My Top 3 Takeaways

1. Relationships and Networking

Without a doubt, the biggest takeaway I have from this course is the importance of relationships in the events industry. It felt like that each week, there was some way this point would come up. In lecture, we discussed how using your networks can help you get the best vendor or speaker for your event. All of our panels and guest lecturers talked about relationships and how knowing the right people can be useful to an event planner. Because of these consistent reminders, I joined MPI Potomac and plan to use their events as a networking and relationship-building opportunity. I never realized how relevant networking was in this industry, so I’ll have to spend time becoming more comfortable with and skilled at it.

I joined MPI!

2. Strategic Planning

The knowledge domain on strategic planning was the most interesting and useful to me. I’ve always considered myself an “organized person,” but strategic planning takes order and structure to a new level. I think the level of detail is useful for ensuring each tiny component gets done when it needs to. I plan to use strategic planning--or at least a version of it--for future event projects. When I have an event I’m responsible for at work, I will create tasks and subtasks with deadlines to ensure I’m staying on track. Strategic planning can tell me if I’m falling behind or if I need to ask a colleague for help in order to complete everything on-time.

3. The CMP

The third major takeaway from this course is that I need to take the CMP as soon as I can. I had heard of the CMP certification before this class, but I didn’t really know what it was or if it was necessary. I know now that it’s something I should do as soon as possible. Not only does preparing for the exam help you learn about hosting successful events, but it also gives you credibility in the industry. Many of our guest panelists discussed the CMP and how it’s looked upon favorably by planners, suppliers, and future employers. I won’t be eligible to sit for the exam for a few years because I need some more industry experience, but I’ll always keep the requirements and test in the back of my mind.