Congratulations to Lauren Oppe, CEM of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) on becoming a CEM gamechanger! Read why she chose to pursue the CEM designation to sharpen her skills as the industry evolves.
Hometown: Downers Grove, IL
University of Education: Northern Illinois University
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM designation will allow me to show my exhibitors and vendors that I am educated and invested in the exhibition industry which will assist in developing trust and confidence during our interactions. The CEM also allows me to further enhance multiple aspects of our exhibitions so our exhibitor’s experience is ultimately improved.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
It is important to maintain the CEM designation because it allows you to grow and expand your knowledge base in the exhibition industry.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
I had been working in the industry for four years at the time I requested to obtain my CEM designation. I felt that at this time I had begun to learn many aspects of the exhibition industry but I wanted to sharpen my skills and continue to progress.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Go for it! The only way we can grow and improve is through educating ourselves. This program will also assist you in enhancing your exhibitor’s experience which is always our goal as exhibition planners.
How did you start your career in this industry?
I started my career with AAOMS as a Meetings & Exhibits Administrative Assistant.
How have you made a difference with your show or with working with a client by applying the knowledge you gained by obtaining your CEM designation?
As I continually took my CEM courses I would email my team paragraphs from the reading that really stood out to me. Every time I sat down to read my workbooks I found my mind drifting to my own exhibitions and how we could change or improve something for the better. My coworkers received many Sunday night texts and emails as I read through my workbooks and couldn’t contain my thoughts.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
I just obtained by CEM on December 17, 2020 (yesterday at the time of writing this LOL) so I haven’t implemented anything quite yet. But I did contact my family and friends as soon as I obtained by CEM to celebrate. This definitely brought some joy to 2020!
Fun fact about you – What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people in my personal life know this about me but just meeting me you wouldn’t know that I am a huge fan of true crime. Whether it’s a podcast, TV series, documentary, etc. – I’m up front and center as soon as a major release occurs. The Security, Risk and Crisis Management course was really one of my favorites because it brought my love of true crime and exhibitions together.
