CTSM, Certified Trade Show Marketer received April 2001
Conferred by Exhibitor Show and San Francisco State University
Comprehensive Test Grade: 90%

The CTSM program is sponsored by Exhibitor Show, which is regarded as the industry's leading educational conference. Seminar offerings range from trade show specific content to general skills development, such as communications and negotiation. Candidates are required to complete a curriculum of 28 Exhibitor Show seminars that equal 42 hours of classroom study, followed by a three-hour comprehensive exam that tests them on the basic knowledge skills required of trade show marketers. All candidates currently work in the field of trade show marketing, and demonstrate their application of knowledge gained by submitting a Digital Portfolio. This Portfolio documents show schedules, management of exhibit design and production, management of integrated marketing communications to support trade shows, and management of results reporting.

The CTSM required course curriculum has been approved by the faculty of Northern Illinois University Outreach, and candidates may earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through NIU Outreach. As of May 2004, there are 120 CTSMs. (www.exhibitornet.com/ctsm)

CME, Certified Manager of Exhibits received October 1998; Re-certified March 2003
Conferred by the Trade Show Exhibitors Association

The CME designation is the only not-for-profit-association-sponsored certification available in exhibit marketing. It's also the highest recognition of professional achievement within the exhibit industry. CME recipients must show their commitment to and knowledge of exhibit management, as well as their professionalism through academic and continuing education, demonstrated contributions to the field and industry experience. As of January 2004, there are 60 active CMEs. (www.tsea.org)

CEM, Certified in Exhibition Management received May 2004
Conferred by the International Association for Exhibition Management

The Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation was created in 1975 to provide a professional designation for individuals in the exhibition industry. The designation was formed to raise professional standards and is recognized through out the industry as the premier mark of professional achievement. To earn the designation, participants must complete a nine-part program and pass a test within each program section within three years. The program is composed of seven mandatory courses and two courses chosen from five available electives. Advanced-level courses are also available for CEMs to continue their professional education and obtain re-certification. As of May 2004, there are 196 active CEM's. (www.iaem.org)

CMM, Global Certification in Meeting Management received December 2002
Conferred by Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

The Global Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) is administered by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). There are three aspects to the process. The pre-residency segment requires active participation in an MPI learning group. The residency portion involves an intense 4-day program with faculty instructors, as well as participation in a group case study and individual exam. Post-residency requires the completion of a business project within six weeks after residency. Eligibility is assessed through industry certifications, formal education, professional education and experience, international experience/global skills, professional contributions and references. 250 meeting professionals have completed the CMM program as of January 2004. (www.mpiweb.org)

CMP, Certified Meeting Professional received January 1997; Re-certified October 2002
Conferred by the Convention Industry Council
Comprehensive Test Grade: 85%

The CMP designation is the foremost certification program of today's meetings, conventions and expositions industry. It recognizes those who have achieved the industry's highest standards of professionalism. It is conferred on individuals who are currently employed in meeting management, have completed the certification requirements based on professional experience and passed an academic examination covering twenty-seven comprehensive meeting planning functions. As of March 2004, there were 9,356 active CMPs. (www.conventionindustry.org)

 

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