(LYNNWOOD, WA) - SMG, the world leader in venue management, marketing and development, is proud to congratulate Will Christison, CMP, Director of Operations and Event Services for the Lynnwood Convention Center, for earning his CMP designation.

Launched by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) in 1985, the CMP program works to enhance the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals, promote the status and credibility of the meeting profession and advance uniform standards of practice. Today, more than 12,000 individuals in 34 countries have earned this designation, which is based on professional experience and a rigorous examination. Christison is one of 164 event professionals to earn the CMP designation in the state of Washington.

"My main motivation for seeking the CMP designation is that it helps meeting planners feel comfortable knowing they are working with an experienced event professional, who can speak their language and appreciate the wide spectrum of responsibilities associated with planning a large event," said Christison.

A CMP designation shows that an individual is dedicated to the profession. It also conveys expertise in planning, managing and executing successful meetings and events. "I congratulate Will for earning his CMP designation. Understanding the challenges that meeting planners face, and being able to partner with them in meeting their goals is key to building and maintaining successful relationships," said Kelvin D. Moore, CMP, SMG General Manager for the Lynnwood Convention Center. "We understand the value of the CMP designation, and we are working towards having all of our sales and event staff earn their CMP designations over the next couple years."

The Lynnwood Public Facilities District owns the Lynnwood Convention Center and contracts with SMG to manage the facility.