In today’s fast-evolving events world, gatherings are no longer simple meetings. They’re transformative experiences. Excellence, precision, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity are non-negotiable. That’s where the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential shines: it’s the global gold standard for event mastery.
At Decibel Events, we’re deeply committed to this standard, not only for our business, but to foster the personal and professional growth of our team. We actively encourage and fully fund our staff to pursue CMP certification, recognizing it as an investment in excellence that benefits everyone: our people, our clients, and the industry.
We are thrilled to announce that two of our stars, Eric Bibbs, CMP, and Josh Weatherhead, CMP, have both earned this prestigious designation. Their achievement highlights how CMP drives personal growth and delivers superior results for producers and stakeholders.
What Is CMP? The Industry’s Premier Benchmark
Administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC), CMP demands proven expertise across planning, execution, and evaluation. To qualify, candidates must have at least three years of full-time industry experience (or equivalent), complete 25 hours of continuing education, and pass a rigorous exam.
The exam itself is a 3.5-hour, computer-based test featuring 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, plus 15 pretest). Delivered at Prometric centers or via remote proctoring, it emphasizes scenario-based questions that test practical application in real-world situations.
Updated in August 2025 and fully aligned with the revised CMP International Standards, the exam now places greater weight on emerging priorities. Key updates include new or expanded domains such as Sustainability and Social Impact, Technology Integration, and Evaluation Process, alongside increased focus on risk management, stakeholder management, and talent management. Overall, it covers essential areas like strategic planning, event design, operations and logistics, financial management, site management, and marketing/communication.
These changes ensure CMPs are equipped for hybrid events, ethical practices, AI tools, inclusivity, and measurable impact. Held by over 13,000 professionals worldwide, CMP is a commitment to excellence in an industry worth trillions.
Why Producers Need CMP Talent
For producers crafting conferences, festivals, trade shows, or activations, CMP-certified team members deliver clear wins:
Reduced risk and greater efficiency in budgeting, venues, and crisis response
Higher attendee satisfaction, stronger ROI, and fewer hiccups
Average $10,000 higher annual earnings for CMPs. This is proof of their market value
In a post-pandemic landscape dominated by hybrid formats and attendee well-being, CMPs excel at weaving in health protocols, digital tools, AI personalization, and inclusive design. Partnering with them ensures forward-thinking events that embrace 2025 to 2026 trends: unconventional venues, flexible schedules, and bold social responsibility.
Spotlight on Our CMP Stars: Eric Bibbs & Josh Weatherhead
Both Eric and Josh’s strategic design expertise and operational precision have inspired us and long impressed our clients at Decibel Events. Their new CMP certifications, earned through intense preparation and success on the updated exam, reflect the dedication that fuels innovation at Decibel Events. With the 2025 CMP updates spotlighting sustainability and tech, areas where both Eric and Josh already excel, they’re poised to create even more memorable, impactful experiences in the new year.
“Earning my CMP is a proud milestone that strengthens the foundation I’ve built over 20+ years in event production. It reinforces my commitment to strategic planning, continuous growth, operational excellence, and delivering experiences that truly move the needle for our clients.”
— Eric Bibbs, CMP, Decibel Events
“Receiving a CMP certification strengthens my position in the events industry and is a reflection of exactly who we are at Decibel Events. I’m proud to continue growing my knowledge and expertise in the Industry, and I can’t wait to show off what’s next.”
— Josh Weatherhead, CMP, Decibel Events
The Bigger Picture: CMP Shaping Tomorrow’s Events
Looking to 2026 and beyond, CMPs lead the charge in planning and producing events for corporations, federal agencies, and associations and are concentrating on carbon-neutral events, ethical supply chains, data-driven decisions, and true inclusivity. They build resilience against economic shifts and tech disruptions while sparking creative collaborations through global networks.
Ultimately, CMP elevates a client’s entire events ecosystem. Professionals like Eric and Josh at Decibel Events remind us of the magic that is possible in every gathering. Whether you’re a producer with a bold vision or a stakeholder seeking inspiration, working with CMP-certified expertise turns ideas into enduring, inspiring realities.
At Decibel Events, as active MPI members, we’re all in on this journey. We constantly sharpen our skills to seize today’s opportunities and shape tomorrow’s successes.
Ready to elevate your next event with CMP-certified expertise?
Contact Decibel Events today to discuss how our team can bring precision, innovation, and unforgettable impact to your vision. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
FAQ: CMP Certification and Event Excellence at Decibel Events
What is the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification?
The CMP is the events industry’s premier global credential, administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC). It recognizes professionals with proven expertise in planning, executing, and evaluating meetings and events. Held by over 13,000 professionals worldwide, it demonstrates commitment to excellence, ethics, and best practices.
Who administers the CMP certification?
The CMP is managed by the Events Industry Council (EIC), with strong support from organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Decibel Events is an active MPI member, and we proudly support our team in achieving this standard.
What are the requirements to earn CMP certification?
Candidates need at least three years of full-time event industry experience (or equivalent), 25 hours of continuing education, and must pass a rigorous 165-question exam (150 scored). The exam is 3.5 hours long, computer-based, and available at Prometric centers or via remote proctoring.
What changed in the 2025 CMP exam updates?
The exam was fully updated in August 2025 to align with revised CMP International Standards. New or expanded domains include Sustainability and Social Impact, Technology Integration, and Evaluation Process, with greater emphasis on risk management, stakeholder management, talent management, hybrid events, AI tools, and inclusivity.
Why is CMP certification important in today's events industry?
In a post-pandemic world of hybrid formats, sustainability demands, and tech-driven experiences, CMPs ensure events are innovative, risk-resilient, inclusive, and measurable. They help deliver higher attendee satisfaction, stronger ROI, and forward-thinking designs for 2026 trends like carbon-neutral events and data-driven decisions.
What are the benefits of hiring CMP-certified event professionals?
CMP-certified planners reduce risks in budgeting, venues, and crisis response; boost efficiency and attendee experiences; and often command higher value (with studies showing an average $10,000+ annual earnings premium). They excel at integrating health protocols, digital tools, AI personalization, and ethical practices for superior results.
Does Decibel Events have CMP-certified team members?
Yes! We’re proud that Eric Bibbs, CMP, and Josh Weatherhead, CMP, have recently earned this prestigious designation. Their expertise in strategic design, operations, sustainability, and technology elevates every event we produce.
Why does Decibel Events fund CMP certification for its staff?
We view CMP pursuit as an investment in our team’s growth, our clients’ success, and industry excellence. It ensures our producers deliver precision, innovation, and unforgettable impact—aligning with our commitment to fostering personal and professional development.
How can CMP certification benefit my next corporate event or conference?
Partnering with CMP-certified experts like those at Decibel Events means reduced hiccups, better ROI, inclusive and sustainable designs, and experiences that truly resonate. Whether it’s a festival, trade show, or federal agency activation, CMP talent turns bold visions into enduring realities.
How do I get started with Decibel Events for my next event?
Contact us today! Our CMP-certified team is ready to bring expertise in event management, production, and innovation to your project. Let’s discuss your vision and create something extraordinary.
