FICP is frequently asked if an independent planner can become a member. An independent meeting planner is eligible for membership in FICP if he/she works for him/herself and is under contract with an eligible financial/insurance company.
In order to complete the membership application process, an independent planner needs to obtain a letter from the financial/insurance company documenting that the planner is under contract for that company and is authorized to be a member of FICP on behalf of that company. In this capacity, the independent planner is actually representing the financial/insurance company and not their own interests. Independent Contractors may only represent their registered financial/insurance company while attending any association events or when in contact with fellow FICP members. At no time may the individual attempt to recruit new clients through FICP nor can he/she promote his/her own business.
Please e-mail letters to FICP Headquarters at membership@ficpnet.com or fax them to (312) 673-6920 prior to renewing your membership under your planner profile. Letters must be received within 30 days of the renewal. Independent contractors who do not provide a letter to validate their eligibility to be a member of FICP will forfeit their membership, and dues payments will be refunded.
For example, if Bob Smith of Bob Smith Events is representing Financial/Insurance Company X as a planner in FICP, he will be listed on all attendance lists, Web sites and directories as Bob Smith, Independent Contractor, Financial/Insurance Company X.
Meeting planners who work for third party planning companies are ineligible to become members or hospitality partners. An independent planner who employs more than one individual is considered a third party meeting planning company and is not eligible for membership. There is a fine line between independent and third party planners; FICP's goal is to be as flexible and fair as possible while maintaining the integrity and standards of membership.