ISES Denver

Blog entry

Colorado’s Latest CSEP, Dawn Abbott of Fun Productions

posted Friday, August 5th, 2011 by Editor

ISES Denver is proud to announce that Dawn Abbott of Fun Productions has been awarded the designation of Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP). The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics. Dawn hopes that other will follow her lead and pursue certification to make Colorado renown for special events expertise. To that end, she agreed to answer some questions about the certification process.

 

What inspired you to become certified?

[Dawn says:] It has been a goal for about the last 5 years. When I got more involved in ISES and learned about the certification from other board members around the world, it seemed like a logical step in my career path. After researching the CSEP and other designation, I found that there were only about 300 CSEP in the world and none in Colorado, so I felt the CSEP would be the most rewarding certification to strive for.

 

Are there particular groups in our industry that you would recommend the CSEP to (Wedding Planners, Hotel Sales Managers, Catering)?

[Dawn says:] Because the CSEP was designed to test all aspects of the industry it truly is a certification for all professionals in all areas of the industry.

 

I've heard the test is difficult. Should I be afraid?

[Dawn says:] The test is challenging, but you shouldn't be afraid. If you are truly a professional with a baseline knowledge of all aspects of the event industry and you prepare you can pass as well.

 

In taking the exam, how much of your knowledge came from experience in the industry and how much from textbook study?

[Dawn says:] The majority of my knowledge and what I felt was tested was form industry experience. I am most knowledgeable and experienced in my discipline of the event industry. I feel most comfortable with teambuilding events, company picnics, amusement rental and entertainment but being in the industry for 25 years allowed me to grasp a basic level of information regarding all aspects of the industry. As we all know, working together and collaborating on events with caterers, design and production professionals, etc. you get the opportunity to learn so much about all of the aspects of event planning. I did review a few books, but my best source for studying was conversations with other professionals and years of work.

 

How many hours did you devote to study?

[Dawn says:] I was involved in a study group that met about 10 times for a couple of hours each. I also spent some time with professionals who graciously helped me prepare for aspects that I was less than 100% confident in like A/V and lighting. I also spent several hours practicing walking through different event scenarios using the CSEP content outline.

 

Which sections of the test were most challenging?

[Dawn says:] The toughest part of the test was the 3 ½ hours written essay portion. I literally used all 3 and a half hours to answer all the questions, it was very a lot of work.

 

Did the test expose you to new areas of industry knowledge that you previously weren't exposed to?

[Dawn says:] Yes, absolutely. In preparing for the test I searched out seminars, break outs, meetings, etc. that were not what I would normally attend just to soak up info. As I mentioned before, I also spent time with professionals in other disciplines. In preparing in this way I feel so much more knowledgeable in the needs of all aspects of any event.

 

Any secret tips for preparing?

[Dawn says:] The most important study guide is the CSEP Content Outline found on the ISES.com/csep website. This is the tool that guided everything I did in terms of researching what I might not know. It is really important that if you are considering the CSEP to take a look at this outline and make sure you understand it entirely.

 

What did you do to celebrate your CSEP certification?

[Dawn says:] OMG! I wish I had actually celebrated. I just got the results in late June and at Fun Productions we are in our busy season, so although I screamed and did a very happy dance - it has been work, work, work ever since. I will celebrate a bit in St. Louis at EventWorld next week; I never knew that there was some special CSEP only events that I now get to be a part of, so I am looking forward to connecting with other CSEPs.

 

Thanks, Dawn! And congratulations!