The CTSM program sets the industry standard for excellence by providing a disciplined approach to achieving a high level of competence in this very specialized field.

CTSM is the only university-affiliated certification program in the trade show and event industry. Over 3,000 candidates are currently enrolled.


 
 
CTSM produces graduates who have earned their place in an elite group of professionals.

They have more upward momentum than their peers, getting promotions more frequently, and, most importantly, receiving recognition within their own companies for their knowledge and expertise.
 
 
The certification process includes:
  • A 23-seminar core curriculum, plus five elective seminars, and options for those with experience or a marketing degree.
  • Comprehensive written examination on sessions taken at EXHIBITOR or EXHIBITORFastTrak Conferences.
  • The Electronic Candidate Portfolio, a written demonstration of learned concepts applied on the job through processes and projects managed.
 
 
Although rigorous, the certification process is designed for people in fast-paced positions who don’t have a lot of free time. Move through the program at your own pace, typically from one to three years, with lots of help along the way. Graduate/candidate mentors are available for those who request one, and graduate advisors can assist you through your portfolio development.
 
 
Yes. Trade show and event managers who have five or more years of experience are eligible to replace some of the more basic CTSM required courses (designated with the symbol) with an optional elective seminar (designated with thesymbol). The option choices must be approved by CTSM executive director Jan Nelson to verify there is balance among the learning tracks. To discuss your options, email jnelson@CTSM.com.
 
 
CTSM offers three levels of certification upgrades. For each ten hours of education, graduates advance to bronze, silver and gold level certification.
 
 
Be sure to attend the EXHIBITOR2008 and CTSM Orientation Sunday, March 9 at 5:45 PM. You’ll hear all about the program from CTSM executive director Jan Nelson.

Or visit the CTSM office at EXHIBITOR2008 for more detailed information on each step. CTSM staff, graduates, and fellow candidates will be happy to share the experience with you and answer your questions.

You can also visit www.CTSM.com to find full information on requirements, options, and frequently asked questions. Have questions right now? Feel free to call or email program administrator Wendy Lewis at 507.424.4881, or wlewis@ctsm.com.
 
 
 
 
     
Measurement & Results
  10508 Using Surveys in the Trade Show and Event Decision Making Process
  10808 How to Measure the Value of Trade Show Participation
118 Measurement & Analysis of the Purchase Experience to Improve ROI
     
Planning & Execution
  20108 Selecting the Right Shows: The Critical Decision
20208 Basic Project Management and Reporting Skills
  20308 The Nuts and Bolts of Budgeting for Results
  20408 Don’t Skip the Meetings – Pre, At, and Post: Guideposts to Success
* 20608 Show Operation Basics – Part I: Pre-Show Planning
  20708 Exhibiting and the Law: What You Need to Know
* 20908 Show Operation Basics – Part II: On-Site Implementation
  21308 Beyond the Basics of Booth Selling
212 Field Trip: Deciphering the Official Service
Contractor & Exhibitor Kit
     
Marketing & Communications
** 30808 Business Marketing Strategies and Trade Shows
  31108 How to Grow Your Brand: Incorporating Brand Marketing into
Your Exhibit Program
  31208 Realizing Your Public Relations Potential
  31508 Integrated Marketing Communications
314 Using Target Audience Profiles to Create
Memorable Events that Drive Results
     
Corporate Events
41608 The Basics of Event Planning and Management
41708 The Basics of Event Logistics and Implementation
  41908 Liquor Liability and the Law: What You Need to Know
406 Field Trip: The Best Thing is Being There – Site Inspection Workshop
416 Mastering the Meeting Maze
     
Personal & Career
  52108 Negotiating Skills to Win
  52308 Communicating with Others: Essentials for Success
522 Ethics In Organization
     
Exhibits & Experiences
61708 Graphics Boot Camp: What Every Event Manager Should Know
  61908 Exhibit Design – From Concept to Completion
612 What We Don’t Do Yet: Creating Innovative Exhibit & Event Experiences- I
613 What We Don’t Do Yet: Creating Innovative Exhibit & Event Experiences- II
     
Global
72008 Introductory Overview to Global Exhibiting
72108 Introductory Overview to Global Event Marketing
703 Authors Executive Series: Negotiating
Internationally – Some Dos and Taboos
709 Guidelines to International Budgeting
     
Electives
Any five additional seminars offered at EXHIBITOR Conferences and EXHIBITORFastTraks
(We recommend including 514 “Preparing, Developing, and Submitting a Quality CTSM Portfolio” as one of the electives.)
 
Special Notes
* The Sunday All-Day Workshop “Trade Show Rookies Quick-Start Program” may replace sessions 20608 and 20908.

** Session that may be waived by candidates with a marketing degree, and replaced with an elective.

Candidates with 5 or more years of experience may select one of these seminars as an option to one of the five-digit required seminars designated with .

These sessions will be most beneficial if taken in order: 20608 followed by 20908; 20708 followed by 41908; 41608 followed by 41708; 72008 followed by 72108.
 
 
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