Dianna Cardenas is the Manager of Event Sales with the American Clean Power Association (ACP). She is part of the Business Development team and leads exhibition and sponsorship sales for the RECHARGE: Energy storage, and Siting and Permitting Conferences. Dianna earned her B.A. in International and Global Studies from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, Texas, with a minor in Political Science, and her M.A. in International and Global Studies, with a concentration in Negotiation and Conflict Management from the University of Salamanca.
Before joining ACP, Dianna worked as the Membership and Marketing Assistant at the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and as a fellow with New America in its Natural Resource Security Program, in collaboration with DARPA.
When she is not working, Dianna enjoys baking, trying new restaurants, and walking around her neighborhood. She originally hails from San Antonio, Texas, but now calls Washington, D.C. home. She loves exploring the East Coast and not having to drive a car!
Here, Dianna shares how she has benefited from earning her CEM designation as well as how she has been able to immediately apply the knowledge she gained.
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM has helped me gain valuable insight into the industry’s inner workings. The conversations had during the in-person courses were incredibly valuable and a highlight of my journey.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
Maintaining the CEM designation will allow me to stay current with industry trends.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
Seeing my colleagues who had their CEM and the knowledge they possessed inspired me to take the next step and grow in my career.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
I enjoyed my time participating in CEM Week since it allowed me to be fully present in the courses and network with leaders in the industry.
How did you start your career in this industry?
I started my career in the events industry through a local nonprofit helping coordinate its annual gala and sponsorships, and eventually made my way into the association world where I now lead sponsorships and exhibit sales for multiple events.
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?
It has allowed me to be more strategic and look deeper into the needs of our clients, which they have appreciated and has helped us strengthen our relationships.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
Taking a strategic analysis at my work and taking all the knowledge I gained and directly applying it.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
The opportunity to connect with others from the industry and being able to apply the coursework to my work.
