Hospitality Partners Committee (HPC)

Up to seven people, who are registered FICP Hospitality Partners, sit on this committee, representing both international and domestic chain and independent hotels and resorts, independent contractors and brokers, tourism bureaus, destination management companies, airlines, cruise lines, entertainment companies, and other travel-related services companies. 

It is recommended that the HPC include members from a broad range of these hospitality partner categories so that all FICP Hospitality Partners, offering a variety of different services and working for diverse companies across the globe, can be represented.

HPC Mission Statement

The HPC listens to the needs and concerns of the hospitality partners and provides advice and guidance to the Board of Directors on various issues related to the hospitality industry.  Specifically, the HPC helps manage the HP mail list and provides support for  Annual Conference planning and development as well as with various educational and networking opportunities throughout the year.

The HPC is a strategic partner with the FICP Board of Directors in creating and managing the vision and direction for future years. 

HPC Eligibility Requirements

In order to serve as a committee member on the HPC, the FICP Hospitality Partner must fulfill the following eligibility requirements*:

• Have attended at least three FICP Annual Conferences.
• Have 50% of their sales efforts be within the insurance and financial services market segments.
• Be able to make the financial commitment to attend three (3) FICP Board meetings and the Annual Conference at their own expense each year.  Please note that the three Board meetings are in conjunction either with an association event or an industry event.
• Have not served on the HPC in the previous two years.
• Have sent letter of interest, in writing, to the current HPC Chairperson.  Acceptance to be a part of the committee is subject to approval by the entire HPC and the FICP Board of Directors.

*If all criteria is not met, an optional interview may be deemed necessary.

HPC’s Responsibilities and Assignments

The HPC consists of a chairperson and six committee members, each of whom serve a three-year term and act as a liaison between the hospitality partners and the planner members of FICP.  The role of the HPC includes: continually managing the HP mail list to ensure that the appropriate suppliers remain involved in the association as well as with the Annual Conference and to encourage new hospitality partners to join the association.  In addition, the HPC tackles any issues pertinent to the hospitality industry and which are of significant concern to the HP community.  These issues are brought up to the Board and addressed with the involvement of committees, subcommittees and active participation within the FICP Hospitality Partner community. 

The HPC also coordinates and supports in the planning of educational opportunities throughout the year, along with initiatives that are introduced by the Board.  Each HPC member is assigned as a liaison to a FICP committee and provides support accordingly.

The HPC is prepared to present its mission and goals at various events throughout the year, including the Annual Conference, the Education Forum, and regional chapter meetings.

Role of HPC Chairperson – The FICP Board appoints an HPC Chairperson, as recommended by the HPC. The Chairperson acts as the liaison between the HPC and the FICP Board. Responsibilities also include communicating with the HP mail list through the NewsNet and helping manage the annual percentage of HP registration.  The Chairperson oversees the HPC goals that have been determined for the forthcoming year and coordinates the HPC roles with the Annual Conference, including the Hospitality Parnter and “First-timers”  sessions.  Once a year, the Chairperson prepares a presentation on the HPC mission and goals to be shared throughout the year at various association events. 

Past Chairperson – Responsibilities include serving as an advisor or “counselor” to the HPC and working on special projects as assigned.

Design Team Member – The HPC recommends a member to participate on the Annual Conference Design Team, led by the Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors, to assist in creating a vibrant and exciting conference and to ensure that hospitality partners will have the opportunities for networking. 

Marketplace Representative – The HPC recommends a member to the Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors to work with FICP headquarters in planning and implementing the Marketplace at the Annual Conference.  The Marketplace’s main focus is to provide a forum for one-on-one networking between planners and hospitality partner attendees. 

Special Assignments – Two committee members are selected to collaborate with the Board and/or FICP headquarters on specific assignments. They may include enhancing the website’s effectiveness; increasing membership; increasing planners’ awareness and attendance at the Education Forum and the Annual Conference; enhancing the sponsorship program for the Education Forum and the Annual Conference; and assisting with the coordination of the Silent Auction.

In addition, all members should become familiar with the other HPC members’ roles to allow an easy transition of responsibility when those HPC members’ terms expire.       

Seventh HPC Member  – A seventh member of the HPC is not required to fulfill a specific discipline to qualify.  Their role will be individually determined, year to year, by the Chairperson, according to the members’ unique strengths and/or issues and projects that may need additional focus during that year.

Vacancies & Removals

If a position becomes vacant, the departing member will be replaced for the remainder of their term.  The HPC will select another registered FICP Hospitality Partner who has expressed interested in serving on the committee.

 A member may be asked to resign from their position if the following situations arise:

• The member has a change in job description and no longer focuses on sales directed within the insurance and financial services markets.
• The member has a change in job and works for an organization that does not meet the requirements to attend the FICP Annual Conference and/or that does not meet the eligibility to continue to remain as a FICP Hospitality Partner.
• The member is absent from three consecutive joint Board/HPC meetings.
• The member engages in unethical professional conduct.

Revised 8/30/07