Mohammed Alammar, CEM is a results-driven professional with extensive experience in managing exhibitions, conferences, and events across diverse sectors. Currently serving as the Head of Strategic Relations for Tutorial, he is actively engaged in both local and international forums, and has a proven record of contributing to high-profile industry gatherings and celebrations. Mohammed is recognized for building strong global connections and driving impactful event strategies that enhance organizational presence on both national and international stages.
Mohammed recently earned IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) designation. Here, he shares how this designation has shaped his career, expanded his global network, and deepened his approach to serving clients in the exhibitions and events industry.
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM designation has significantly enhanced my professionalism and broadened my network in the exhibitions, conferences and events sector. It has allowed me to connect not only on a local level but also with industry peers internationally, opening new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
Maintaining the CEM designation reinforces professional credibility and demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning. It ensures ongoing exposure to the latest global knowledge and industry best practices in exhibitions and conferences, allowing professionals to stay relevant and add greater value to their organizations.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
I wanted to obtain the CEM designation to strengthen my professional credibility and to ensure I was aligned with the highest international standards in exhibitions and events management. It was also a personal goal to expand my expertise and connect with a global network of professionals who share the same passion for advancing this industry.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
My advice is to approach the CEM program with passion, as it covers a wide range of skills and knowledge, including areas such as risk management and beyond. These learnings, if embraced wholeheartedly, can be applied across many professional and academic fields, making the experience highly valuable and impactful
How did you start your career in this industry?
I began my career in the exhibitions and events sector in 2017 through my work in a local Date Market and Festival in my hometown. That experience marked my first step into projects and event management. Later, I moved on to work with a specialized events company in Riyadh, where I was able to expand my expertise and discovered my true passion for this industry.
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?
By applying the knowledge I gained from the CEM Learning Program, I learned to treat clients in the events sector differently from clients in other industries. I realized that many of them need a consultant rather than just a service provider. This approach required me to combine multiple skills – such as marketing, sales, project management, and strict adherence to execution plans and timelines – to deliver real value and build stronger client relationships.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
After obtaining my CEM, I started to broaden my perspective of the industry and view it in a more comprehensive way than before. I actively worked on expanding my professional network and connecting with experts in the field to exchange knowledge. At the same time, I began sharing and applying the insights I had gained, both in my organizational work and projects, as well as contributing to the overall development of the industry.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
What I liked most about the CEM Learning Program was its comprehensive approach to covering both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The program touched on diverse topics such as risk management, marketing, project planning and operations, which allowed me to immediately apply what I learned in real-life scenarios.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I apply project management and risk management practices even in my personal life, such as planning travel details or organizing daily schedules. It’s a fun way of using professional skills outside of work, and it gives me a unique perspective on how these methods can be adapted beyond the workplace.
