The Convention Liaison Council was founded in 1949 by four organizations to facilitate the exchange of information within the meetings, conventions, and exhibitions industry. Now the Convention Industry Council, the organization has grown to include 33 member organizations.
CIC's members represent more than 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. CIC offers many tools and programs designed to support the industry and meet its challenges; facilitate the exchange of information and ideas; and educate the public on its profound economic impact. Some of the ways the CIC achieves these goals are by:
The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) industry certification program
Spearheading the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative to develop accepted practices for the industry
Recognizing pioneers of the industry through the Hall of Leaders program
Publishing industry reference materials