Abby Nero, CEM is Regional Vice President for Map Your Show where she focuses on building strategic partnerships and maximizing revenue for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) events. She strives to enhance event experiences and centers on creating value for exhibitors and attendees alike.
Abby’s approach is rooted in a commitment to client success, evidenced by the cultivation of impactful relationships and the delivery of exceptional customer service. Here, she shares how she has benefited from earning her CEM designation.
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM designation has been very beneficial to my career because I was able to learn so many new things and kick the dust off on things I have done or been responsible for in previous roles before coming to the supplier side. Not everything I learned will be part of my day-to-day activities, but most things are likely integral parts of the roles of the customers I work with, so it was very beneficial to put myself back in their shoes and learn! Also, the amazing people I was able to meet during the process of obtaining my CEM was a huge perk!
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
I think maintaining your CEM is important because it provides credibility and knowledge. It gives you the ability to stay current with industry trends as well as learn and adapt to those new trends and technologies. I also think it is a great opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals and learn from your peers in addition to the instructors. Having your CEM could also be a great way to help advance your career in the exhibitions and events industry!
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
For me, I wanted to absorb as much of the industry as I could and learn from others along the way. I know my job very well, but I wanted to learn more about the other aspects of our industry and the pain points of our partners that we work with daily. I knew I would learn a lot and be able to make great connections for the future!
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Just do it! There are a million excuses you can come up with to not do something, but the in-person, virtual and on-demand options give you so much flexibility to complete the process in a timely manner OR you can take as much time as you need! You will never regret learning something new!
How did you start your career in this industry?
I got my first taste of the industry by selling print and digital advertising for an association that had a large annual trade show! As part of that initial role, I went to numerous industry events throughout the years (including our own). That role eventually morphed into me not only selling print and digital advertising but working with exhibit and sponsorship sales for our annual and regional events!
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?
It is too early to tell, but I have already shared various learnings with other team members and had discussions with customers that I might not have known to have prior to obtaining my CEM.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
I loved meeting so many new people from all different locations and industries of events, and learning from each and every one of them!
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was in 4-H growing up and I showed rabbits, cows and chickens at the county fair! I’m a country girl at my roots living in the “city”… for now.
