Elevating the Planner Experience: My Journey to the CMM and What It Means for Choose Lansing

If there is one thing I have learned in the meetings and events industry, it’s that no two careers and no two events follow the same path.

My journey has taken me through several different perspectives within the industry. I have worked in venues, event tech, associations and now serve planners from the destination side with Choose Lansing. Each role has shaped how I understand the planning process and deepened my appreciation for the work meeting professionals do every day.

Over the years, I have come to realize that great events are never just about logistics. They are about leadership, collaboration and creating systems that allow planners, partners and destinations to work together seamlessly. That belief is what led me to pursue the Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM), the executive credential of the global meetings industry.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of earning my CMM through the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in partnership with Meeting Professionals International (MPI). With approximately 1,700 professionals worldwide holding the designation, the CMM represents a unique community of leaders focused on advancing the strategic impact of meetings and events.

For me, earning the CMM was about much more than adding another credential. It was an opportunity to deepen my leadership skills, reflect on my leadership style and explore new ways to grow as a professional. The program pushed me to think more intentionally about managing conflict, communication, event design, sustainability and the evolving role our industry plays in creating meaningful experiences.

The CMM is different from many industry credentials because it focuses on strategic leadership rather than event logistics. The program is intentionally selective, with an application process and small cohorts made up of experienced professionals from varied environments. This structure creates a peer learning experience where participants can exchange ideas and challenges with other industry leaders.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was learning alongside other experienced industry professionals from around the US. The discussions challenged us to think critically about leadership, leadership styles, and organizational change within our own organizations. What stood out most was the collaborative nature of the experience. Everyone shared the same goal of advancing our industry and bringing new ideas back to the communities and organizations we serve.

A key component of the CMM program is the capstone project, where participants apply their learning to solve a real business challenge. For my capstone project, I developed an integrated servicing model for Choose Lansing focused on strengthening the transition between our sales and services teams. The project introduced a new standard operating procedure designed to improve internal communication, streamline planning logistics and enhance the overall planner experience. By applying what I learned through the program, we can continue strengthening the processes and partnerships that make Lansing a collaborative and welcoming place to host meetings.