The 2018 FICP Annual Conference agenda includes three, memorable new opportunities for attendees to build or strengthen relationships with peers and partners.
Based on past-attendee feedback, the following networking events will be hosted in place of The Network - Live, and will ultimately result in more time for valuable one-on-one interactions throughout the event.
These networking events include:
- A lunch where each table will contain a mix of hospitality partners and meetings professionals
- A CSR activity with mixed teams of hospitality partners and meetings professionals
- A Meeting Zone where hospitality partners and meetings professionals can hold scheduled or impromptu meetings. The mobile app will continue to allow for appointments to be scheduled, but throughout the event instead of the three hours that The Network - Live provided
As always, the conference will continue to include unique evening networking events, meals and breaks where you can hold conversations with colleagues and new connections in a fun environment.
Want to learn more? We've created a series of videos sharing all you need to know about the new networking opportunities. View the three-part series below.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the FICP team at info@ficpnet.com.
Networking Events
The Meeting Zone
New this year, gather in the Meeting Zone, where you can hold pre-scheduled or impromptu meetings at any time throughout the Annual Conference. The mobile app will continue to allow for appointments to be scheduled, but throughout the entire event, instead of the three hours that The Network – Live provided. Utilize the new matchmaking feature in the app to help you decide who to meet with based on shared professional interests. Please note: the Meeting Zone will be closed during General Sessions, Monday's Networking Lunch and the CSR Activity.
First Connection
Sunday, November 4 | 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
First Connection offers new FICP attendees (those who have attended FICP events for the past 1-2 years) the chance to network and connect at the start of the Annual Conference. Meetings professional and hospitality partner events will be held separately.
Evening Event at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, Palazzo Ballroom
Sunday, November 4 | 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Kick off your Annual Conference experience and cultivate relationships both old and new during Sunday evening’s event at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando. Enjoy the stunning Palazzo Ballroom as you catch up with peers and colleagues on night one of the Annual Conference.
Attire: Business casual. This event will take place outside, on grass. Flat shoes are recommended.
Networking Lunch
Monday, November 5 | 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Each table will have designated seats for meetings professionals and hospitality partners. Use this opportunity to get to know fellow attendees and form new connections!
CSR Activity
Monday, November 5 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
New this year, attendees will participate in a CSR activity that will benefit Orlando-based charities. Randomly assigned teams of meetings professionals and hospitality partners will compete in a variety of activities to win toys and prizes that will be donated to the local community. This unique session is sure to bring attendees closer together while supporting three worthy causes: United Against Poverty, Orlando Health – Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida.
Evening Event at Universal Studios Florida™
Monday, November 5 | 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Prepare to push the limits of your imagination during an exclusive evening at Universal Studios Florida™. In between thrills, enjoy award-winning cuisine, larger-than life entertainment and connect with fellow attendees during this unique experience.
Dinner will be served in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™, where you can visit some of the wizarding world’s most famous shops and establishments before taking a magical adventure on the multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)
TM & © 2018 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2018 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Attire: Casual (jeans and shorts casual) during the day and at the evening event.
Evening Event at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, Mediterranean Ballroom
Tuesday, November 6 | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Marriott International
Experience an intimate night of luxury at an eccentric friend’s house with 800 of your closest colleagues. Immerse yourself in interactive activities, dancing, craft libations and culinary delights that stir the senses. Discover three unique environments designed to awaken your creative spirit, each themed to a different area of an elaborate mansion: inside the home, the patio and the yard. Welcome to a night where extravagance is all about perception.
Attire: Business casual during the day and Upscale Casual during the evening event.
- Suggestions for ladies: dresses or skirts; capris or pants; blouses or sweaters.
- Suggestions for men: dress or khaki long pants; long or short sleeve collar shirts.