Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CMM Program?
The CMM Program is a three-phased comprehensive business education program designed for meeting and travel professionals. It includes an intensive business management core program that is led by highly esteemed university professors from renowned business schools.

What does CMM stand for?
CMM stands for Certifi cate in Meeting Management (CMM). CMM represents the premier designation for distinguished meeting and travel professionals with business excellence. The CMM has become the business standard of excellence for meeting and travel professionals.

What is involved to achieve the CMM designation?
Professionals must complete three distinct phases to achieve the CMM designation: 

Phase 1: 3.5 day on-site immersion program comprised of rigorous business education courses delivered by university professors in an interactive and participatory learning format.

Phase 2: A virtual boot camp comprised of on-demand offerings focused in both meeting management and business travel management; the requirement is to complete eight (8) hours of online education.

Phase 3: Development of an independent work-based, business case study project to be completed within two months following Phase I. The goal is to develop a specific “case” and an “action plan” demonstrating your ability to use business-focused learning to solve a practical, industry-related challenge or capitalize on an opportunity.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the CMM Program?
The criteria for participation in the CMM Program align with the Meeting and Business Event Competency Standards (MBECS). Each candidate will be evaluated through a comprehensive application process with documented panel review against the following criteria:
Minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in the meeting and event or business travel industry
Minimum of 3-5 years of management experience with two years of profit and loss responsibility
Personal statement and letter of recommendation from professional colleague or supervisor

Is the CMM Program a certificate or certification program?
The CMM program is a certificate program. Certification programs generally have ongoing requirements such as continuing education. The CMM Program does not have ongoing requirements to maintain status, so therefore it qualifies as a certificate program.

Which top business schools are affiliated with the CMM Program?
Faculty from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia currently lead the program.

How many clock hours of continuing education does the updated CMM Program offer toward CMP certification or recertification?
The CMM Program was reviewed by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) and counts towards 25 hours of Domain A: Strategic Planning for the CMP. Program rosters will be submitted to the CIC following each program. MPI cannot guarantee how soon it will appear on your profile, so in case they are not uploaded in time for your certification or recertification, contact cmm@mpiweb.org to receive a verification form to serve as proof of your attendance.

How much time do I need to prepare for this program?
Registration deadlines are a month before the actual session date to allot enough time for participants to complete the pre-work assignments that are sent out by the Darden School of Business. Because a lot of content is presented in a short time, you will need to be prepared for class each day.

Will an internship completed as part of my four-year degree count toward professional experience requirement for the CMM Program?
No. The requirement for professional experience begins following graduation.

How much does the CMM Program Cost?
The CMM Program member registration fee is $2,499 per person for either MPI or GBTA members and $2,999 for non-members. Complete enrollment in the CMM Program includes:

  • 3.5 day program; complete agenda available online
  • All program course materials
  • Online Boot Camp
  • Hotel rooms for 4 nights
  • Breakfast and lunch daily
  • Dinner for 3 nights
  • Ground transportation to and from the airport

Are there scholarships available for the CMM program?
Yes. The MPI Foundation has CMM Program scholarships available to MPI members in good standing.