SITE announces new certification program

You are the expert in the office on designing an incentive program that morphs into a motivational game-changer for the company. You are strategic, creative and experienced. But how do you prove it? SITE, the incentive travel professional association, has just the thing to show the world you know your all-inclusive from your corporate gift-giving.

SITE‘s Certified Incentive Travel Professional (CITP) program launches at IMEX Frankfurt this month. It will test your professional knowledge of designing programs that impact the bottom line while energizing sales teams…and making it all look easy.

Whether you are a mid-career independent or a corporate planner, hotel or venue supplier, this tool can be your ticket to showing off your MICE cred to potential clients, employers—and loved ones.

What’s the Test For?

The CIPT provides formal certification for incentive travel professionals who fall between the entry-level Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) program and the director-level Certified Incentive Travel Executive (CITE) program. “There seemed to be a lack in the industry of recognition at this level,” says Jennifer Glynn, managing partner at Meeting Encore and vice president of research and education on the SITE board.

The certification aims to demonstrate the engagement that those mid-level professionals have in their education and industry. “The CITP certification was developed by incentive travel professionals for incentive travel professionals,” Glynn says. She describes the certification as another avenue to show employers, clients and the world that professionals are committed, making them more appealing when on the prowl for a dream job or working with new clients.

The Importance of Incentive Travel Professionals

Incentive travel professionals are widely regarded as key figures in the industry by agencies and corporations alike. They are responsible for managing incentive programs that motivate employees to reach peak performance, enhance employee-employer relationships and revitalize a company’s environment. By aligning programs with company goals and stakeholder needs, experts leverage best practices in business development, human resources and internal communications.
“We are not party planners, but strategic thinkers that provide value, experience and knowledge to design, plan and execute on the client’s incentive programs’ goals and objectives,” Glynn says.

What to Expect

SITE study modules prepare planners for the exam, giving test-takers the ability to refresh on concepts and areas they feel could be strengthened.

The test itself is two hours long and features questions in a variety of categories, ranging from strategic planning to stakeholder and crises management. After fulfilling proctoring requirements, companies can sponsor and host the test to a qualified group of candidates during a company meeting, a conference or an event. They may also allow incentive-travel executives and managers to sit for the review during an industry conference exhibition, trade show or networking event.

“The exam will provide qualifiers and their employers with acknowledgement and confirmation of a broad understanding of incentive travel,” Glynn says.

SITE will launch CITP ahead of IMEX Frankfurt, May 15–17, then host the exam at IMEX America Oct. 16–18. In June, the exam will be available online and at future events.

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