Congratulations to Brittany Labatt, CEM for becoming a CEM gamechanger! Read about Brittany’s CEM journey and what inspired her to pursue the CEM designation.
Hometown: Mokena, IL
University of Education: Bethel University
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
I have learned so much taking the courses that I have been able to apply to my job and events. I love learning something that I can actually apply to my day to day life and job.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
It is important to continue to maintain the CEM designation as our industry is ever changing and having the CEM gives me the upper hand in being the expert in my field and event planning.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
I had been in the events industry for a few years and my co-worker started her CEM designation. Hearing what she was learning inspired me to want to learn more.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
DO IT! You learn so much and it really does not take too much out of our daily busy lives. I feel like some of the events I plan have improved from applicable things I have been able to bring back to the table and share with my team. Why not is really the question you should ask yourself,
How did you start your career in this industry?
My chance actually. I was looking for a temporary job and ended up at an association management company. Started working with GEAPS and doing more with them and turns out, I loved it! We ended up moving off on our own and haven’t looked back since.
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?
We have changed how we frame our education, how we design our floorplan of our tradeshow, we have started looking more into the neuroscience of our attendees and trying to give them what they need and want.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
Looking more into the neuroscience of our attendees and exhibitors and how we can help them with knowing these details of how the brain works. This has allowed us to really frame education and layout to what is best for our attendees.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
Hearing from my peers and gaining knowledge from others going through the same struggles as me.
Fun fact about you – What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I married into the Labatt family- the Canadian beer- Labatt Blue is their family’s company. They did however sell it off during the prohibition age as gang violence was too much for the family but the name still remains. I still have never even tried the beer.
