By B. Murphy, CEM | B. Murphy & Associates, LLC
I first learned about the CEM Learning Program in 2011 when I attended IAEE’s Krakoff Leadership Institute (now the IAEE Leadership Institute). I made a commitment to my fellow KLI students that I would achieve my CEM designation within the next few years. I then enrolled in the program in 2012 and aggressively pursued the studies with the backing and support of my company, Fern Exposition Services, for which I am forever grateful. I completed the required courses in 18 months, and received my CEM certification in July 2013.
You Never Know Who Is Going To Impact Your Life: One of my instructors, Mr. Bob Dallmeyer, took an interest in me and suggested that I look into becoming a member of the CEM Faculty. He thought that I had great presence and presentation skills, and so in November 2013 I applied and was accepted as a member of the Faculty.
Mr. Dallmeyer’s trademark was his hats that he wore whenever he taught a class that I was in, so in his honor after he passed away in 2014, I adopted the tradition and always wore a hat and paid homage to him when I taught a CEM class. I also want to thank and pay homage to IAEE Senior CEM Program Manager Jennifer Potter, CEM, whose advice, encouragement, and support was instrumental in my CEM success.
I later went on to becoming a member of the CEM Commission and, ultimately, the Chair of the Commission in 2016. During my tenure as the Chair of the Commission, I saw the numbers of CEMs grow immensely both in the USA and in other countries where we had the CEM program. In fact, I believe that we had the highest number of new CEMs walk the stage at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition that year. I remember because I had to read all of their names!
I have taught CEM classes all around the United States as well as in Bangkok, Thailand (twice) and in Taiwan. I have helped many people in their CEM journey and also encouraged several people to become Faculty members, some of whom are still active today. Although I have retired from the Faculty, I still encourage people to pursue their CEM designation whenever I can.
I am very proud of my CEM designation, even more so now as an “Emeritus.” I am part of an internationally recognized select group of Industry professionals, and I will hold that designation until my last breath. My tombstone will read: Bernette “B.” Murphy, CEM.
The CEM Learning Journey offers programs for professionals at all levels of their career in exhibitions and events. Learn more here!
