The Events Industry Council (EIC)––the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition, and standards––recently released an update to the Certified Meeting Professional International Standards (CMP-IS), the body of knowledge that forms the foundation of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program and exam.  

Typically updated every three to five years to ensure they remain relevant in the modern event landscape, the CMP-IS Standards define and categorize the skills, competencies, and abilities an individual needs to be successful in the events profession. 

As the first update since 2017, the refreshed Standards will serve as the foundation for a revised CMP exam and related study materials, which is set to be released in August 2025. According to EIC officials, the update includes three new domains: Sustainability and Social Impact, Technology Integration, and the Evaluation Process.  

“As our sector continues to evolve, adapt and innovate, the CMP program is evolving to ensure its relevance now and into the future,” said EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert. “The recent updates to the competencies and domains will help ensure CMPs are well positioned to lead and innovate in a changing events landscape.”   

Backstory: Since its establishment in 1985, the CMP program has elevated the meetings and events profession by enhancing the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals globally, as well as promoting the value and credibility of the industry while advancing consistent standards of practice. With qualifications for certification based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam, the CMP accreditation is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in comprehensive events management and is held by more 13,000 professionals. 

Big picture: According to EIC officials, this latest Standards update is the result of a multi-year global project involving more than 1,000 CMPs, CMP Fellow subject matter experts (SMEs) and other stakeholders, and 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. 

What they’re saying: “The CMP program 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.”   

Need to know: The updated CMP exam will undergo beta testing starting April 1 through the end of May, with its official release scheduled for August 2025 (learn more about the exam and volunteer for beta testing here). Additionally, an updated EIC Manual will be available later in 2025.  

Why it matters 

So why should corporate meeting and event planners consider recertifying or pursuing CMP accreditation if they haven’t already? According to EIC officials, reasons to do so include:  

• Professional credibility and recognition: The CMP certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise, professionalism, and commitment to the industry. Many organizations prefer or require planners to have a CMP when hiring or awarding contracts. 
• Competitive advantage and career growth: Holding a CMP can differentiate planners in a competitive job market, leading to new opportunities, promotions, and higher earning potential. It builds trust with clients, employers, and vendors, proving the planner’s ability to execute high-quality events efficiently. 
• Enhanced knowledge and industry standards: The CMP program ensures planners stay updated on best practices, risk management, legal issues, and emerging trends in the events industry. With technology, sustainability, and hybrid events evolving rapidly, keeping a CMP current helps planners adapt and innovate. 
• Networking and professional community: CMPs join an exclusive global network of event professionals, opening doors to industry connections, mentorships, and collaborations. Being part of this network provides access to conferences, workshops, and insider resources. 
• Increased efficiency and ROI for clients: A CMP-certified planner is equipped with strategies to maximize budgets, improve attendee engagement, and deliver measurable results. Clients and employers benefit from working with someone who understands risk mitigation, negotiation tactics, and strategic planning. 
• Commitment to continuing education: Earning and maintaining a CMP demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and industry leadership. Planners who update their CMP stay ahead of changes in sustainability, diversity and inclusion, event safety, and technology integration. 
• Meeting industry expectations and standards: As corporations prioritize compliance, sustainability, and DEI initiatives, having a CMP ensures planners are aligned with these expectations. Many RFPs and high-profile projects prefer or require event professionals to hold an active CMP. 

“Pursuing a CMP—and recertifying—is an investment in career growth, credibility, and staying ahead in a fast-changing industry.” said Heather Seascholtz, CMP Fellow, DES, Chair of the 2025 CMP Governance Commission. “It helps event professionals secure better opportunities, enhance their skills, and deliver higher value to clients and organizations.” 

View and download the updated EIC CMP-International Standards here. 

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