Earning the CEM designation is a game changer! IAEE interviewed graduate Jim Ellsworth, CEM of Freeman. Read his journey on earning the CEM designation and why he became CEM game changer!
Hometown: Chicago
University of Education: University of Illinois
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
It has provided me with broader insights into our industry. Given me greater resources to achieve goals.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
I believe it’s critical to your ongoing, continued education in our industry.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
Competitive pressure among my business colleagues.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Remain enthusiastic and open to ideas and solutions from the most unlikely directions.
How did you start your career in this industry?
I started my career in the Hospitality/Trade Show industry as an entry level trainee with Hyatt Hotels. That training proved invaluable to my success later in my career.
How have you made a difference with your show or with working with a client by applying the knowledge you gained by obtaining your CEM designation?
I’ve found creative solutions to current challenges within the networking I achieved with other colleagues participating in the CEM courses.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
I really didn’t implement anything specific immediately.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
Interacting with the other students/instructors proved to be the most enjoyable aspect of the CEM courses. I learned a great of insights from not only the instructors, but the most junior participants as well!
