The following supplier categories constitute FICP Hospitality Partner criteria.

Hotel Sales

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing an individual hotel property or hotel company, either domestic or international.  This includes conference centers with sleeping accommodations.  Conference centers without sleeping accommodations and convention centers are not eligible to apply.

Hotel Sales - FICP Designated Chain

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing a single property under an FICP Designated Chain.  The national/global sales representative for each hotel chain will manage registrations and participation for all FICP events.  For more information about FICP Designated chains see below.

Destination Management Company

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing a locally based, professional services organization, whose core competency includes extensive destination knowledge, industry expertise and community resources.  This organization specializes in the research, design, management and implementation of creative events, activities, tours and transportation.  The DMC must have an office (or offices) located in the destination(s) in which they operate, have their own employees in those offices and not outsource any DMC services to another primary DMC.   If the DMC offers meeting/event planning services, it is imperative that they not market those services to FICP members; doing so would be in violation of the FICP Code of Ethics.

Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tourist Authority or Tourism Office

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing a specific meeting or incentive destination.

Airline, Cruise Line or Rail Train  

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing one the above.

Broker

Those applying must be a full-time employee of a corporation that represents a specific group of hotels, DMCs or Cruise Lines.

Audio Visual and/or Production Company

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing the above.

Speaker Bureau  

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing the interests of multiple speakers.  Individual speakers are not eligible to apply.  

Entertainment Company

Those applying must be a full-time employee representing the interests of multiple entertainers. Individual entertainers are not eligible to apply.  

NEW FOR 2012 - Technology Company

Those applying must be a full-time employee of a company that provides technology services that enhance meetings.  This includes registration companies, research firms, and web/social media providers.

Other

Companies that are closely aligned with the financial services and insurance industry and do not conflict with the interests of the members.  Excluded from eligibility are companies that sell Giftwares and companies that are described as third-party planning companies or incentive houses.

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 HPAC requesting FICP Chain Status. This petition will be reviewed by the HPAC and, if all qualifications are met, submitted to the FICP Board of Directors for final approval. Chain designations are 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.

FICP Chain Acknowledgement

The chain acknowledgment formula is as follows:

FICP Chain Annual Conference Automatic Registration Formula

NEW!: As a Chain Hospitality Partner, you must be a minimum gold sponsor ($25,000 or higher) to attend the FICP Annual Conference. For the number of registrations included in the sponsorship packages, as well as the additional spots you receive for being a chain, please review the chain acknowledgment formula below:

35 - 49 Hotels = 1 guaranteed registration at $1,350 each
50 - 199 Hotels = 3 guaranteed registrations at $1,350 each
200 + Hotels = 5 guaranteed registrations at $1,350 each

FICP Chain Applications

Chain applications are currently available. 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

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels Corporations Hyatt Corporation

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

FICP Hospitality Partners receive the following benefits:

• A printed copy of the FICP Directory including all planner members' and hospitality partners' contact information
• Your company's profile listed on the FICP Web site including information about your company's products, services and contact information
• The ability to go online and directly access the FICP planner members' profiles that provide company meeting profiles for current and future years
• FICP's monthly electronic newsletter, NewsNet
• Updates from FICP regarding all events and opportunities
• A discounted subscription to Corporate Meetings & Incentives magazine. (Log in to view process for obtaining subscription on this page)

DOUBLE DIAMOND

EMERALD 

RUBY

AlliedPRA
Global Events Partners/Krisam Group
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Island Partners Hawai'i
JPdL Destination Management - Canada
Kuoni Destination Management
LAN Airlines
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Live Aqua Cancun, Fiesta Americana Hotels and Resorts
MeetingMetrics
Ovation Global DMC
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau

Interested in becoming an FICP Strategic Partner? Contact us.