CEM-AP (Advanced Professional)
The Certified in Exhibition Management Advanced Professional certification program (CEM-AP) is for CEMs with at least 10 years of industry experience who have acquired 30 education/leadership credits (through a combination of leadership activities and industry-related continuing education). Applicants must complete one mandatory two-day course which will be taught by Dr. Sam Potolicchio. Dr. Potolicchio is President of the Preparing Global Leaders Forum and Distinguished Professor/Vice Dean of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

Each mandatory two-day course is $1,400 for IAEE Members and $1,800 for Non-Members. In addition to the two-day course, applicants must complete a CEM Commission approved case study.
Successful completion of all requirements will award attendees with the CEM-AP certification providing professional credentials. Applicants have three years to complete the entire certification program.
The application and application fee ($200 IAEE Members/$250 Non-Members) are required before starting. The application process will include submission and verification of 30 educational/leadership credits.
Once approved as a CEM-AP candidate, applicants will begin mandatory course work and case study. The case study should be built around one of the 12 CEM workbooks and should involve an issue and solution that has a significant impact on the exhibitions and events industry.
Completed case studies will be sent to the CEM Commission for final approval. Once approved and the candidate has completed course work, the CEM-AP certificate is earned.
The CEM-AP designation recertification process will take place every five years requiring 15 total education/leadership credits. The CEM designation will be automatically renewed and bundled with the CEM-AP designation.
Submit Your CEM-AP Application Here
Previous Courses
Virtual class conducted through Zoom – 10-11 September 2020
Click here for more information and to register.

The first ever CEM-Advanced Professional course, Leading and Negotiating for Success, was held on 28 -29 April 2019 at the Lansdowne Resort and Spa. Nine CEM students attended the two-day inaugural program led by facilitator Dr. Sam Potolicchio. Dr. Potolicchio is President of the Preparing Global Leaders Forum and Distinguished Professor/Vice Dean of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.
Leading and Negotiating for Success
Leading in today’s world requires a strong understanding of how as individuals we think, believe, analyze and negotiate. It’s the subtle way leaders must create and claim value when negotiating while strengthening individual and organizational relationships. How you create that mindset that is needed for success is as equally important. Students will be presented with multiple concepts to help them choose and develop mindsets that are aligned with the context of their situation. Finally, you will think more analytically and improve performance at all stages of negotiation from preparation to debrief.
Students will be able to:
- Analyze the neurological mechanisms of how we respond to uncertainty and complexity;
- Generate greater insight into to how people’s mindset impacts their ability to lead;
- Understand the need to go beyond one’s comfort zone to grow as a leader;
- Explain how their inner narrative impacts their decision-making ability;
- Claim more value when negotiating while preserving relationships; and
- Analyze negotiation results to improve personal and organizational performance