Avid readers of M&Clikely are familiar with the CMP (Certified Meeting
Professional) and CMM (Global Certification in Meeting Management)
designations, but those are just a few among many in the industry’s
alphabet soup. Here’s a rundown:
" CAE (Certified Association Executive; www.asaenet.org).
Cost: $500 for members/$750 nonmembers. Requirements: Applicants
need 75 hours of continuing education within the past five years
and must pass an exam.
" CDME (Certified Destination Management Executive; www.iacvb.org). Cost:
$5,250 for members of Destination Marketing Association
International, and up to $7,350 for nonmembers. Requirements:
Applicants must be members of a convention and visitors bureau.
Study involves three three-day courses and two two-day courses,
leading to a comprehensive final exam.
" CEM (Certified in Exhibition Management; www.iaem.org). Cost:
$2,385 for the course. Requirements: Applicants must be trade show
managers. Study involves nine full-day courses or nine monthlong
online programs, leading to an exam.
" CHME (Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive; www.hsmai.org). Cost:
$350 for members/$450 nonmembers. Requirements: Applicant must take
an exam and write a research paper.
" CME (Certified Manager of Exhibits; www.tsea.org). Cost: $100
in total. Requirements: Applicants need to undergo education
totaling 70 hours.
" CTSM (Certified Trade Show Marketer; www.exhibitornet.com/ctsm). Cost: $195, plus $90 for
each seminar attended. Requirements: Applicants must attend 28
seminars and take an exam.