More than 600 attendees benefited from the FICP 2008 Annual Conference. Meeting planners and hospitality partners found every chance to network with their peers. President Patricia Kerr, CMP, set the tone for the conference at Monday’s opening session.
“All of us need to take advantage of the opportunity we have right now to discuss the challenges we are facing and find creative solutions and ideas,” Kerr said. “I am certainly looking forward to what I am sure will be some fantastic ‘out of the box thinking’ that will take place over the next several days.
“Now is the time to be more creative. Now is the time to be strong and positive. Now is the time to share even more tips and techniques with one another,” she continued. “Times are tough, but I guarantee you will take away concrete, actionable ideas that will enable you to assist your organizations in getting through the days and weeks that lie ahead.”
The conference featured 35 speakers in general and breakout session. Monday’s Marketplace allowed planners to visit tables of some 340 hospitality partners and have lunch. The new format received favorable reviews. Tuesday’s interactive session encouraged attendees to voice their opinions on the state of the industry. The evening events provided additional networking time and showcased the venues of four sponsors: JW Marriott Cancun, Gran Melia Cancun, Hilton Cancun and the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach.
On closing day, newly elected President Cindy Wheaton, CMP, echoed the call to action made by Kerr on the first day.
“It is clear that each of us has to work smarter – we have to work more creatively, be more productive, and we must continue to bring real value to our companies,” Wheaton stated. “This is where FICP steps in with education and resources, as well as connections to the best and the brightest in the industry – both on the planner and the hospitality partner side. We all need to leverage these opportunities on a daily basis.”
Mark your calendar now for the 2009 FICP Annual Conference, November 15-19, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The conference theme is Northern Exposure…Unlimited Opportunities.
Click here to view the 2008 Final Program.
Click here for more information on the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort.