MGM Grand Convention Staff to Complete CMP Program

LAS VEGAS— The MGM Grand reported that each of its convention services, catering and sales personnel will graduate from the Convention Industry Councils Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program by the end of 2003. The CMP program helps the hotels staff better understand the needs of meeting professionals, thus “enhancing our ability to service guests,” said Richard Harper, convention sales vp for the 5,034-room MGM Grand, which has 380,000 square feet of convention and meeting space. The MGM Grand has had 11 staff members earn CMP status in recent years and expects to increase that number to 20 by July 2002, according to Harper. The hotels remaining convention services, catering and sales staff will complete the program and take the exam in 2003, he said. He noted that at that time, 100% of the MGM Grands convention planning personnel will be certified meeting professionals, establishing the hotel as having the most CMPs in the Las Vegas market at a single location. The Convention Industry Council (CIC) launched the CMP program in 1985 to increase the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals while promoting their status and credibility. Additionally, the program is designed to advance uniform standards in the industry.