FICP's Financial Stability Testament to Strong Partnerships and Active Members

2010 has proven to be the year of proactive change in our industry. After 18 months of economic blows to both our hospitality industry and our planning community, things seem to be heading in the right direction. Hotels are starting to put solid business on their books for 2011 and 2012 and many are reporting that short-term bookings are on the rise for 2010. Planners are experiencing a return to business as usual, though many are still operating with limited resources and continue to face fierce budget challenges. Considering where we were last year at this time, I am feeling quite confident that we are fully in the recovery stages of the recession.

So how has the recent economic meltdown affected FICP’s financial stability? Very little I am happy to report! Through a highly-effective association management team at SmithBucklin, and sound financial advice provided by our capital management investment advisor, FICP ranks among the top associations when it comes to financial stability. A thorough audit of our financial preparedness will be presented to the board in June, so it is a little premature to publish any numbers, but I am confident you will find security in knowing you belong to an association that has enough financial capital to weather even the toughest economy.

As part of the audit, an Annual Report will be distributed to all association members this summer that will provide not only a clear picture of our financial status, but also highlight the value of FICP membership. Our goal is to offer complete transparency and demonstrate to our members that the organization practices the highest degree of integrity in financial management, policies, procedures and oversight.

As many companies begin the 2011 budgeting process, we hope you remember FICP in planning for next year’s memberships/industry events. FICP provides outstanding continuing educational opportunities via Webinars, regional meetings, the Education Forum and the Annual Conference. Understanding that budgets will continue to be tight, your membership and participation in these events ensures FICP can continue to serve your professional development needs going forward.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hospitality partner community. Their ongoing support through generous financial contributions and the time and energy spent supporting our association is a vital component to our success. I encourage you to support them through your continued business. BUY FICP!

I look forward to seeing many of you this June in St. Louis at the Education Forum. It is always a wonderful time when we come together to support our industry.

Kindest Personal Regards,




Koleen Roach
FICP VP Finance

Association News

FICP Mourns Loss of Founding Member

FICP extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jim Jones, one of the founders of FICP, who passed away on April 2. Jim was also a founder of other major meeting planners’ organizations in the United States, including The Society of Company Meeting Professionals and Meeting Planners International. A brief synopsis of Jim's many accomplishments can be found here.

Expand Your Network with FICP

FICP offers members and hospitality partners access to a network of the top financial and insurance meeting professionals and suppliers representing the best destinations, products and services. Now, we're looking to grow that network, and we need your help! Refer other meeting planners to FICP and you will be entered to win a Waterford platter, valued at $550 USD. For more information, visit the FICP Web site.

'Tis the Season for Surveys

Thank you to those planners who contributed to the recent CIC Economic Impact Study. To complement the broad industry data collected in that survey, FICP is currently conducting a survey to gauge the economic impact of financial and insurance meetings. We are also leveraging this opportunity to gather general feedback to ensure our strategic planning is aligned with member needs. Concurrently, Corporate Meetings & Incentives is performing its annual Compensation Study. All three surveys provide critical data and we appreciate your attention to these efforts.

To participate in the FICP Member Needs/Economic Impact Study, click here. Survey is open to planners only.

Year-round Online Education

Last month's Talk Radio program, Showing the Value of Meeting Planners to C-Level Executives, is now available for download from the FICP Web site. Other past sessions and Webinars are also archived on the Web site for members and hospitality partners to access here. Please note: You must be logged in to view these archives.

Planning your future events? Don't forget to support those who support you!

Event News

Last Days to Save on New Discoveries, Receive Complimentary Registration for Second Planner

Register today to join fellow planners and hospitality partners, June 16-18 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, for the 2010 FICP Education Forum. Planner members can save $40 by registering on or before Monday, May 24. New for 2010, planners who register for both the Education Forum and the Annual Conference will receive either $50 off the cost of Annual Conference registration or a $50 American Express gift card.

New This Year – Register two planners from your organization and receive complimentary registration for the second planner. Use registration code CPLA to redeem offer.

Want to preview the content offered this year? Keynote presenter David Houle offers his predictions on "The Shift Age" in his blog on Oprah's Web site.

Please note: Forum registration is open to current planners, prospective planners who are eligible for membership and invited hospitality partners.

Upcoming Events

Please click here to view our Calendar of Events, which includes industry events, CMP Exams and additional programs.

FICP Welcomes New Members

The following people joined FICP in late April and early May:

Kristin Gibbens, VALIC, Houston, TX
Ali Ginnett, Travelers Insurance, Manchester, CT
Jeanette Stone, American Amicable Life Insurance Co. of Texas, Waco, TX

HPC News

Remember, the HPC is your voice to the association, and your comments or suggestions are always welcome!

Recent Additions to the HP Community:

Lina Cantillo, NYC & Company, New York, NY
Jenna Dustman, Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, UT
Louise Fellstrom, Hyatt Regency Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Lauren Flaccavento, Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, New York, NY
Jami Guttenberg, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton, FL
Amina Hassan, Our Lucaya Golf & Beach Resort, Freeport, Grand Bahama
Sara Justice, Starwood Atlanta Metro Market, Atlanta, GA
Lisa Leonor, W San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Karen McConville, Langham Hotels International, San Clemente, CA
Paul Mears, Hello USA, Orlando, FL
Tammy Oxentenko, Destination Hotels and Resorts/Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, WA
Melissa Patel, The Standard New York by Andre Balazs, New York, NY
Jaclyn Pickavet, Omni Interlocken Resort, Broomfield, CO
Jessica Ravelli, Marriott Harbor Beach, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Michael Shannon, MGM MIRAGE, North Branch, NJ
Christopher Spear, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, QC, Canada
Sterena Strickland, ACCESS Destination Services, San Diego, CA
Sam Toscano, Turning Stone Resort, Verona, NY
Joe Velasquez, Sè San Diego Hotel, San Diego, CA
Veronica Villegas, Amstar DMC Mexico, Cancun, QR, Mexico
Alexandra Zullo, Harbor View Hotel & Kelley House, Edgartown, MA

FICP Brand Positioning Statement

FICP provides high-quality information, education and networking to financial and insurance meeting professionals, increasing their success and strategic value. We maintain a balanced planner to hospitality partner ratio at all times, resulting in a unique business environment.

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