Congratulations to Kara Dao, CEM of JDC Events for earning her #CEM! Read why she believes it’s important to invest in yourself and your career to stand out in the industry.
Hometown: Hagerstown, Maryland
University of Education: George Mason University
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM program helped solidify my understanding of areas in event management that I’ve left unexplored. Therefore it has helped me expand my knowledge and ability to advise clients on their events.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
Learning is forever. You can never know too much about the industry you serve. Continuing my CEM designation is my commitment to the industry and serving it well.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
The content within the modules has matured. The timing was right for me and I needed to re-examine my understanding of many event industry segments.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Do it. Do not hesitate to invest in yourself and your career. This will only make you more valuable to your clients and you honor yourself.
How did you start your career in this industry?
Like many, I came into the industry by accident on a temporary position. I learned quickly that I enjoyed equally the planning/execution and business development aspects of the events industry. I was especially intrigued by the engagement that events provide and how events can move the needle of change and transformation.
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?
I’m putting into place best practices within my company that will enable us to provide maximum service to our clients.
What was it that you did or implemented right after obtaining your CEM?
I altered a client’s show floor theater layout to be more conducive to the style of programming desired.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
Interacting online with peers; learning from industry colleagues; re-examining how I was implementing event strategies
Fun fact about you – What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m crazy for superhero / Marvel movies. There is something innate in event planning that drives us all to be superheroes. We love finding solutions for our clients and feel like heroes when our clients are pleased. I suppose I love saving the day!
