On 14 April 2026, the Events Industry Council (EIC) officially welcomed 72 Certified Meeting Professionals (CMPs) and Emeritus CMPs into the 2026 class of the distinguished CMP Fellows Programme. The virtual ceremony brought together nearly 100 participants from across the global business events community.
The event marked both a celebration of this year’s class and a broader recognition of the programme’s enduring impact. Attendees gathered to honour not only the 2026 inductees, but also the collective contributions of CMP Fellows since the programme’s inception in 2022—acknowledging a legacy of leadership, mentorship and service that continues to shape the profession.
The CMP Fellow designation recognises tenured professionals whose careers reflect sustained commitment to excellence and meaningful, long-term contributions to the global business events industry. As a peer-recognised honour, it highlights individuals who have advanced the profession through education, volunteer leadership and a dedication to elevating others.
“The CMP Fellows Programme represents the highest standard of professional achievement and service in our industry,” said Carolyn Patterson-Kemper, M.S., CMP, D.E.S., Director of the CMP Programme. “Welcoming the 2026 class alongside our global network of Fellows is a powerful reminder of the collective impact these leaders have had—and continue to have—on the future of business events.”
Throughout the ceremony, inductees were recognised and welcomed into a distinguished global community of peers. The event also underscored the importance of connection and continuity, reinforcing the role of the CMP Fellows Programme in strengthening the global CMP community across regions and generations.
The 2026 class joins a growing network of CMP Fellows whose influence extends across sectors and geographies, contributing to the advancement of industry standards, professional development and knowledge sharing worldwide.
As EIC continues to invest in the future of the profession, the CMP Fellows Programme remains a powerful testament to the leadership, integrity and service that define the CMP designation—and the individuals who carry it forward.
