CHICAGO, IL, June 27, 2008 - The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has announced that Christine Melendes has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE ™) credential, awarded by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry. Less than five percent of all association professionals have earned the CAE.

"Since joining PCMA, Christine has made great strides to advance the PCMA Member Relations department while also becoming an invaluable asset to the entire organization," said Deborah Sexton, PCMA president and CEO. "Christine's achievement of the CAE credential is just another indication of her persistent hard work and dedication to the association industry."

Melendes accepted the position of Director, Member Relations, at PCMA in April, 2007. Under her leadership, PCMA's total membership has grown by 5%, and the organization's membership retention rate has grown by 4.5%. Melendes and her five-person staff are responsible for attracting, retaining and serving members. She also manages PCMA's 16 chapters in Canada and the U.S., and works with all PCMA departments in sharing information about relevant products and services with members.

To be designated as a Certified Association Executive, an applicant must have a minimum of three years experience in nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 75 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics. To maintain the certification, individuals must undertake ongoing professional development and activities in association and nonprofit management. Approximately 3,400 association professionals currently hold the CAE credential, which was first awarded in 1961. For more information on ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership visit www.asaecenter.org.

To learn more about PCMA, visit www.pcma.org.

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The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is the professional resource and premier educator for the meetings and convention industry. Founded in 1957, PCMA represents the interests of meeting management executives from associations, non-profit organizations, corporations, independent meeting planning companies, and multi-management firms who recognize the importance of meetings to their organization. PCMA empowers members with the tools they need to succeed as meeting professionals and to promote the value of the industry to their organizations and the general public. Headquartered in Chicago, PCMA has 16 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. For additional information, please visit the PCMA Web site at www.pcma.org.