When Milica Gavrilović, CMP-HC, joined ABTS Convention Services eight years ago, she started hearing about the CMP programme. She decided to learn more. Talking to her work colleagues (especially with her manager Ivana Esposito, CMP), a peer at the Venice CVB and friends through MPI, she decided to pursue her certification.
Within six months, she studied for and passed the CMP exam.
Upon earning her CMP in 2014, Milica says she saw an immediate impact on her skillset and ability to do her job. “It helped me speak with managers from around the world using the same language,” she said. Five years later, she knew that she wanted to continue her learning journey through the CMP-HC curriculum and certification due to the nature of her work with medical professionals.
“It’s important to be in the field with the most updated information on topics and best practices,” she said. “This serves you in your daily work if you want to continue being part of the meetings industry.”
So, she bought books while traveling to one of the medical conferences she was handling in the United States, studied online, and waited for news that the test centre would be open in light of COVID-19. “I didn’t know if my testing centre would be open but seven days before the exam, I was notified, and I went. I wore my mask, gloves and was already excited about taking the exam, so when I passed, I was thrilled.”
In fact, Milica was the only candidate for the CMP-HC who was able to take the exam in May due to many centre closures from COVID-19 restrictions.
Milica looks forward to being able to travel again, to share experiences and ideas with colleagues from around the world. She continues to encourage her colleagues to earn their CMP.
“I want to help other people, to share ideas. It’s what keeps me motivated. Having my CMP is just one part of what I see is really an ongoing process to learn. My CMP is one of the biggest achievements in my professional development.”
Congratulations on your achievements, Milica!