The simple answer is yes and no. Of course, you already know that you do not have to be certified to enter the field of meeting and incentive travel planning. While some employers might require a certification in order to qualify for positions with that particular firm, there are plenty of uncertified incentive travel and meeting planners doing quite well in the industry. That being said, industry certifications are almost always a good idea, regardless of your field. Meeting planning is no different.

When you become certified, you will receive recognition of your skills and professionalism from your peers and the meeting and incentive travel planning industry, and will also enhance the first impression potential clients receive when you hand them your business card or they visit your website. People love to see letters after any professionals name when they are considering procuring their services. This alone could be reason enough to seek certification. On top of increased recognition and an improved perception of your abilities, industry research carried out by Meeting Professionals International shows that certified planners earn more than their uncertified counterparts.

Industry certifications include:

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) offered through the Convention Industry Council
• Global Certification for Meeting Management (CMM) offered by Meeting Professionals International
• Certified Incentive Travel Executive (CITE) offered by the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives
• Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) offered by the International Special Events Society
• Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) offered by the Association of Destination Management Executives
• Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) offered by the Destination Marketing Association International

Trade shows and conventions are ideal places to promote your meeting planning services, and are a great way to come in contact with large numbers of potential clients in a cost-effective, efficient manner. While there are many ways to advertise your business, few allow you to enjoy face-to-face contact with prospects like conventions and trade shows. As an added benefit, if you select events that are related to business, meeting planning, travel, event planning and related topics, the prospects with which you will come in contact have an increased likelihood of being members of your target audience.

This type of targeted marketing allows you to increase awareness of your services and expand your business, while staying withing your set marketing budget and avoiding incurring unnecessary costs. Advertising can be expensive, but you can rein in these costs by opting for tabling at events that focus on your market. If you plan to table at multiple events, it is well worth the initial investment to purchase a creative, professional display that is easy to put up and take down, and convenient to transport. This will cut down on your set up and break down time, and will keep your table looking organized and professional, allowing you to focus on meeting prospects and introducing them to your brand.