some time for me to have the professional support I needed to pursue it but I never gave up. It is an important designation.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

Having a CMP shows that you are involved and informed about the meetings and events industry. It also indicates a level of knowledge and professionalism.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Study Hard! The test is a real measure of knowledge and expertise. Join a study group like the one we offer within the chapter. It helps tremendously and the knowledge does stick.

Travis Milum, CMP

Director of Retention and Engagement

Est. 2022

Why did you pursue your CMP?

The CMP designation is a recognized symbol of expertise in the meeting and event planning industry. After 10 years in the industry, I knew I wanted to solidify my experience and more deeply understand my meeting planning clients. 

What value does your CMP add to your career?

Earning the CMP has been a game-changer for my career, unlocking doors and solidifying my reputation in the industry.

• Trust and Credibility: The CMP is a recognized symbol of expertise, boosting trust among clients, peers, and my employer. It's like having a gold star on my resume, instantly validating my knowledge and skills.
• Industry Influence: My CMP involvement has opened doors to key industry committees. I'm now actively shaping the future of the field, collaborating with top minds and contributing my expertise.
• Knowledge Sharing: My CMP journey has equipped me to confidently share my insights. I'm frequently invited to speak at conferences, inspiring others and leaving a lasting impact on the community.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

I cannot stress the importance of taking a bootcamp through THCC! This gave me the knowledge and understanding to successfully receive this certification. Additionally, the bootcamp serves as a support system encouraging you along the way to complete the certification. Pocket Prep is also an incredible tool that should be used in conjunction with the bootcamp.

Heather Reynolds, CMP

Director of Social Media

Est. 2023

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I pursued the CMP to further my career! I am growing in a field that has given me more work confidence and allows me to show off my customer service skills, social skills and has helped me love this industry even more! Knowledge is power.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

The value of the CMP has helped me understand my organization so much more and has given me the ability to connect so many dots.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

If you are looking to pursue your CMP, I highly recommend the CMP Study Group through MPITHCC! Carol was an amazing teacher and she gave me so many tools to help me succeed. I would recommend creating an account on the EIC website and purchasing all study materials!

Meaghan Rhame, CMP

Immediate Past President

Est. 2015

Why did you pursue your CMP?

I was seeking more knowledge on meeting planning and hard facts. I, also, was only aware of my own formulas my association used to plan events. Even with multiple years of experience before obtaining my CMP, there was a large amount of knowledge and strategies I learned that I could incorporate into my day-to-day job and future event planning.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

It pairs industry experience to true facts, hard figures and strategies that work industry-wide. The CMP not only allowed me to expand my role into other avenues, but gave my abilities and skills more merit. Ultimately, it propelled my career into an administrative aspect into a coordinator role, then manager, then director/VP role at my association.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Don't give up! Similar to college courses where you may be unsure how or where you may use these skills, all of the knowledge and information shared will be utilized and will open your opportunities up into ways you might have never imagined.

Andrea Tilley, CMP

Vice President of Communication

Est. 2008

Why did you pursue your CMP?

To educate myself on the Events industry and how to provide quality event planning for the association I work for.

What value does your CMP add to your career?

It provides you with event industry information you can use to continue to improve your career. Over the years as you build hours and credentials for your recertification completed every five years, you will stay in the event industry loop to learn about new developments and industry issues.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing their CMP?

Find a study group you like to work with and put in those study hours. You'll do great!