CMP Exam to be held at ICCA Congress in India for first time

Alexandria, VA, U.S.A. - Amsterdam, The Netherlands (March 2, 2010) — The Convention Industry Council (CIC), in their continued focus on the globalization of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, is pleased to announce that a CMP exam will be held in conjunction with International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) at the 49th Annual ICCA Congress in Hyderabad, India on Saturday, October 23, 2010.

“Over the past few years CIC has made significant progress in its efforts to expand globally,” says Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, Chief Operating Officer, for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and CMP Board Chair.  “This is a tremendous opportunity for meeting professionals and we are thrilled that we now have a direct presence in India and are extremely proud to partner with ICCA.”

"We're delighted that CIC has agreed to run a CMP exam linked to this year's ICCA Congress in Hyderabad.  We're big supporters of CMP as the only professional accreditation programme with global credibility and our Congress education programmes have been earning CMP credits for delegates for a number of years, but this is a big step forward to communicate the importance of CMP to a global audience." says Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA.

The ICCA Congress provides top quality educational content for senior executives. The education programme is custom-designed every year, and features a mix of speakers from all regions of the world, including top corporate and association meetings clients, expert business speakers from outside the meetings industry, and of course a selection of some of the most experienced ICCA members. More information on the ICCA Congress in Hyderabad can be found at: http://www.iccaworld.com/dbs/congress2010.

The CMP program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated key understanding and excellence in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. This exam is open to all professionals who have met all application requirements as of the Thursday, August 20, 2010 application deadline.

Obtaining the CMP designation is a two-part process, consisting of an application and a written examination administered and monitored by an independent testing agency. Eligibility to take the examination is based on an extensive review of professional qualifications.  Candidates must have at least three years of employment in the meeting, event, exhibition and hospitality/tourism industry and twenty-five hours of continuing education.  The comprehensive written examination tests knowledge of all functions of meeting management.  Additional information on the Convention Industry Council and the CMP program can be found at www.conventionindustry.org.

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The Convention Industry Council’s 32 member organizations represent more than 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. CIC facilitates the exchange of information develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact. CIC’s programs include the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative, Hall of Leaders and numerous industry resource projects.

ICCA is one of the most prominent organisations in the world of international meetings. It is the only organisation that comprises a membership representing the main specialists in organising, transporting and accommodating international events. With more than 850 member companies and organisations in 85 countries worldwide, it is the most global organisation within the meetings industry. Head Office is in Amsterdam with Regional Offices in Asia, Latin and North America. Please find more information on ICCA on http://www.iccaworld.com.

For more information please contact:

CIC CONTACT: Christina Buck, CMP, +1-571-527-3116, cbuck@conventionindustry.org