Welcome to the Winter CTSM Newsletter, keeping you up-to-date on the latest happenings and news for CTSM graduates and candidates.

In This Edition:
   2011 Education Opportunities
   EXHIBITOR2011
   CTSM Comprehensive Exam
   View Your CTSM Transcript Online
   Who Are You?
   CTSM Diamond Level Certification
   CTSM Blog
   Congrats New Certified Trade Show Marketers

Many Opportunities Await You in 2011 for Industry Education

EXHIBITOR2011 - March 27-31, Las Vegas
EXHIBITORFastTrak Conferences - Denver/Chicago/San Diego/Atlanta
EXHIBITOR eTrak - sessions offered each month online

It can be very helpful to consider EXHIBITORFastTrak and EXHIBITOR eTrak session offerings when planning your EXHIBITOR2011 sessions, so you can optimize your entire 2011 learning schedule and shorten your path to CTSM professional certification. To see the chart of locations for all required CTSM sessions, go to www.exhibitoronline.com/ctsm/requiredsessionslocations.asp. This chart will help you strategically plot the completion of your 23 CTSM required sessions and 5 electives.

If you have already registered for EXHIBITOR2011 and wish to make changes to your schedule, go to www.exhibitoronline.com/exhibitorshow/schedule-change.asp. You may also contact Wendy Lewis, CTSM program administrator, wlewis@ctsm.com, for assistance with your scheduling.

EXHIBITOR2011 is Right Around the Corner!

Hopefully we will see many of you in Las Vegas the week of March 27th. Whether you are new to the program, part way through, or a graduate, there are many wonderful new sessions to help keep you at the top of your game plan in managing trade shows and events.

Newcomers to EXHIBITOR2011: Be sure to take in the CTSM Orientation from 4:45 - 5:30 on Sunday afternoon to help you make the most of your conference week.

Graduates, New and Alumni: We'd love to see you at the Graduate Dinner and Awards Ceremony, Sunday evening, held in a South Seas Ballroom of Mandalay Bay. Personal invitations have been mailed. Don't forget to RSVP by March 7th.

All CTSMers: Take the time to stop in the CTSM office, Jasmine A. Let us get to know you better, network with others in the program, take your quizzes, rest and enjoy the refreshments provided by GES, the sponsor of CTSM program activities at EXHIBITOR2011.

Getting ready for portfolio development? Come with your specific questions. Many opportunities are available to get assistance. session #514 on portfolio development is offered Tuesday morning at 8 AM; there is a Peer2Peer Foundtable on portfolio development Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. You can also find graduates networking in the CTSM office or booth #2025 who are eager to answer your questions.

CTSM Comprehensive Exam

Are you planning to take your exam at EXHIBITOR2011? If you have completed all of your sessions, or if you have 6 or less left to complete and you can get them taken prior to exam time, you can take your exam in Las Vegas. It is offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Don't forget to register online at ctsm.com/comprehensiveexam-form-s.asp. The deadline to register for the exam is February 28th.

Examinees should check in at the CTSM office desk when they arrive at the Show. We do have a quiet study room reserved for examinees on the conference level of Mandalay Bay. It is open all week long.

View Your CTSM Transcript Online

Your CTSM transcript can be accessed directly any time at www.ctsm.com/viewTranscript.asp. Enter your email address and click "SUBMIT." You will be emailed your private personal pin number from webmaster@exhibitoronline.com. If you have already accessed your transcript online this past year and received your pin number, use that to log in to view your updated transcript. Forgot your pin number? Contact Wendy Lewis at wlewis@ctsm.com.

Who Are You?

Are you Wendy Lewis? Are you Beth Lewis? Are you Wendy Beth Lewis? Are you Wendy Lewis-White? You may be one person with all of those names, but our CTSM database doesn't know that. With nearly 3000 names in our database, it can sometimes be difficult to find you!

Example of how the confusion begins:
Candidate: Hi, this is Beth Lewis. I'd like to register for my exam.
Office: We don't have a Beth Lewis enrolled in our program.
Candidate: But I enrolled in 2007 and finished my classes at EXHIBITOR2010.
Office: I don't show a Beth Lewis having taken classes at EXHIBITOR2010. What name did you use to register?
Candidate: Wendy Lewis-White, but I go by my middle name, Beth, and I went back to using my maiden name.
Office: Let me check. I do have Wendy Lewis-White...

It kind of makes you think of that comedy routine Who's on First? made famous by Abbott and Costello.

Please help us keep your transcripts updated and stay in contact with you by completing the Contact Information Update form at ctsm.com/updatecontactinfo.asp whenever you have a name change. Also remember to use the name provided us on your enrollment form when contacting us.

