EIC CMP Exam Questions

Correct answer: Post-convention meeting

After the event concludes, it is essential for the meeting team and key personnel from the facility and contractors to participate in a post-convention meeting. This meeting serves as a platform for candid feedback about the logistics planning and onsite management of the meeting, allowing the organization to receive valuable input. It also provides an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to the supporting teams involved in making the event a success.

Convention wrap-up gathering is an informal term and lacks the structured approach of a post-convention meeting. Post-event evaluation meeting focuses more on assessing the event's overall success and outcomes rather than detailed logistics planning and feedback. Event debriefing session is a broad term that can include various types of discussions and does not specifically emphasize the involvement of key facility personnel and contractors in reviewing logistics and expressing gratitude.

Correct answer: Communicative

Communicative room sets facilitate the transmission of thoughts and ideas primarily from the presenter to the audience, emphasizing one-way communication with limited two-way interaction. These room setups typically include banquet, theater, and classroom configurations.

Radio refers to a medium for broadcasting audio content and is not relevant to room setups for communication. Messaging implies a digital or written exchange of information and does not pertain to physical room configurations. Audio visual refers to the use of audiovisual equipment and technology but does not describe the layout or communication style of the room.

Correct answer: Workshop centers

Workshop centers are not a category of venue because the term is not typically recognized as a distinct type of venue within the events industry.

Convention centers are designed specifically to accommodate large-scale trade shows and conventions, offering extensive exhibition space and meeting rooms. Cruise ships provide unique venues that can be entirely or partially chartered for events, offering both entertainment and meeting facilities. Hotels are common event venues due to their provision of meeting spaces along with accommodations, catering to both small and large gatherings.

Correct answer: Quality control

Quality management includes managing overall project quality and measuring the quality of each project deliverable. It includes three processes: quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control. Quality control is a process focused on detecting flaws or defects to track and monitor the results of the project.

Quality planning involves strategizing to ensure quality standards are met, not directly identifying defects. Quality assurance focuses on the process to prevent mistakes, rather than detecting defects after they occur. Quality management encompasses the broader scope of ensuring quality across the project, which includes but is not specifically focused on defect detection like quality control.

Correct answer: Decide on a transport mode

International shipping and exhibition freight handling can be quite complicated. It is wise to retain a freight forwarding company that is also a customs broker in order to ensure the international shipping process is smooth and successful. After you select a company, work with them to choose the transport mode most appropriate for your shipment.

Agreeing on compensation is important but typically follows the decision on the transport mode. Signing a contract is essential but should occur after determining the transport mode to ensure all specifics are clear. Beginning to pack the event materials comes after finalizing the transport mode, contract, and compensation details.

Correct answer: To address cultural differences and promote inclusivity among attendees

Cultural sensitivity is increasingly important in meetings due to the evolving demographics in the United States. It is crucial to acknowledge and accommodate cultural diversity, encompassing factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, and geographic orientation.

Overlooking cultural differences and promoting exclusivity among attendees fails to foster an environment of acceptance and understanding, which is contrary to the inclusive objectives of modern event planning. Deflecting cultural differences and discouraging inclusivity can lead to alienation and discomfort among diverse participants, undermining the overall event experience. Disregarding cultural differences and creating a divisive environment intentionally opposes the goals of inclusivity and unity which are critical in today’s global and multicultural society.

Correct answer: Tax returns

Tax returns do not represent a category of revenue for an event. Instead, they are financial returns filed with a tax authority that reflect the tax obligations or payments over a previous year and are not a source of income from event activities.

During an event, the categories for revenue include registration fees, exhibiting fees, additional badge fees, advertising, and sponsorships. Revenue is generated from participants, promotional activities, and external financial support. Additional revenue items may include social events and revenue-sharing opportunities with the exhibit's official contractors.

Correct answer: Serpentine

Serpentine tables, also referred to as "half moons," serve multiple purposes, such as creating attractive displays, setting up food buffets, and adding visual interest to event arrangements. These uniquely shaped tables contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the event space.

Round tables are typically used for seated dining and don't offer the same flexibility for unique displays as serpentine tables. Rectangular tables are common for a variety of setups but lack the distinctive curve that adds visual interest. Cabaret tables are smaller, often used for more intimate seating arrangements, and do not facilitate the diverse functional purposes that serpentine tables do.

Correct answer: Accrual accounting

Accrual accounting records income and expenses as they are earned or incurred but provides a bigger picture of the rise and flow of an organization's finances. This is because it records items as they relate to net worth, which is assets minus liabilities.

Cash accounting records transactions only when cash changes hands, which can provide a less comprehensive view of an organization’s financial health as it doesn’t account for money that is owed or expenses that have been incurred but not yet paid. Detailed accounting is not a recognized type of accounting standard and it seems to imply a focus on detail but does not describe a specific accounting practice. General accounting is a broad term that refers to the overall process of managing financial transactions within an organization but does not specify the method by which transactions are recorded, making it less precise than accrual accounting for presenting a complete financial picture.

Correct answer: Executing

The executing phase highlights a difference in perspective between project professionals and meeting professionals. In the meetings industry, planning is an ongoing process that extends from the initiating phase to the execution of the meeting, which is considered the executing phase.

Planning focuses on preparing the project's structure and schedule, not performing tasks. Monitoring and controlling involves continuous oversight and adjustments rather than direct execution, while closing deals with finalizing and settling all project elements, indicating the end of project activities.

