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Exhibitors’s Certified Trade Show Marketer program (CTSM) has added a new credential that recognizes the emerging industry leaders of the next generation. In addition to post-CTSM graduate course work, the new Diamond Level Certification Upgrade requires candidates to develop their leadership skills by “giving back” to the industry through significant professional contributions.
“It’s a whole new ball game,” said Janice E. Nelson, CTSM Executive Director. “For the new Diamond Level, continuing education (15 additional hours) represents only 20 percent of our requirements. The remaining 80 percent are met through a variety of leadership initiatives.”
These include helping in a variety of CTSM service areas including mentoring new CTSM candidates, proctoring CTSM exams and organizing CTSM Connection Network meetings. Published articles or books on trade show and event marketing management are other ways graduates can meet their Diamond Level Certificate Upgrade requirements. Other opportunities include speaking opportunities, such as at EXHIBITOR conferences and serving on EXHIBITOR conference, magazine or exhibit advisory boards.
“Many of our CTSM graduates have been pursuing continuing industry and personal growth education,” Nelson continued. “In response, we initially created three levels of certification upgrades – Bronze (10 additional hours), Silver (20 additional hours) and Gold (30 additional hours). We expect to honor our first Diamond Level recipients at EXHIBITOR2011.”
There now are nearly 300 CTSM graduates and more than 2,500 active candidates. In the last year, more than 450 new candidates have enrolled in the program. CTSM seminars are offered by EXHIBITOR Media Group, sponsor of the program, in conjunction with Northern Illinois University Outreach at EXHIBITOR2011 and EXHIBITORFastTrak conferences and through online learning via EXHIBITOR eTrak.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