CTSM Diamond Level Certification

I'm very excited to announce that we launched the CTSM Diamond Level Certification this summer. For several years we have encouraged our CTSM graduates to continue learning and staying abreast of what's new in the industry and to stay connected with their peers. We have had the Bronze, Silver and Gold Level Upgrades for graduates for additional Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) earned after certification. In addition to making ongoing education a life-long pursuit, our new Diamond Level adds a new dimension - a demonstration of leadership by giving back to the industry through professional contributions. Graduates may begin working towards this level, but they may not apply for it until after having attained the Gold Level upgrade.

For complete details, download the PDF containing the Diamond Level Certification Application. I am excited to be able to award the first four Diamond Level Certifications at our Graduate Awards Banquet at EXHIBITOR2011.

CTSM Blog

We have another new way to stay in touch in this social media age. I have started a blog, which you can follow at http://ctsm.wordpress.com. There are several postings on the blog at this time, including many pointers on the written candidate portfolio component of the certification program. More postings will be coming your way on a regular basis. I welcome your questions and comments!

CONGRATULATIONS NEW CERTIFIED TRADE SHOW MARKETERS

Join us in congratulating the newest Certified Trade Show Marketers, certified since October 2010:

		Julie Rowell, CTSM Trade Show Director Equifax Inc. Atlanta, GA After graduating from Georgia State U with a Bachelor Degree in Journalism, with emphasis in Marketing, Julie started her career as a special events specialist for AmericasMart. She had a 20-year tenure with them, rising to Vice President. She took two brief interim departures - first as Director of Public Relations for The Atlanta Marriott Marquis, later as Director of Publicity for The Luxor Las Vegas Hotel. In 2006 she began at Equifax with a directive to bring all trade show activities to their corporate marketing department and to develop and implement a Best Practice program. Today they have a solid, ROI -producing program and a Best Practice Trade Show & Conference Guide.
		Marci Grodin, CTSM National Sales Manager Freeman Las Vegas, NV Talk about wearing multiple hats in one's life... Marci has worn a variety of interesting ones - cosmetologist, salon manager, telemarketing supervisor for a health care company, office manager for a Destination Management Company, then for a fight promoter, and now national sales manager for Freeman. She started in the CTSM program to gain knowledge to further her career in the industry, as well as to better understand the role of her customers, their responsibilities and driving forces. All her client successes over the years can be traced to a solid educational foundation and one overriding axiom - cultivating trust and building relationships.
		Patricia A. Gahn, CTSM Trade Show Planner Anheuser-Busch Companies St. Louis, MO When Pat received the message from the CTSM office that her portfolio had been approved to complete all program requirements and she could begin using the CTSM credentials behind her name, she was at "beer school." I'm sure there isn't one of us who doesn't know her company or have a favorite among their product offerings. Pat has been with Anheuser-Busch since 1986 holding various positions in the legal and marketing departments, rising to her current position. Upon receiving her CTSM credentials, Pat is looking forward to a promotion, overseeing Anheuser-Busch's entire calendar of trade shows. Pat persevered amidst adversity to attain her certification goal!
		Carol Stock, CTSM Marketing Specialist Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC Madison, PA Carol has truly known only one company since graduating from high school. She was hired by Westinghouse when she started attending the Community College of Allegheny County in 1973. As the years flew by she experienced several promotions in various departments, which led her to the Marketing group in 1991. In 2007 her manager requested she pursue formal training in trade show and event marketing. An internet search led her to EXHI BITOR Show and CTSM. In 2007 and in 2009 she was awarded Westinghouse's "Bright Behaviors Award" for outstanding contributions.
		Annette McClure, CTSM Senior Marketing Strategist Tradeshows/Events Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus, OH Annette's career in trade shows began in 2000 when her CEO requested that the marketing and public relations department create an exhibit for a national pediatric conference. What started as a tactic is now a critical initiative in their strategic plan for national visibility. Along with their presence at national conferences, she has responsibility for coordinating their on-site presence at local community events and health fairs. One of her favorites is the Teddy Bear Safari, held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which is designed to reduce children's fears of doctors and hospitals.
		Anne Zimmerman, CTSM TradeShow & Event Specialist Keller Center for Corporate Learning of DeVry University Downers Grove, IL Anne has been with DeVry for just over three years, beginning her career there as administrative assistant to the vice president. A portion of that position was to manage four national-level trade shows. Skills she brought to the table were organization, good communication, a penchant for pre-planning, optimism, creative problem solving, flexibility, and forethought for plans B, C and beyond - skills she credits to being a stay-at-home mom for several years. She received the trade show program in its infancy, and was "baptized by fire" at her first show three weeks after being hired.
