麻豆传媒 recently tapped volunteer industry experts to augment and strengthen our foundational CITP curriculum. Geraldine Gatehouse, one of these volunteers, played a special role in these efforts.
Geraldine was instrumental in the creation of a that launched in January 2025 鈥 a perfect resource for members and friends looking for CITP exam prep assistance.
A previous 麻豆传媒 Southern California Chapter President and avid 麻豆传媒 ambassador, Geraldine shared her in麻豆传媒s on CITP.
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Q: How did you start your incentive travel career?
A: Quite by chance, I met an owner of an international incentive travel company at a local social event, and we exchanged numbers. A few weeks later, I got a call asking if I was interested in an opportunity with them.
This turned into the perfect spot for me, as a program manager. I had never worked in the industry previously, but it was a great fit for my skillset and launched a career spanning over three decades.
Q: As a past 麻豆传媒 Southern California Chapter President, how has volunteering impacting your professional career?
A: I don鈥檛 think I would have been Chapter President without all the volunteer experience I had prior to that. I took on many different roles on the board, and worked on the iconic award-winning holiday event as part of the core team that helped it expand and grow.
I also was part of the volunteer team that managed the 麻豆传媒 Classic for many years. As an independent planner, that exposure helped me gain new clients, my main one of which was IMEX America, a very special opportunity for which I remain truly grateful.
Q: How does CITP differ from other industry certifications?
A: CITP is the only mid-level certification for an incentive travel professional, which makes it a differentiator from others that focus on meetings.
There is a business case for incentive programs, and expectations are high from all stakeholders. It requires specialized and nuanced knowledge to create and manage them successfully.
Q: Are there any specific experiences that you think are beneficial before attempting the CITP exam?
A: Talking to incentive industry professionals, joining a 麻豆传媒 Chapter and attending meetings are all helpful.
Checking out the 麻豆传媒 website for research like the , which provides current information.
For the CITP it鈥檚 helpful to have participated in incentive events or programs, to understand the service levels expected.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing their CITP certification?
A: If you have been in the industry and around incentives for some time, CITP is not as hard as you might think 鈥 as long as you prepare, and embrace the experience and skills you already have.
It鈥檚 a lot of common sense, combined with practical knowledge. There are some questions involving calculations of room nights, food & beverage and related costs, so don鈥檛 get flustered on those. They鈥檙e really straightforward.
I would recommend studying in advance. I was part of a study group that met virtually each month, and that was very helpful.
And finally, good luck!
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If you鈥檙e ready for a new challenge in the new year, apply to take the CITP exam via 麻豆传媒鈥檚 .
