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IAEE Expands CEM-AP Certification Program with New Learning Track

April 11, 2024

Rick McConnell to Teach New CEM-AP Course

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) has added a new learning track to its Certified in Exhibition Management Advanced Professional certification program (CEM-AP). Mastering Mergers and Acquisitions: Business Development Strategies is a specialized course on business development focusing exclusively on M&A strategies, providing participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills required to navigate these intricate deals successfully.

“M&A is becoming a more important source of revenue and profit growth for strategic organizers and independently-owned companies,” said course facilitator Rick McConnell, CEO, Trifecta Collective. “The importance of identifying the right opportunities, measuring the upside and downside and how it can be integrated into the core business are more critical to understand than ever before. Focusing a light on this topic couldn’t be more timely!”

“We are incredibly happy to have an industry giant such as Rick lead our new educational offering,” added IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “Because this is such an important topic, and participants will benefit greatly from this high-end professional development, we are offering those not enrolled in the CEM-AP certification program the opportunity to attend as well.”

Mastering Mergers and Acquisitions: Business Development Strategies will be hosted by Fern on 18-19 September 2024 at its office in Alexandria, Va. Register for the course here.

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). This highly regarded and specialized designation has been earned by 25 industry professionals since its inception in 2019.

Applicants must complete one mandatory course out of the two different areas of concentration offered. Leading and Negotiating for Success, the other learning track offered, moves participants beyond the show and provides the skills needed to shift their mindset to innovate, negotiate and enhance their strategic thinking skills.

Learn more about the CEM-AP certification program here. More information about IAEE’s Certification Journey may be found here.

About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.

Media Inquiries:
Mary Tucker
Sr. Communications & Content Manager
+1(972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com