		Dennis Capizzi, CTSM Trade Show and Special Events Coordinator MSA - Mine Safety Appliances Cranberry Twp., PA Dennis graduated from Clarion University of PA in 2002 with a B.S. and a B.A. dual degree in Marketing and Business Management. His first job out of college was with the apparel company 360 Youth as a mobile marketer, which took him to all the Big 10 and Big East colleges. He moved on to ProMotion, out of St. Louis, loving what he did, but traveling over 320 days/year was too much. A job opening with MSA sounded like his dream job and he jumped at the opportunity. He applied his CTSM knowledge and shaved $150,000 off their 2009 budget. He loves this fast-paced, chaotic environment!
		Jennifer Glynn, CTSM Director, Global Communications & Events Boston Scientific Neurovascular Fremont, CA Jennifer has over 16 years in the events/trade show industry. Upon graduating from Cal State, Long Beach in 1994, she became marketing and events coordinator for Williams Island in Miami, FL. Her first career move had her working for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games in 1996, managing, coordinating, promoting and booking entertainment acts for the Olympians living in Olympic Village. After two other moves, Jennifer joined Boston Scientific in 2003. In 2007 she was promoted to her current position.
		Eddie Huff, CTSM Marketing Support Supervisor QS/1 Spartanburg, SC When Eddie began his career in 1975 as an IBM S/370 mainframe computer operator, the concept of computers was rather new to the world. The early 80's gave birth to another generation of computers - the IBM PC - and many opportunities presented themselves for entrepreneurs. Eddie was asked to survey the medical market to see what a computer could do to automate billing procedures. This led to contract programming "on the side," which led to starting a software company to service medical offices. For the past 23 years he has been promoting QS/1's pharmacy management software at trade shows.
		Patricia Gilomen, CTSM Tradeshow & Event Specialist TriQuint Semiconductor Apopka, FL Prior to joining TriQuint, Pat spent over 15 years in the hospitality industry, working as Convention Service Manager, Catering Manager and Director of Catering for various hotels. She then moved into the trade show industry, working for general contractors as an Exhibitor Service Representative. She joined the marketing staff of TriQuint in 2005 in a newly created trade show and event position. Over the past five years Pat has developed a formalized trade show program. She heard about EXHI BITOR Show in 2008, showed her boss the brochure of courses available, and has had the support of her boss throughout the certification process.
		Valerie Hurst, CTSM Account Director GALLO Cleveland, OH Valerie started in trade show marketing when she was 18 years old, answering phones and writing storage invoices at a Cleveland exhibit house. She became entranced by the carpenters' sawdust that covered her desk each night and began to venture into the shop. Her interest led her into handling show services, traffic managing, then managing the cage at the Hardware Show at McCormick Place. She loved the sights, smells and hectic pace of show floor set-ups. She transitioned to a couple of other exhibit houses, took a break from the industry for about 8 years, and in 2007 joined GA LLO Displays. Last December she received her Marketing degree from Phoenix University.
		Tracey Schropp, CTSM Tradeshow Manager Nordson Corporation Carlsbad, CA Tracey attended college to get a degree in Accounting, considered changing her major to Hospitality, but stuck with Accounting. Ironically, her first job was to work for a global hotel chain. Desiring to get out of the "back office," her next job involved working with people in the field to process acquisitions of cemeteries across the U.S. and Canada. She found she enjoyed project management and international experience, which led her to obtaining a Certificate in International Business. At her next job as Operations Controller for a sports marketing company, she dove in to manage their big trade show when the event manager left. Enjoying the challenge, she eagerly applied for the open trade show manager position at Asymtek, now Nordson ASYMTEK.
		Jennifer Harrison, CTSM Marketing Communications Specialist General Dynamics C4 Systems Scottsdale, AZ After graduating with a degree in Business Marketing & Management, Jennifer knew she needed to find a job, but had no idea what she wanted to do. It was as an Assistant Travel and Marketing Coordinator for a real estate developer where she was propelled into trade show management. In 2005 she transitioned to General Dynamics C4 Systems as Trade Show Coordinator. She was told to plan for a week in Las Vegas to attend EXHI BITOR Show. She feels fortunate that she didn't have to convince management about certification; instead, it was expected and written into their goals.
		Stephanie Amburn Lee, CTSM Associate Communications Manager CryoLife Kennesaw, GA Stephanie is our second CTSM graduate from CryoLife. Her path to get to her current position is like most in the industry - an unexpected, yet welcome challenge. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, she began working at CryoLife, the first biomedical company to commercialize the low temperature preservation of human implantable tissues for cardiac and vascular reconstruction. She began as a customer account representative. Promotions led her into product marketing. Department reorganization in 2008 placed her in the Marketing Communications Department, where she was asked if she would like to help manage the exhibit program. Her "yes" has led her to CTSM certification.
