Article

< Back to all Articles

September 2021 NewsNet
Thursday, September 23, 2021

Did You Know?

Did you know that today, September 23, is International Day of Sign Languages? According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are roughly 72 million deaf people around the world. Sure, it’s important to consider the volume of the speakers on the main stage but what about those who are attending in silence? As a meetings and events professional, today is a great reminder to consider those hard of hearing when it comes to planning your next event. Here’s a SmartMeetings article that provides some great insight and information as to why American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters provide important service at meetings.

Have a success story or best practice? Let's chat about it on TheNetwork. 

5 Things to Know in September

1. Did you know TheNetwork has a member directory with advanced search capabilities? Watch this video to learn how to search for a member or hospitality partner. 
2. Your colleagues are discussing collecting vaccinations records over on TheNetwork. Join them!
3. The deadline to save on 2021 Annual Conference registration is quickly approaching! Register by October 9 for best savings. 
4. Professional meetings and events? They’re SAFER than your average trip to the grocery store—and they’re happening NOW. Explore the data provided by U.S. Travel Association's Let's Meet There campaign. 
5. US travel ban will be dropped for vaccinated international travelers starting in early November. Read this article from USA Today, US to drop ban for vaccinated international travelers starting in early November, to learn more. 

2021 Silent Auction: Submit a Donation Before Bidding Opens

The 2021 FICP Silent Auction will benefit the Phoenix Rescue Mission, a place of hope, healing and new beginnings for men, women and children in the Phoenix community struggling with homelessness, addiction and trauma. Help contribute to the success of the auction by making a donation before bidding opens on September 29. Submit your item donations online today. 

Meet Face to Face With Industry Leaders at the 2021 Annual Conference

Look forward to the power and energizing effect of exchanging ideas and learning from one another in person at the 2021 FICP Annual Conference, taking place November 14-17 in Phoenix, Arizona. View this year's breakout sessions, where industry leaders will be sharing their vast knowledge and experiences on various topics such as strategic planning, adjusting to a post-2020 landscape, technology trends and so much more. Register by October 9 for the best rates!

Health and Safety Update for the 2021 Annual Conference

Earlier this month, FICP announced updated health and safety requirements for the 2021 FICP Annual Conference. In case you missed it, hear from FICP Past Chair Michael Burke, CMP in the video below to find out what this means for attendees, sponsors and staff. You can also read more on our Health and Safety page. 

Join Us in Chicago for the FICP Strategic Leaders Event

FICP is excited to welcome back strategic meetings professionals to Chicago from December 6-7. Apply now to secure your spot at our industry's top leadership event. Registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Don't Miss This Month's FICP Anytime Webinar! 

Our next FICP Anytime webinar, "How Is Sustainability Influencing Face-to-Face Meetings and Program Design?" takes place Wednesday, September 29 at 1:00 p.m. CDT. As the industry emerges from the pandemic, sustainability within live events is becoming a hot topic and a top priority with meeting professionals. As we look at the future of in-person meetings, site visits and more, how will this change the way we do business? Panelists will discuss:

• How are venues adapting to this trend?
• Will it become a mandate?
• Will planners look at destination selection through a new lens with a focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable events?
• How can a venue or DMO ensure they are staying abreast of this emerging trend?
• How can sustainability be financially feasible for both planners and suppliers?

After covering these questions, the panelists will have an open Q&A. Be sure to join to get your questions answered! Register to attend on TheNetwork. 

This webinar is sponsored by Destination Canada

Save the Date for FICP's Webinar With Smart Meetings

Join FICP leaders, Jennifer Squeglia, CMP, Mike Burke, CMP, and Steve Bova, CAE, for an FICP webinar hosted in collaboration with Smart Meetings on October 14 at 1:00 p.m. CDT. This webinar, "Adapt and Execute – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Planning a Major Industry Event," will provide an insider’s view of challenges being solved in real time as well as planning strategies for our very own 2021 FICP Annual Conference. Save the date – additional registration information to come. 

Congratulations to This New CMP

FICP would like to recognize the following members for recently earning the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Events Industry Council (EIC). The CMP program was launched in 1985 to enhance the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals, promote the status and credibility of the meeting profession and advance uniform standards of practice. These individuals join nearly one-third of FICP members who have achieved this designation. Congratulations!

• Christy S. Houvouras, CMP, Colonial Life

Learn more about the CMP and FICP’s Preferred Provider status.

Strategic Partner Profiles

 

Sterena Strickland, Director, National Accounts, ACCESS Destination Services

"This is a relationship business and now more than ever, relationships matter. FICP has provided continued support, education, networking and most importantly a sense of community where we can all share ideas and support each other during these critical times. We are better together and with collaboration and innovation, we will all be stronger, thank you FICP!"

---

Kevin J. Regan, MBA, CIS, Associate Vice President, Global Charters and Incentives, Azamara

"The value of an FICP strategic partnership starts with bringing your brand to the forefront for so many Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals’ consideration. The strategic partnership begins a conversation that builds a relationship with so many over the years of engagement with FICP. Participating is a must in this association!"

---

Marian Gardiner, Director of Group Sales Insurance Market, USA, Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts & Live Aqua Hotels & Resorts

“As a FICP Strategic Partner for the past 12+ years, Fiesta Americana/Live Aqua Hotels & Resorts has been able to continue brand recognition, ongoing promotions/PR on the website, the ability to attend vital educational conferences, interaction with the esteemed board members, and of course the ability to engage with essential meeting planners and hospitality partners.   
 
Now, more than ever, our FICP Strategic Partnership has allowed us and prepared us to move forward/move on from the pandemic and revive our industry as a whole. The future is bright for all FICP Strategic Partners! "

The Time Has Come To Meet Again: 

 

FICP Welcomes New and Returning Members and Partners

Meetings Professionals:

Amy Cascone, SCOR
Kim Grissom, CMP, First Citizens Bank
Brian Jones, American Family Insurance
Meredith Martin, CMP, Allstate Insurance Company
Natasha Mytnowych, Sun Life
Nicki Schaper, Federated Insurance
Shanee Silver, RBC
Cristin Stasiuk, CMP, TD Securities
Sandra Tsuruda, Aflac

Hospitality Partners:

Noelia Benue, Faus DMC
Mark Beroza, Omni Amelia Island Resort
Craig Caron, 360 Destination Group
Diane Cash, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Rachel Clark, Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour
Patrick Colomer, Van Wagner Productions
Chelsea Crowe, Van Wagner Productions
Erin Dunn, Wolfgang Production Agency
Sara Ellerbroek, JW Marriott Charlotte
Ilene Gaines, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Aisha Ghafoor, The Woodlands Resort
Lynn Kasten, 1 Hotel South Beach
Debbie Kazel, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Megan Marshall, Visit South Walton
Karyn Menicci, Orlando World Center Marriott
Michael Morris, Fairmont Century Plaza
Brittany Ostrander, The Newbury Boston
Cristina Paris, Park Hyatt New York
Suzanne Pfeifer, Wolfgang Production Agency
Kim Schneller, Hyatt Regency Frisco - Dallas
Rachel Sferra, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Colby Shoop, A Seattle Collection (Hyatt Regency Seattle, Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt Olive 8)
Sachiko Soong, Four Seasons Resorts Lana'i
Jerry Spencer, Bartha
Jimmy Stanton, La Quinta Resort & Club
Fabian Tejeda, Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Sonya Thayer, CMP, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Nicole Thompson, Park Hyatt Chicago
Kelly Vassallo, Four Seasons Resort Nevis & Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Dan Vignola, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Nicole Xie, Omni Dallas Hotel

2021 FICP Strategic Partners