New this year, we introduced Sponsor Perspectives – an opportunity to hear from FICP sponsors as they took the stage to share their perspectives on a relevant and timely topics impacting meetings and events today. These brief panel discussions took place during the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday General Sessions.
Sunday, November 12
Navigating Service Standards and Expectations
The delivery of an unforgettable experience starts with knowing stakeholder expectations and aligning with partners to meet and exceed those expectations - as meetings professionals and hospitality partners. We heard from three FICP sponsors as they shared their perspectives on the best ways to approach service expectations during each phase of the planning process and what hospitality partners are doing to maintain service quality amid various disruptors.
Speakers:

Moderated by:
Katherine LaMacchia
Director, Corporate Events Manager, Baird

Brian Kramer
General Manager, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
Representing Sponsor:


Yola Marshall
Vice President America Sales, InterContinental Hotel Groups (IHG)
Representing Sponsor:


Jenny Stitz
Account Director, Worldwide Sales, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Representing Sponsor:

Monday, November 13
A Strategic and Collaborative Approach to DEI
Do you have a strategy in place to help your attendees feel a sense of belonging? Knowing what initiatives to focus on can be challenging. We heard from two FICP sponsors as they shared their perspectives on DEI initiatives, what their companies are doing to make an impact in the DEI space and how they are supporting their clients’ DEI initiatives.
Speakers:

Moderated by:
Katherine LaMacchia
Director, Corporate Events Manager, Baird

Karen Carini, CITP
Director of Sales, Meetings & Conventions, Business Events Montréal
Representing Sponsor:


Kathy Mouw
Vice President, Global Sales, U.S. & Canada, Marriott International
Representing Sponsor:

Tuesday, November 14
Building Success Through Collaboration
Have you relied on a strong partnership when faced with a challenge? How have you and your partners shown flexibility and transparency to overcome challenges and bring solutions to life? We heard from three FICP sponsors as they share their perspectives on how they balance needs, strive to achieve a collaborative event-planning process and help ensure the end results meet and exceed attendee expectations.
Speakers:

Moderated by:
Katherine LaMacchia
Director, Corporate Events Manager, Baird

Jason Cohen
Executive Director, Global Corporate M&E Sales, Accor
Representing Sponsor:


Cathy Diem
Director of Insurance Sales, Hilton Worldwide
Representing Sponsor:


Joe Schmelz
President, Wolfgang Production Agency
Representing Sponsor:
