Bridging the Gap

We're here for you, in the good times and, well, the not-so-good times. The Computer Event Marketing Association has a new program for members who have been affected by layoffs and corporate downsizing. We're calling it our Bridge Program, in the hopes that it will help members bridge the gap between jobs by offering networking opportunities, job postings, and career outplacement ideas and resources. The Bridge Program extends an individual's CEMA membership four additional months as he or she initiates job search efforts.

This past year has been particularly difficult for event professionals in the information technology market. CEMA is the only industry association dedicated exclusively to the needs of this sector, and this program will offer our members valuable assistance during a difficult time. Besides extending membership benefits, we've added a resume-posting service to the Job Bank on our Web site (www.cemaonline.com). We're also offering a scholarship to one Bridge Program participant to attend our annual member conference, the CEMA Summit. This flagship conference offers full-day workshops, breakout sessions, and keynote speeches by some of the computer industry's brightest and most innovative marketing communications and event management professionals. This year we'll convene July 8 to 11 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz. Besides a great week of education and networking, CEMA members will enjoy The Phoenician's award-winning cuisine, 27-hole championship golf course, and scenic location on 250 acres at the base of Camelback Mountain.

Besides our annual Summit conference, CEMA member benefits include regional workshops, access to member experiences through the online “Ask CEMA” Q&A, the latest industry news and trends in the Communicator newsletter, the CEMA job bank, and the CEMA Member-ship Awards program.

Looking for Work?

Check out the CEMA event industry job bank at www.cemaonline.com

Thank You, Nth Degree

Since its founding in 1990, CEMA has relied on global event management company Nth Degree to provide management services. Always intended as a temporary arrangement until the association established itself, CEMA will begin operating as an independent entity starting in November. “Nth Degree gave CEMA the nurturing assistance it needed,” says Marilyn Kroner, CEMA president and marketing communications manager for Benchmark Storage Innovations. “We will always be grateful to Nth Degree and are pleased they will continue to contribute as a member company.”