By Leighton H. (Lee) Williams, CEM Emeritus | Vice President of Sales | RPMXPO
I have held the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation for over 25 years.
From the beginning as an Account Executive through numerous progressive roles in management, the CEM designation always set the tone and expectation of industry knowledge. The curriculum has always been a valuable refresher and resource (yes, I still have my original books) along the way. The CEM designation has been more than just letters after my name; it has been recognized instantly by colleagues, clients and industry peers that I bring a proven, comprehensive level of knowledge and experience to the table. That immediate credibility has supported my growth in the industry.
Beyond the credibility it conveys, the CEM curriculum gave me a foundation I still draw on regularly. In particular, the strategic planning, management, budgeting, contracts, and security have all stayed directly relevant to my day-to-day work, even as the industry itself has evolved through COVID, technology changes, attendee expectations, sustainability, etc. Recertification has kept me current, ensuring that my knowledge didn’t stagnate but grew alongside the profession.
Maintaining the CEM designation has mattered to me not just for my own career, but for what it represents to the exhibitions and events industry as a whole. It is a shared standard that tells attendees, exhibitors, and organizers that the people running their events are held to a high level of professionalism and expertise.
With the Emeritus status, I remain committed to upholding the standards of IAEE and the CEM designation to mentoring newer candidates, supporting the program and staying active in IAEE communities so that the next generation of industry professionals can benefit the way I have.
I am proud of what this designation has meant to my career and grateful for the community and standards it represents.