Correct answer: EPA SmartWay Certified

When choosing a freight forwarder, event professionals should consider options to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions. In the United States, event professionals should look for carriers that are EPA SmartWay Certified. This is a federal program that helps freight transportation reduce emissions.

USDA Certified typically applies to food products and agricultural practices which is not relevant to freight forwarding standards for sustainability. FDA Approved pertains to food and medical product safety, not to freight or transportation services. The phrase "Carriers of the US President's Seal of Approval" does not refer to an actual certification or recognized standard within the transportation or freight forwarding industries.

Correct answer: Total direct and indirect costs for events

After the discovery and analysis phases of event planning are completed, the strategic plan is developed. The event's strategic plan includes a mission statement, goals, and objectives, a business environment analysis, an implementation plan, a sales, marketing, and communication plan, a financial plan, and key performance indicators. Total direct and indirect costs for events are part of the analysis phase, not the planning phase.

A mission statement provides foundational guidance and direction for the strategic plan, aligning all activities with the organization's core purpose. An implementation plan outlines the steps and resources required to achieve the strategic objectives which is essential for operational success. Key performance indicators are crucial for measuring the success of the strategic plan's execution and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Correct answer: To offer maximum transparency

Evaluation is the process of determining current values and setting changes by comparing the current project status with the plan. Events may be evaluated based on a number of criteria such as meeting the event goals and objectives or meeting financial goals. The goal of an evaluation process is to offer maximum transparency.

The goal of an audit is to offer maximum accountability, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. Offering maximum efficiency is not the primary aim of an evaluation; it's more about assessing performance against goals. While satisfaction might be a result of a successful evaluation, the primary goal is not to offer maximum satisfaction but rather to ensure transparency in assessing the project's status and outcomes.

Correct answer: Use both professional organizers and volunteers, ensuring compliance with state laws to qualify for federal tax exemptions.

Associations are commonly known for engaging professional meeting organizers to manage their gatherings and events. Certain associations also rely on the valuable contributions of volunteers. In order to secure federal income tax exemptions on the funds they acquire through fundraising, grants, and services, most associations adhere to state laws and incorporate them accordingly.

Correct answer: Convention center hotels

In addition to convention centers, meetings and events can also be held at convention hotels. These hotels are typically located near or are connected to the convention center, offering convenience and easy access for attendees. Convention hotels can fall into different categories, such as full-service, limited-service, resort, or airport hotels, depending on their amenities and location.

Meeting accommodations is a general term for any lodging provided for meeting attendees, not specifically indicating proximity to a convention center. Convention lodging facilities suggest a broader category of accommodations that could be near convention centers, but the term isn't commonly used to specifically describe hotels connected to or integrated with convention centers. Conference hotel chains imply a group of hotels that may be geared toward hosting conferences but do not necessarily denote proximity or direct connection to convention centers.

Correct answer: List the product replacement value

When you are determining the value of materials for customs purposes, you should list the product replacement value instead of the sales value. Charges are levied according to their stated value, and event planners should be conservative in estimating the value of giveaways and literature as well.

As stated above, you should list the replacement value, not the sales value. If you overestimate the value you will end up paying more in duty or VAT. There is no reason to list the value in different currencies.

Correct answer: 17.5 inches to 18.5 inches

Seat widths can range from 17.5 inches to 18.5 inches, although it's important to note that most chairs in meeting facilities are narrower than the average person.

56 inches to 20 inches is an incorrect and unrealistic range for seat widths. 20 inches to 18.5 inches includes an incorrect measurement as seat widths are typically not 20 inches. 18.5 inches to 17.5 inches lists the correct range but in reverse order, which may cause confusion.

Correct answer: Word-of-mouth

Recruitment efforts for staff and volunteers can take many forms. Word-of-mouth, however, is the best way to find individuals who best fit your organization's culture.

Local media may reach a broad audience but lacks the personal endorsement that word-of-mouth provides. Job postings on industry websites are effective for reaching qualified candidates but may not convey the cultural fit as effectively as personal recommendations. Cold calling is inefficient and unlikely to accurately gauge a candidate’s fit with the organization’s culture.

Correct answer: Gifts

Gifts play a significant role in certain cultures, where they are seen as a courteous and sometimes essential aspect of business interactions. However, the exchange of gifts can present ethical dilemmas. One concern with gift-giving is the timing of such gestures.

Gestures do not carry the same formal significance in business interactions as gifts. Events are broader gatherings that facilitate networking but are not specifically about expressing gratitude. Messages can convey thanks but lack the tangible element of cultural respect and gratitude that gifts embody.

Correct answer: In-house services, including catering, food and beverage, and advanced technology solutions

Convention centers provide meeting professionals with a range of in-house and exclusive services to support their events. These services can include catering or food and beverage options, audiovisual equipment and support, advanced technology solutions, production assistance, security measures, and various other offerings. It's important to note that the specific policies and regulations governing convention centers can vary significantly. Factors such as the center's union or right-to-work policies, local city and state ordinances, and federal laws can all impact the operations and management of the facility. These variations should be taken into account when planning events at different convention centers.

Massages and spas are typically not standard offerings by convention centers for meeting professionals as these are more aligned with luxury or leisure services rather than business event needs. While production assistance and advanced technology solutions are often provided, state law compliance is not a service but a requirement that all operations at the venue must adhere to, making this option partially correct but not comprehensive. Offering only catering and food, non-communication equipment, and security measures misses other crucial services like audiovisual support and technological solutions that are vital for modern events. Convention centers primarily offer comprehensive in-house services that include catering, food and beverage management, and advanced technology solutions to fully support the operational needs of meetings and events.