		Patsy Peterson, CTSM Global Events Manager LDR Spine Austin, TX Although Patsy has been in the trade show industry for over 10 years, it was definitely not on her to do list. She says she got into the industry by "being in the right place at the right time." Working in the regulatory department for Sulzer Orthopedics, she filled in at a sales meeting for someone unable to attend, paid attention, was a quick learner, and made such a great impression on the person in charge that she was asked to attend all events and trade shows. She landed at LDR in 2007. In 2009 her manager suggested that she pursue classes that would offer accreditation in her field, and a week later she received information on EXHI BITOR and CTSM. Within 15 months she completed all requirements for certification.
		Carline Hill-Bryant, CTSM Associate Director-Enterprise & Gov't Sales Operations Verizon Laurel, MD Carline has a Bachelor of Arts degree from VA State University and a Masters of Public Administration from Long Island University. Her career spans more than twenty years with Verizon Wireless. Her passion for event planning was born when she transferred into the Marketing Communications Department. With a new booth build beyond their budget, she focused her portfolio on refurbishing her existing modular booth with a goal of unveiling "Woody" in June of 2009. Woody was successfully launched, but was short-lived. He drowned in May 2010 at the Gaylord Opryland during the Nashville flood. Two important words she learned in the Exhibiting and the Law class: Force Majeure.
		Debra Bertrand, CTSM Trade Show Coordinator Grundfos Pumps Corporation Olathe, KS Prior to joining Grundfos in 2005, Debra had been employed by a competitive company for 27 years. She was approached by Grundfos to help align its marketing strategies with their under-developed trade show program. Grundfos puts a strong emphasis on education and supported Debra through her certification process. Grundfos has begun a mobile marketing unit which travels the country. With her knowledge gained through EXHI BITOR sessions, she felt confident to add the responsibility of managing this new program. She has been nominated to the Grundfos Talent Program and is one of 138 (out of 18,000 employees) chosen worldwide to be groomed as a mentor and leader in the company.
		Abbie Henderson Martin, CTSM Marketing Communications Manager Thermo Fisher Scientific Franklin, MA During her last semester at the University of MA, Abbie interned with The Holmes Group, then became their Global Communications and Design Coordinator. When she was asked to assist at their largest trade show, the International Home & Housewares Show at McCormick Place, she had no idea what a trade show was. It became obvious that Abbie and trade shows made a good pair, and she was asked to take over their entire program. Following a layoff Abbie moved to B-to-B marketing at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She's taken their program from a one-person tactic-centric approach to a better integrated program involving stakeholders at multiple levels.
		Alexis Leo, CTSM Convention Manager AstraZeneca Wilmington, DE Alexis graduated from Penn State University with a degree in History. She considered law school, but instead sought employment at AstraMerck and was hired to work in the administrative area of the gastrointestinal team. Within a few months she was assisting with their fiscal planning of conventions and educational programs. When a position opened up managing conventions in the Cardiovascular and Primary Care department, she jumped at the opportunity for a new experience. Over the years convention managers have been given more strategic leadership roles. The program continues to evolve as they work towards unified, streamlined exhibiting.
		Sandra Casey, CTSM Tradeshow Manager Technology Solutions Group QinetiQ North America, Waltham, MA Sandra went directly from high school into the business world. After holding a variety of positions, she became Administrative Assistant to the Executive VP for Foster Miller in 2002. She became well known in the company for getting things done, even if they weren't her responsibility. A gentleman from another division across the street asked her if she'd ever dealt with trade shows. She hadn't, but with an hour of training and trial by fire, she became Tradeshow Manager for Talon Robots. They were bought by QinetiQ, where she continues to market their security and unmanned vehicles to military, government and commercial customers worldwide.
		Catherine Filarski, CTSM President Chimney Safe Productions Inc. St. Charles, IL After receiving a B.A. in Television Production from Columbia College in Chicago, Catherine worked in the film/video industry before becoming Marketing Manager for Marcus Evans. She built her own business with freelance marketing assignments and in 2000 became incorporated as Catherine Filarski Consulting, Inc. In 2005, one of her clients offered her full-time work as a contractor, and as business grew, this developed into a partnership in 2008. Currently they are busy marketing their training DVD, Firefighter KnowledgeTM, to fire departments and training academies throughout the U.S. & Canada.
		Brenda Boeck, CTSM Sr. Marketing Programs Specialist ACI Worldwide Elkhorn, NE Brenda combined working with schooling to obtain a degree in Business Administration, with a focus in finance. With degree in hand, she applied for a job in ACI's financial department, but was hired as an administrative assistant, planning their User Group Annual Meeting. When the lead person moved on, Brenda took charge and subsequently received a Peak Performer Award. She has continued to advance in the Marketing Department. Her recent challenge has been to merge three customer user groups into one, which definitely has her applying the communication and negotiation skills she has learned.

Contact Wendy at wlewis@ctsm.com, 507-424-4881, or me with any questions you have as you prepare for EXHIBITOR2011.


Janice Nelson
CTSM Executive Director
jnelson@ctsm.com
763-498-6538