Hospitality Partner Advisory Council (HPAC)
HPAC Mission Statement
HPAC Eligibility Requirements
HPAC's Responsibilities & Assignments
Roles
Vacancies & Removals
Hospitality Partner Advisory Council (HPAC)
Up to seven people, who are registered FICP Hospitality Partners, sit on this advisory council, 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 HPAC 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.
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HPAC Mission Statement
The HPAC 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 HPAC 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 HPAC is a strategic partner with the FICP Board of Directors in creating and managing the vision and direction for future years.
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HPAC Eligibility Requirements
In order to serve as a council member on the HPAC, the FICP Hospitality Partner must fulfill the following eligibility requirements*:
- Have attended at least three FICP Annual Conferences.
- Have at least 50% of their sales efforts within the insurance and financial services market segments.
- Be able to make the financial commitment to attend all FICP Board meetings and the Annual Conference at their own expense each year. Please note that most Board meetings are in conjunction either with an association event or an industry event.
- Have not served on the HPAC in the previous two years.
- Have sent a letter of interest, in writing, to the current HPAC Chairperson. Acceptance to be a part of the council is subject to approval by the entire HPAC and the FICP Board of Directors.
*If all criteria are not met, an optional interview may be deemed necessary.
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HPAC’s Responsibilities & Assignments
The HPAC consists of a chairperson and six council 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 HPAC 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 HPAC 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 HPAC also coordinates and supports the planning of educational opportunities throughout the year, along with initiatives that are introduced by the Board. Each HPAC member is assigned as a liaison to a FICP committee and provides support accordingly.
The HPAC 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.
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Roles
HPAC Chairperson – The FICP Board appoints an HPAC Chairperson, as recommended by the HPAC. The Chairperson acts as the liaison between the HPAC and the FICP Board. Responsibilities also include communicating with the HP mail list through NewsNet and helping manage the annual percentage of HP registration. The Chairperson oversees the HPAC goals that have been determined for the forthcoming year and coordinates the HPAC roles with the Annual Conference, including the Hospitality Partner and “First-Timers” sessions. The Chairperson prepares a presentation on the HPAC 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 HPAC and working on special projects as assigned.
Design Team Member – The HPAC 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 HPAC 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 council members are selected to collaborate with the Board and/or FICP Headquarters on specific assignments. They may include enhancing the Web site’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 HPAC members’ roles to allow an easy transition of responsibility when those HPAC members’ terms expire.
Seventh HPAC Member – A seventh member of the HPAC 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.
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Vacancies & Removals
If a position becomes vacant, the departing member will be replaced for the remainder of their term. The HPAC will select another registered FICP Hospitality Partner who has expressed interested in serving on the council. The HPAC would need to recommend the replacement candidate to the board for approval.
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/HPAC meetings.
- The member engages in unethical professional conduct.
Please click here to be added to the FICP volunteer database.
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