The Convention Industry Council (CIC) selected SmithBucklin, an association management and services company, to provide full-service association management moving forward. The CIC was run by Talley Management Group prior to the switch. Karen Kotowski, CMP, CAE, will continue to serve as CEO.
In addition, the CIC’s headquarters will move to 2025 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C., on April 1.
“We are delighted to have been selected to serve the Convention Industry Council,” said Matt Sanderson, president & CEO, SmithBucklin. “We share CIC’s passion for bringing people together to achieve great things, and we look forward to serving this thriving industry … which is [an important focus] of our company.”
The CIC was founded in 1949 by four organizations to facilitate the exchange of information within the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. CIC has grown to include 33 member organizations representing over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties. The mission of the CIC is to strengthen the value and sustainability of its members, support the premier credentialing program for the meeting professional, and provide a collaborative platform to ensure a thriving events industry.
CIC offers many tools and programs designed to support the industry. It facilitates the exchange of information and ideas, and educates the public on the industry’s profound economic impact. CIC provides the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, which is recognized globally as the badge of excellence. It also is spearheading the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative to develop accepted industry practices.
“The Board of Directors is very pleased with the level of support that SmithBucklin will bring to CIC, and its ability to help our organization both now and as we work to realize our potential in the future,” said Susan Robertson, CAE, CIC Chair. “SmithBucklin’s culture and values are aligned with CIC’s. The staff is extremely well-qualified to support critical areas such as the domestic and global expansion of the CMP credential, APEX standard-setting and major events such as the Hall of Leaders. Further, SmithBucklin’s solid services in the areas of marketing and branding, IT and website development are essential for taking CIC to the next level.”
In her continuing role as CEO, Kotowski will work with the CIC Board of Directors to establish strategic objectives, while being accountable for developing and executing plans that achieve results. The SmithBucklin team will support CIC’s initiatives, including the CMP program, APEX and the Green Meetings Industry Council.
Kotowski has more than 24 years of association experience. She has served CIC for eight years. Previously, she served as staff vice president at the National Association of Home Builders. Kotowski has a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, and she holds two certifications: the CAE and the CMP since 1995.
