About My Classes and What that Looks like for 2022…
This is my 23rd year of teaching classes that prepare people for the CMP, and hopefully makes them better meeting and event professionals who create better meetings and events. Wow, how that has evolved. When I first started it was twice a year because the exam was twice a year. And only in NJ because that was where I was based. I won’t go into how they evolved between 2000 and 2020, but as with the rest of the world things changed in March 2020. I never had wanted to go virtual but there were people who were depending on me for the May exam (which ultimately got cancelled), so I decided to do ONE virtual class.
And much to my surprise attendees liked it, maybe even loved it. And I ended up figuring it out on my side and went “maybe this isn’t too bad?”. There was a huge demand for the class in 2020 so I ended up doing 4 before the end of year. I went with the same pattern of classes to plan 2021, but as the world opened up, there became less demand because people’s focus became elsewhere. Because of that, two classes were cancelled due to lack of registrations.
I have been giving a lot of thought since November (when the last class was cancelled) as to what to do for 2022. I don’t need to tell any of you that it is a lot of work to plan, scheduled and market an event---that then gets cancelled. So, this year I will be doing fewer, but do not know the exact number or when yet.
Tentatively the first class of 2022 is looking to be in the end of February/March time frame.
When should you take the class?
If you want to take it specifically with me---the first opportunity you have.
Why would I say that? Here are some reasons:
Classes get cancelled because of lack of registrations.
If you wait till your close to your exam and the class gets cancelled, you will either have to postpone your exam or prepare with someone else. This is also why you should register ASAP---I decide by two weeks out if the class will be held, and if registration is low, I start thinking about it before then. Don’t wait till the last minute. It breaks my heart when I cancel a class and then people contact me and go “Oh I was going to register!”--- especially when it was enough to hold the class. And yes, that has happened. If you register and the class gets cancelled, you will get all of your money back and quickly.
The Take Again Option:
When you take my class, you can come back and take part or all of any future CMP class I offer through my company. Many people take it after they pass for many reasons—more knowledge, CE hours, and to hang out with good people. This is only for the classes I have through my company, not ones that other organizations sponsor, that hire me to teach. So, if you take it the first opportunity you have, you may be able to take the class multiple times before your exam, as long as classes are held because it’s not guaranteed that there will be one. It’s an added value if you plan ahead, but not a guarantee. Many people have told me that was one of the best parts of taking my class. They felt really prepared and confident going into the exam. Want to up the chances of a class so you can do your “Take Again” Option? Assuming you found value in the class, find new people to register for the class so we reach the minimum.
Taking the class early on in your prep will show you where to really spend your time …and not. Lots of people start preparing, then end up in the class, and realize they could have done things a lot more efficiently and effectively.
I am the only teacher of “my class” and I am human. In other words I can get sick, or have a significant personal situation where I must cancel. I don’t believe I ever have, although looking back I certainly should have for both reasons. There are no back up teachers.
Watch for the announcement of upcoming classes in the EGuide, The MeetGuide LinkedIn page, and other social media!
