Andi Minor, CMP
This spring, Andi Minor, special events manager at the Robins School of Business, celebrated her sixth year at University of Richmond by earning the Convention Industry Council (CIC)’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification, the renowned certification for meeting professionals in the events and hospitality industry.
After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology, she moved to Richmond, Va. to work in sales at Richmond Metropolitan Convention Visitors Bureau (RMCVB), now known as Richmond Region Tourism.
“I had my first taste of the hospitality industry there. As the years passed, I was able to pinpoint my passion for planning. I saw a meeting planner position become available at Genworth Financial in 2005 and decided that was the best next step for my career. During my time at the company, I quickly gained a deep understanding of meeting planning and grew more passionate about my work. After a few years, my husband and I started a family, and I realized I wanted to strike a better balance between life and work. When I saw the opportunity to move into event management at the Robins School, I jumped at it.”
Moving into higher education was a departure from the norm for Minor, adding, “I had no idea what to expect once I got here as it was a very different environment to my previous employers. I experienced Dean Bagranoff’s onboarding process soon after my arrival, and this made for a great learning environment as I adjusted to my new role.” Since Minor’s arrival at the University, the Robins School has established a multitude of programs, including the Robins Executive Speaker Series, C-Suite Conversations, the comprehensive Q-camp Process and The Robins Debate.
She described her experience at the Robins School thus far. “In 2009, Queally Hall didn’t yet exist, and we didn’t have our signature programs, so I could foresee how my job was going to change. My work has changed greatly since then, giving me the opportunity to flourish as the school continues to grow.”
Minor explained the decision to pursue the CMP certification. “I first heard of the CMP at RMCVB. I was very early in my career, so I didn’t meet the experience requirements to apply for the test then. I knew I wanted to aspire to it, so I kept the certification in the back of my mind. When I got to the Robins School, I had to learn a completely new side of event planning, and I focused my energy on making our programs the best they could be. Finally last year, I had the opportunity to direct more of my time to professional development, so I decided to apply.”
As a CMP, Minor now has the enhanced experience and credentials to bring ever-larger events to the Robins School. “External groups see the Robins School has a CMP, which lends a level of comfort and confidence that we’re prepared to execute their programs.” In the spring, the Robins School will host the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE) Annual Meeting, the third business education conference to be held at the school in two years.
Minor enjoys staying involved with the industry and University. As a member of the MPI Virginia Chapter, she serves as a mentor to aid future CMPs achieve their aspirations in event planning. She also serves as vice chair on the University Staff Advisory Council, which advocates for University staff needs to senior administration.
Minor concluded, “I love Richmond, and I want to see this city thrive. Through my role at the Robins School, I can do my part in sharing what the University has to offer. The majority of our programs welcome not only those affiliated with the Robins School, but also the entire public community interested in our programs. I’m always happy to see new faces in Ukrop Auditorium.”
Join us for our next event on September 9: C-Suite Conversation with Paul Trible, co-founder and CEO of Ledbury.
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