How much does the portfolio registration cost?
The fee for portfolio registration is $245.
How long do I have to complete my portfolio?
You have one year from the date that you register without having to repay your registration fee. If you fail to complete your portfolio within one year, you will have to re-register and repay the fee. Depending upon how much time has
lapsed, you may need to be assigned to a different advisor also.
When should I register for my portfolio?
Register when you have completed all of your sessions necessary for certification.
Do I have to pass my exam before I can register for my portfolio?
No. You must have your sessions taken prior to registering; however, after completing your sessions, you may either study for your exam or work on your portfolio, whichever best fits your schedule.
Is it required to take the 7010 portfolio class?
No, it is not required. It is highly recommended though because it gets you off to a great start. The class covers everything that should be included in each section of your portfolio. It greatly raises the likelihood of having your portfolio accepted on its first submission.
When is the best time to take the 7010 portfolio class?
Many candidates like to take it after they have attended their first conference because it helps them know what type of information to be collecting in folders for each portfolio section. Others like to take it right before they are ready to start writing their portfolio so that all requirements are fresh in their minds as they begin developing their document. This is really up to each individual.
Our company does not measure our trade show participation. How will I be able to complete the measurements and results sections?
Having measurable goals/objectives, tracking them and reporting results is critical to a CTSM portfolio. Even if this is not required by your company, you must determine some components of your trade show and/or event program that you could measure and begin doing so on your own.
I don't have responsibility for the marketing communications at our company. How will I be able to complete the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) section of the portfolio?
Be sure to connect with the individuals at your company who are responsible for IMC. Let them know what you are doing, how it is important to tie their responsibilities to yours, and ask them if they will share their goals/objectives, strategies, tactics, and results with you so that a well-unified program can be presented.
Does the portfolio have to be written about my management of only one show, or can I refer to several shows or my annual schedule?
The preferable way is to focus on only one show or event, and candidates find that this is the easiest way to demonstrate a well-managed program. However, in some instances this doesn't always work well for an individual. If you feel you need to vary from the one show focus, be sure to discuss your situation with your advisor and/or the CTSM executive advisor.
I am on the supplier side of the industry and I don't manage trade shows or events like a corporate trade show manager does. How will I be able to meet the current requirements and complete my portfolio?
If you are not responsible for the management of your own company's presence at an industry event, then partner with one of your clients with whom you have an excellent relationship. Ask if you can use your partnership as a case study in a portfolio you are writing for certification in trade show and/or event marketing.
How long should the portfolio be?
The average length of portfolios is 25-45 pages for the document itself, with additional pages added as appendices if individuals wish to add supporting documents. However, the real issue is not length, but rather have you included all of the required details necessary to meet the criteria as concisely as possible.
