The incredibly dynamic global events landscape features strong demand for in-person events, myriad fluid geopolitical concerns and record-breaking tourism numbers all influenced by quickly evolving tech innovations—such as artificial intelligence—means a wild setting for meeting and event professionals intent on planning for tomorrow.
To ensure industry leaders are equipped for current and future challenges, the MPI Academy has worked tirelessly to revamp its flagship designation for senior-level meeting professionals, the Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM).
In this exclusive interview, Lori Pugh, vice president of the MPI Academy, discusses these developments and what they mean for you.
What was the inspiration to reimagine the CMM program? Why now?
After operating in a fully virtual format for the last five years, it was clear the industry had changed: leadership expectations are higher, complexity is greater and professionals are navigating rapid transformation across technology, talent, risk and business strategy.
This reimagination was driven by a simple but important question: Does the CMM still reflect what it means to be a senior leader today? The answer required a refresh—one that restored the program’s immersive leadership experience while modernizing its content, delivery and outcomes.
Equally important, this work clarified the role of the CMM within the industry’s broader career development pathway. As professionals earn their CMP and move into people leadership, enterprise decision-making and P&L responsibility, the CMM should be the automatic next step—the designation that signals readiness for director-, VP- and executive-level roles. Now was the right moment to ensure the CMM continues to represent the highest standard of leadership in our industry.
What are the most notable changes—things that participants will notice and appreciate?
Participants will notice several meaningful shifts immediately:
- The return of an in-person immersive experience, creating space for deeper peer connection, leadership development and applied learning.
- A hybrid structure that balances live virtual learning with onsite engagement.
- Bringing real-world leadership experience directly into the classroom, with guest speakers and industry leaders contributing throughout the program.
- A stronger emphasis on CMM alumni involvement, with more opportunities for recognition, mentorship and connection throughout the year.
Collectively, these changes make the experience more engaging, more relevant and more aligned with how senior leaders learn, grow and lead.
How is this updated CMM of greater value/benefit for participants?
The updated CMM is designed to deliver both immediate and long-term value. Participants gain not only advanced leadership skills but also access to a highly curated peer network of industry leaders navigating similar challenges.
The program now places greater focus on the following:
- Strategic decision-making
- Leading teams and organizations through change
- Financial acumen and business impact
- Executive-level communication and presence
Graduates leave with tangible outcomes—a refined leadership mindset, a vetted capstone project they can apply in their organization and a professional network that extends well beyond the program itself.
Just as importantly, the CMM now more clearly represents a career milestone—the point at which a professional moves from managing events to leading teams, shaping strategy and influencing the future of the organization.
When is the new CMM debuting?
The reimagined CMM will debut in April 2026, marking the next chapter of MPI’s commitment to leadership development at the highest level of the meetings and events profession. We are thrilled to partner with San Diego State University, whose collaboration is helping us deliver a program that balances academic rigor with real-world leadership relevance.
Were there any specific aspects of this process that proved especially challenging? Why?
One of the key challenges was designing a structure that works for a global, senior-level audience—professionals with demanding schedules, varying travel constraints and high expectations for value. Every decision required thoughtful consideration to ensure the program remained rigorous, accessible and impactful while still delivering a meaningful in-person experience.
Balancing flexibility with depth was critical—and essential to the success of the reimagined program.
Who was involved in the reimaging process?
The reimagination was deeply collaborative. MPI engaged CMM alumni across multiple generations, including professionals who earned their designation decades ago as well as recent graduates. Insights were gathered through multiple focus groups—both in-person and virtual.
In addition, MPI leadership and education teams worked closely with industry experts and academic partners to ensure the program reflects current leadership realities while maintaining academic rigor and credibility.
To support year-round engagement and long-term program strength, MPI has also established multiple dedicated CMM committees: Content & Academic Oversight, Marketing & Awareness and Alumni Engagement & Community Building.
These committees ensure the CMM remains dynamic, relevant and deeply connected to the leaders it serves—well beyond the program dates themselves. This collective input ensures the new CMM is not only modernized but positioned as the definitive leadership designation for senior meeting professionals.
