The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition, and standards, today released an update to the Certified Meeting Professional International Standards (CMP-IS). This update will be the foundation for a revised CMP exam and related study materials, which will be released in August 2025.
“As our sector continues to evolve, adapt and innovate, the CMP programme is evolving to ensure its relevance now and into the future,” said EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert. “The updates to the competencies and domains will help ensure CMPs are well positioned to lead and innovate in the modern events landscape.”
Since 1985, the CMP programme has enhanced the profession as well as the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals globally, creating a community of dedicated lifelong learners leading and modelling the way for all. Its purpose is to promote the value and standing of the meeting profession and develop constant standards of practice. The CMP accreditation is recognised globally as a badge of quality and excellence in the events industry, with more than 13,000 CMPs.
Today’s update is the culmination of a multi-year competency profile project involving more than 1,000 CMP and CMP Fellow volunteer SMEs who have provided insights and support to revise the CMP International Standards. The project included a special task force, a global survey of business event professionals, regionally diverse focus groups, bias and validity testing and countless hours of analysis.
“The CMP programme is the gold standard for event professionals around the world,” said Senthil Gopinath, EIC Board Chair and CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). “We are grateful for the many CMPs who volunteered, especially the CMP Governance Commission, for their time and expertise to this project. Their contributions will help prepare a resilient workforce.”
The new exam will be Beta tested in April-May 2025, with the updated exam available in August 2025. Use this form to express your interest in taking the Beta Exam.
An update to the EIC Manual will be available later this year.
“The global CMP community prides itself for its commitment to continuous learning and the highest level of professionalism,” said 2025 CMP Governance Commission Chair Heather Seasholtz, CMP Fellow. “This update to the CMP International Standards is a testament to our ongoing pursuit of excellence. A special thanks to Past Chairs Cornelia Horner and Tim Glanzer and the entire CMP Governance Commission for their hard work and dedication throughout this project.”