Have you ever wondered about taking up an event management course or certification to give your career the much-needed push? They stand as the credibility of your skill-sets and your expertise and are extremely valuable if done correctly. Here we will discuss some of the best event management and planning certifications available for professionals and how they can be used for the best advantage.
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1. What is CMP: Certified Meetings Professional certification?
As stated by the CIC (Convention Industry Council) the CMP certification was introduced as the means to establish cogency, regulate the industry best practices and most importantly boost performance of event professionals and meeting management professionals. The CMP certification was carefully developed by industry professionals from all over the world. The certification covers a range of different topics such as strategic planning, site management, event design and marketing. The Convention Industry Council also has provisions for interested candidates to consider the Healthcare specific CMP certification which is specially designed to educate event planners who want to focus on the healthcare industry.
Eligibility: 36 months of full-time employment in the meetings industry + 25 clock hours of continuing education / an industry-related internship.In case you have a degree in Event Management or Hospitality, you will only need 24 months of full-time employment. All activities must be within the past five years
Benefit: Once certified, a CMP professional gains knowledge about all the different sectors of the event industry and the CMPs Have a very clear about the goals and objectives of meeting management.
2. What is CSEP: Certified Special Events Professional certification?
This is a certificate endorsed by the International Special Events Society, for the purpose of enhancing the benchmark of industry performance. By undergoing this certification, industry professionals not only gain expertise but find a platform wherein they can hone their skills. This program also takes into account the levels of complexity and constant change that is associated with the event profession and thus is designed in a way that will help the event professionals adhere to the practiced industry standards.
Eligibility: Minimum of three years of full-time professional employment in the special events industry
Benefit: There are several benefits of taking up this certification. For starters, this is a universally recognized certification. Event planners who choose to opt for this will find themselves connected to a global community of industry professionals which is a much-coveted platform. It not only helps event professional advance their careers but also establishes the level of knowledge and performance necessary for promoting special events.
3. What is CPCE: Certified Professional in Catering and Events certification?
This is a nationally recognized certification program organized by the National Association for Catering and Events specially meant to provide event organizers and the experts in catering and hospitality the opportunity to get the due recognition.
Eligibility: Any professional in catering and events who wants to advance their position in the industry
Benefit: The CPCE certification comes with many advantages. It establishes a nationally recognized standard of competence. It promotes professional commitments and endorses active participation in the world of catering events and hospitality thereby enhancing the image of the industry professionals.
4. What is CGMP: Certified Government Meeting Professional certification?
The Certified Government Meeting Professional certification is considered the highest qualification provided to government planners as well as suppliers. The certification enables the event planners and suppliers to get a clear understanding of of the rules and regulations necessary for scheduling government meetings, and to “increase the exposure/importance of the government market” within the events industry.
Eligibility: you must be a current member of SGMP for at least 6 months waived only with documentation of at least 1 year experience in the hospitality industry.
Benefit: This certification is extremely useful for the meeting professionals in a government post since it helps them get expert knowledge regarding the different rules and specification necessary to be followed and is also the highest designation offered in this industry. The growth opportunity offered to the certification holders is also higher as compared to others.
5. What is CTSM: Certified Trade Show Marketer certification?
This certification includes a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge for corporate event marketers as well as trade show enthusiasts. The curriculum includes a list of very important topics covered like Measurement & Analytics, Planning & Execution, Marketing & Sales, Management & Leadership, Global Exhibit Marketing, Exhibits, Experiences and Events.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and 2 or more years of work experience related to trade shows and events. In case of no degree you need to have 3 or more years of experience related to trade shows and events
Benefit: The Certified Trade Show Marketer is the only university affiliated certification program for event and tradeshow marketers that will help them expand their experience, gain thorough knowledge and authority on the subject as well as prove as a stepping stone for a fruitful and lucrative career.
6. What is DES: Digital Event Strategist certification?
This certification takes into account the the growing importance and integration of digital technology within the events industry, and is meant to respond to the growth of virtual events. DES ertification provides effective instruction in strategies to maximize digital engagement practices, from the planning stage through to measuring results.
Eligibility: You must be currently or recently (within 12 months) working in events, meetings, marketing, conventions or learning industries. Or you must have three year’s experience in events, meetings, marketing, conventions, or learning industries or be a member of a professional association in one of the above fields – such as PCMA, MPI, IAEE, ASAE, AMA, CEMA, etc.
Additionally, you need to have experience in various virtual and digital environments. Lastly, you must have completed (or will complete) 2.5 or 25 clock hours worth of digital-related continuing education must be completed to be eligible to take the exam.
Benefit: The main advantage of DES as an event planning certification is that it is aimed towards improving the skills and knowledge of event organizers so that they excel at the digital events industry. Other advantages include career development through obtaining professionally recognizable skills and qualifications, to recognition from peers at the events industry.
7. What is CMM: Certification in Meeting Management?
This certification is an excellent opportunity and training program whose main focus is on instructing participants regarding their business management skills. It helps in qualifying the professionals in different topics of business management while at the same time successfully developing a global standard of excellence within the industry.
Eligibility: You need to have a minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in the meeting and event or business travel industry that includes a minimum of 3-5 years of management experience with two years of profit and loss responsibility.
Additionally, you will also require a personal statement and letter of recommendation from professional colleague or supervisor
Benefit: The main advantages of this certification program is that it instructs future leaders on ways to develop and analyze business data, explores the skills necessary to succeed in managing teams, and aids in the process of gaining exposure to finance, risk analysis, and other components of managing a business. This certification is extremely important for event organizers and professionals since it teaches them to learn to mitigate risks, understand and utilize data as well as develop leadership and management skills that leads to the success of events.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a certification is just a means to an end. It is equally important for an event professional to utilize the knowledge and skill sets gained from the experience so that they may leverage it for their career. Earning a certificate is just the first step towards becoming a more efficient event professional. Following this, it is time to ensure that the obtained credential is made complete and effective use of in order to gain professional benefits.
If you come across any more best certifications for event professionals, feel free to add it in comments. We’re listening!
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