Association Involvement and Certification Opportunities

In the thriving marketplace we enjoy in Minnesota, the meeting and event planning industry is ever evolving. Meeting and event planners need to continue to grow and learn to keep at the head of the game. Fortunately we have multiple local chapters of national and international industry associations that offer professional development opportunities for all levels of experience.

My involvement with the International Special Events Society (ISES) has offered numerous benefits, including opportunities to learn, information resources and connections with industry professionals. Personally, I have made many dear friends while participating on committees over the years.

For some, association involvement also leads to career opportunities. While working with other event planners through the association you get to know work styles and who you can depend on.  It is an excellent opportunity to prove yourself as a professional.

Choosing which association to join is a personal decision.  Some associations better lend themselves to certain types of planners.  For example, I chose to join ISES because my interest and background is social events. However, I participate in events with other associations, such as Meeting Professionals International (MPI), as well.

When selecting which association to join, I recommend attending meetings with various groups to the find the right fit for you. And even after you become a member, don’t limit yourself to attending events sponsored by only the one association.

The ultimate learning opportunities offered by associations are industry certifications. There are a number of specialized certification options, including Certification in Meeting Planning (CMP) and Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), which are probably the best known in our market.

Certification programs benefit the industry by holding a high standard of understanding and professionalism through of the breadth of knowledge required. Industry certification programs were designed to be comparable in rigor to a university program, so achieving certification is an intense process.

I started down the road to earn the CSEP certification about five years ago and am planning to test later this year. I decided to pursue certification because I believe the more I continue to learn the better I will be able to service my clients. 

Many pursue certification to establish themselves as industry leaders, demonstrate professionalism and open career opportunities.  In fact, some corporations are now requiring certification of their meeting and event planners.

For CSEP, the program is self-study. It involves accumulating points by documenting participation in a number of categories, including:
• work history,
• continuing education,
• industry meeting attendance,
• industry contributions, and
• volunteering.

In order to apply for the exam, you must put together a binder that is a cross between a resume and a portfolio demonstrating your work across each of the required bodies of knowledge. The process sounds intense – and it is and should be – but it is also very attainable for those with a desire to further the industry and grow in the profession.

It has been remarkable to me how much I have learned in my studies for the CSEP. At the same time, the experience has been confirming of the depth of my knowledge and my love for the field.   

More information about industry certifications is available on the sponsoring association websites:
International Special Events Society (ISES)
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)