Christine Faiman, CMP Fellow, brings more than three decades of experience across the hospitality and meetings industry, from answering a newspaper ad for her first hotel role to her current leadership position with Marriott International. In this CMP Spotlight, published in partnership with Events Industry Council (EIC), Faiman shares with Smart Meetings how mentorship shaped her career path, why giving back to the industry is important and how a little encouragement helped her confidently take the stage at a 700-person customer luncheon.
Smart Meetings How did you get your start in the meetings and events industry?
Christine Faiman I answered an ad in the Washington Post for an opportunity at The Madison Hotel. After meeting with the headhunter, I walked to the property, interviewed with the director of sales and by the time I returned to the headhunter’s office, the hotel’s leadership had requested I be extended an offer to join their team.
SM Was there an early experience or turning point that shaped your career?
CF My mentor at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center—now the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center—suggested a career path to become a general manager or join the global sales organization. These recommendations became my vision board, and my resume reflects that path, which brought me to my current role.
SM What year did you earn your CMP Fellow distinction, and why did you decide to pursue CMP certification?
CF In April 2022, I was extended the honor of being an inaugural member of the CMP Fellow community. I pursued this distinction because of my deep-rooted passion for the meetings industry and my desire to continue giving back to our community. Additionally, I sincerely admire the industry leaders that are part of our CMP community and appreciate their sharing of experiences and industry insights.
SM What was the toughest module, concept or challenge while preparing for the CMP exam? How did you master it?
CF Of importance to me was understanding the best form of studying in preparation for the exam. Through research, I joined a local CMP Study Group, where I met with local planners and suppliers weekly. Following these meetings, I utilized the study cards that our group put together and was fortunate to pass the exam.
SM What’s the hardest event or project you’ve delivered in your role—and what did you learn from it?
CF In my current role, I host an annual customer luncheon for more than 700 attendees. The first luncheon I hosted was a banquet-in-the-round, with the stage serving as a runway and requiring multiple teleprompters. Although I had spoken to large groups before, this was my first time presenting in that format. To ease my nerves, I asked a sales leader friend to sit near one of the teleprompters and give me a thumbs-up whenever I reached that end of the stage. I also began my welcome remarks by acknowledging my nerves and asking the audience for grace if I stumbled—or even tripped—while on stage. I am especially grateful to the Encore team for the time they spent coaching me that morning. Their guidance helped me navigate the stage and present confidently with multiple teleprompters. I am also deeply appreciative of the friends who encouraged and supported me, leading up to and throughout the event.
SM What’s the best event advice you’ve ever received?
CF To listen and be completely present when spending time with someone.
SM What’s your favorite pre-event or post-event ritual?
CF To relieve the “Colgate smile” for at least 24 hours post-event.
SM What’s one industry topic you think deserves more attention?
CF Supporting our rising industry leaders through the integration of AI.
