Earning the CEM designation is a professional game changer! IAEE interviewed recent graduate Karen Vogel, CEM of Event Advisory Group. Read about her CEM journey and how she was able to help differentiate her company from competitors after obtaining her CEM.
Hometown: Scarsdale, NY
University of Education: Arizona State University
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM courses have broadened my knowledge of all areas of exhibition management, helping me to offer better analysis, planning and event services to our clients.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
It’s important to keep up my knowledge of the industry and connect with other exhibition professionals to network and share ideas.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
Many of our clients have their CEM and it was important that I also get certified. I also strive to continually learn and improve my skill set.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Do it! Even if you think you know it all or you’ve been in the business for many years, there are still things you can learn from the class curriculum, peers and suppliers that attend the class as well as the awesome instructors.
How did you start your career in this industry?
As a Senior Account Executive at Ogilvy Direct, I was responsible for event marketing for many of my clients. I was hired by Reed Exhibitions as Marketing Director for their manufacturing, processing and packaging events, and eventually worked on many other events. I transferred to Reed Travel Exhibitions as Event Director for the Americas, successfully launching several travel shows.
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?
Our firm provides event analysis, planning and event services to our clients. I’ve been able to take back ideas and strategies to incorporate into our recommendations and plans, as well as help our clients avoid risks and reduce costs.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
After getting my CEM, I started developing analysis and planning tools using the resources available from IAEE and CEIR to help differentiate EAG from other firms.
Fun fact about you – What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am a certified dog trainer and teach at DogiZone in Rockville.
