CMP Spotlight: Get to Know Geralyn Krist

October 17, 2025

Geralyn Krist grew up on Long Island where, as a child, she was enthralled by the grandeur of New York City hotels during holiday visits. “I was fascinated by hotels,” she recalls. The TV show Hotel, starring James Brolin and Connie Sellecca, only fueled her ambition. “To me, working in a hotel looked glamorous and exciting.”

Krist is vice president of global accounts at ConferenceDirect. She earned her CMP in 1999 and became a Fellow in 2022 with the inaugural class of her fellow Fellows.

Her early fascination led her to pursue a career in hospitality. Krist researched colleges with hotel and restaurant management programs, ultimately choosing Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. She was drawn to their “upside down” curriculum, which immersed students in major-related classes from day one while requiring them to work in the industry three days a week. This hands-on experience proved invaluable.

Krist’s career path took her through various roles within the hospitality sector, each providing unique insights and skills. She started in food and beverage, overseeing room service and hospitality suites. While not glamorous, this role taught her the fundamentals of pricing, cost-conscious menu planning and food handling for hospitality setups. She then transitioned to hotel sales, where she spent eight years with large hotel chains, gaining a deep understanding of contracts, room-to-space ratios and onsite sales processes.

In 2002, Krist joined Visit KC, where she spent 14 years developing relationships with meeting planners nationwide and positioning Kansas City as a premier convention destination. Her background in hotel sales strengthened her ability to understand the needs of meeting planners and strategically target East Coast clients.

Today, Krist leverages this diverse experience in her role at ConferenceDirect, a third-party sourcing and contracting company. Her focus is on building strong relationships with clients, understanding their organizations and finding the best fit for their programs. “In a way, it feels like I’ve come full circle: the little girl enchanted by hotels has built a career centered around them, not just in operations, but in building relationships and creating meaningful experiences for clients.”

Becoming a CMP

A defining moment in Krist’s career was earning the CMP designation. She first heard about the CMP program in 1998 and was drawn to the program by its potential for career advancement. She also observed firsthand the difference it made when planners had their CMP, noting that they were more organized, clear in their RFPs and well-prepared for contract negotiations.

Test Prep Tips

Krist’s path to certification was rigorous. She and her team created smaller study groups, in addition to a weekly MPI Study Group. Flashcards were a staple in Krist’s house, which she carried everywhere. Krist took the exam in 1999 and passed on the first try.

Looking back, Krist emphasizes that the CMP isn’t about memorization, it’s about validating the knowledge, judgment and skills you already use every day. To those considering the CMP, she advises, “The CMP exam isn’t something you take when you’re brand new to the industry. Instead, focus on building your foundation. Immerse yourself in every part of the industry you can….Join an industry association like MPI or PCMA and not only attend monthly meetings but get involved in a committee.”

Fellow Designation

Her journey didn’t stop at the CMP designation. In 2022, Krist became part of the inaugural class of CMP Fellows, a testament to her experience, leadership and contributions to the industry. “I had been a CMP for 23 years when the CMP Fellow designation was first announced,” she says. “It came at a unique time, right as our industry was emerging from the challenges of Covid-19. After spending two years canceling, postponing and reworking meetings, I was eager for a new professional challenge that would reignite my passion for this work.”

For CMPs considering the Fellow designation, Krist’s advice is simple: “Go for it! If you’re qualified, you’ve already proven yourself as a leader in this industry, then the CMP Fellow designation is an incredible platform to take that leadership even further. It allows you to connect with other top professionals, exchange knowledge and play an active role in mentoring the next generation of CMPs who will carry our industry forward.”

The Future

Krist is inspired by the future of the meetings and events industry, particularly the mix of exciting change and the people who will shape it. She has witnessed the transformative power of technology, from faxing contracts to hybrid meetings and immersive VR. However, what truly inspires her is the next generation of hospitality professionals. “For me, that’s very personal. Both of my daughters have chosen careers in hospitality….Seeing them step into this industry after growing up watching my own journey fills me with pride.”

Krist acknowledges the challenges the industry faces but remains optimistic. She tells young adults graduating with a hospitality degree that the industry is more than wedding planning—it encompasses sales, food and beverage, audiovisual, transportation and more. “The opportunity within our industry is limitless,” she says.

Krist’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements. She is an active member of the events community, mentoring emerging professionals and sharing her expertise. Her advice to those starting their careers is to immerse themselves in every aspect of the industry, volunteer for extra assignments, ask questions and build a strong network.

Earning the CMP designation and becoming a CMP Fellow have significantly impacted Krist’s career. The CMP gave her a strong foundation of knowledge and credibility, boosting her confidence and opening doors to new opportunities. Becoming a CMP Fellow elevated her role, allowing her to give back in more meaningful ways and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.

Over the years, Krist has seen the CMP designation evolve to reflect changes in the industry. The application and exam process is much more streamlined and accessible and the perception of the CMP has grown tremendously. Today, it is widely recognized as a gold standard, setting professionals apart and raising the level of respect for the industry.

When asked about her most memorable event, Krist points to the joy she finds in sourcing and securing the right hotel or venue for a client. “What stands out as most memorable for me is the joy I find in sourcing and securing the right hotel or venue for a client,” she says.” For me, the most memorable moments aren’t tied to one specific event, but rather to the countless times I’ve witnessed clients succeed, knowing I had a hand in laying the foundation that made it possible.”