FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Michele Payne, director of special events and continuing legal education in the University of Arkansas School of Law, has earned the Collegiate Conference and Events Professional Certification by the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International.

Erica Spencer, chair of the association's certification program action team presented a plaque to Payne during the Awards Recognition Luncheon at the association's annual conference in Pittsburgh on March 25, 2019.

The Collegiate Conference and Events Professional certification program was established in 1991 to provide professionals who work in collegiate conference and event management a certification program that encourages expanded knowledge through individual inquiry, participation in the profession and the association. 

Successful candidates demonstrate that they have the desire, determination and ability to be among the very best in collegiate based conference and events management profession. They are required to present evidence of substantial professional experience, exhibit volunteer service to the profession and complete a lengthy research-based examination. Payne was one of seven members to earn certification this year.

"I completed my professional certification because I knew it would make me a more efficient and thorough planner and allow me to better serve the University of Arkansas and School of Law," Payne said.  "I am honored to receive this recognition from my peers and look forward to using the knowledge I've gained through this process to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and proficiency."

As the association's official designation of professional knowledge and maturity, this certification identifies professional standards for collegiate conference and events management, conveys recognition of education and achievement among professional peers, improves opportunities for better positions and higher wages, increases professional credibility and respect, further inspires a high standard of professional conduct and performance and instills client confidence.

Payne has been in the conference and events profession for 13 years and in her current position for six. She has been a member of Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International since 2010. 

The Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International was founded in 1980 and currently has a membership of more than 1,200 professionals at educational institutions in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. It is the largest independent educational association dedicated to professional growth and development in the conference and events profession.