Chain Definition

A chain is defined as a group of hotels that are owned or managed under a single business arrangement, having its own president, headquarters, marketing agreements, sales agreements and internal operating systems. A chain can have multiple brands under a single management agreement. A brand is not considered a chain if it is managed under the umbrella of the parent chain or shares any of the services as outlined above.

FICP Chain Process

Any company seeking FICP Chain Status must submit an official written petition to the HPC requesting FICP Chain Status. This petition will be reviewed by the HPC and, if all qualifications are met, submitted to the FICP Board of Directors for final approval. Chain designations will be reviewed annually. If a company has been granted FICP Chain Status previously, such status will be maintained until December 31, 2008. Beginning in 2009, such companies will fall under the same rules and regulations as other companies and Chain Status will be reviewed annually.

FICP Chain Criteria

A chain must meet both of the criteria listed below to be considered for FICP Chain Status:

1. minimum of 35 hotels in Continental North America*
   OR a minimum of 100 hotels worldwide
   
2. 75% of properties are viable conference destinations

* North America is defined as Canada, United States, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda
** Note: Third-party hotel, DMC representations groups, etc. cannot be considered a chain
*** Note: A chain must maintain FICP affiliation for a consistent period of time. All fees must remain paid in full. A lapse or non-renewal of HP affiliation will automatically rescind Chain Status.

2008 FICP Chain Acknowledgement

The chain acknowledgment formula was changed as follows:

FICP Chain Annual Conference Automatic Registration Formula

WITHOUT SPONSORSHIP

35 - 49 Hotels = 1 guaranteed registration (fee applicable) at the FICP Annual Conference
50 - 199 Hotels = 2 guaranteed registrations (fee applicable) at the FICP Annual Conference
200 + Hotels = 3 guaranteed registrations (fee applicable) at the FICP Annual Conference

WITH SPONSORSHIP

35 - 49 Hotels = 1 guaranteed registration (fee applicable) at the FICP Annual Conference
50 - 199 Hotels = 3 guaranteed registrations (fee applicable) at the FICP Annual Conference
200 + Hotels = 5 guaranteed registrations (fee applicable) at the FICP Annual Conference

FICP Chain Applications

Chain applications are currently available for 2008. Companies that have not already been granted such status may apply to be recognized as an FICP Designated Chain at this time. Please click here to download an application. 

Current FICP Designated Chains

Barceló Hotels & Resorts Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Fiesta Americana / Posadas USA Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels Corporations Hyatt Corporation InterContinental Hotels Group

Marriott International Inc. Millennium Hotels & Resorts Omni Hotels The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Wyndham Hotels & Resorts