Common Questions
- Builds your expertise in trade show and event marketing
- Boosts your credibility and confidence
- Opens doors to career advancement opportunities
- Connects you with a valuable network of peers and mentors
- Demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and excellence
- Helps you stand out in a competitive, evolving industry
- Contributes to an average salary increase of 9% (approx. $8,700/year) - See Salary Survey
The CTSM faculty is made up of seasoned, recognized experts in trade show and event marketing. Together, they design and deliver sessions that reflect real-world experience and the highest standards in professional development.
Meet the CTSM crew
Aside from the CTSM staff, you’ll have access to mentors who are CTSM graduates and can answer questions and offer guidance as you move through the program. When you register for your portfolio, you’ll also be assigned an Advisor who will support you through the portfolio process.
To earn your CTSM, you’ll complete:
Required sessions are offered each year at EXHIBITORLIVE, EXHIBITOR Education Week, and online through eTrak.
View the upcoming schedule here: Required Session Locations.
Many CTSM sessions are available online through EXHIBITOR eTrak. You can complete the program virtually or combine online and in-person sessions to fit your schedule. If you can’t attend a live eTrak session, a recording is sent to all registrants and remains available for two weeks.
There's no set timeline; candidates progress at their own pace. Most achieve certification in 3-4 years while balancing work and other commitments. The program can be completed by attending three in-person conferences or a mix of conferences and eTrak online sessions.
Complete the enrollment form online.
Costs for certification depend on how candidates complete the classroom training component. Tuition for all sessions is about $8,000, usually completed over 3-4 years. Early registration and multi-session packages can save you money. Additional fees include $379 each for the exam and portfolio, plus travel and lodging costs. Check the session schedule to plan what fits your budget.
A limited number of scholarships are available to EXHIBITORLIVE, offering a discounted pass to select CTSM candidates. We also award the Joe Ries Grant each year to one new enrollee. This grant covers the full cost of the program, including exam and portfolio registration fees. Travel and lodging are not included for either opportunity.
Work experience is not a strict requirement for the program, but candidates with relevant prior work experience may substitute some required sessions with approved electives by submitting a Substitution Request Form. All candidates must still complete 23 required sessions, 7.5 hours of electives, the exam, and the portfolio.
Yes. Contact the CTSM office at [email protected] to verify your attendance. Then, complete quizzes for the sessions you want credit for. This is called an
Archive Request and has a $125 fee per conference applied retroactively.
Credit can only be awarded for sessions attended within the past three years.
Start your Candidate Portfolio early. Begin with Criteria 1 and 2 (your background and company) and share them with your mentor. Use the checklist and samples to guide you. Complete Criteria 3 before your focus show, Criteria 4 and 5 during the show, and Criteria 6 and 7 after. Once finished, review formatting, get your advisor’s sign-off, and submit.
CTSM is a lifetime certification and does not require renewal. Four levels of upgrades are awarded to candidates, as they complete additional continuing education following certification.
- Bronze: 10 session hours
- Silver: 20 session hours
- Gold: 30 session hours
- Diamond: 50 session hours + 60 professional contribution points
Continuing education can be completed at EXHIBITORLIVE, Education Week, or online through eTrak. Quizzes or affidavits must be submitted by event deadlines to receive credit.
The CTSM office tracks your session dates and completed courses, and after certification, continuing education hours are also tracked toward upgrade levels. You’ll be notified when you’re eligible to register for the Comprehensive Exam and Portfolio. Please note that session quizzes and affidavits must be completed in the NIU platform to receive credit. The NIU quiz platform is separate from your CTSM transcript, so completions won’t appear on your transcript until they’ve been processed by the CTSM office.
Required sessions may change over time, so the easiest way to check your progress is by viewing your transcript.
It shows what you’ve completed and what is still needed. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Textbooks are not required, as session handouts are provided prior to each session. Be sure to hold onto all of your session handouts for review as you prepare for the exam.
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