Content Focused on and for Senior-Level Professionals

The 2025 Strategic Leaders Event was an immersive, peer-driven experience where ideas sparked, conversations flowed and every discussion adapted to attendees. This wasn't a typical conference — it was a collaborative space where the attendees shaped the dialogue.

The event's education will allowed attendees to connect with leaders from similar-sized teams to share strategies that inspire, motivate and coach teams to thrive. Topics of discussion that matter most to attendees were chosen allowing all to leave with fresh perspectives, real-world solutions and practical takeaways that could be applied right away.

The 2025 FICP Strategic Leaders Event discussion topics were influenced by fellow strategic leaders, ensuring a practical and interactive learning experience.

Attendees had the opportunity to earn a maximum of 7.25 CMP-eligible hours at the 2025 FICP Strategic Leaders Event. For those who attended, approved CMP sessions are noted in the session receipt, and you may upload this receipt as supporting documentation in your EIC account.

Strategic Leaders Event Program

All times were in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

1:00-1:45 p.m.

Welcome Remarks: Benchmarking Strategic Leaders’ Top Priorities  

 

After brief housekeeping announcements, participants will connect with peers to share and benchmark strategic priorities for the year ahead. Together, they’ll uncover the biggest opportunities to drive their companies forward — and identify the peers who can support them on the journey.

1:45-3:15 p.m.

Future-Ready Leadership: The Data-Driven Transformation of Event Leaders and Event Execution

 
Nicola Kastner, CEO, Event Leaders Exchange (ELX)


In a constantly evolving global event landscape, being a “future-ready” leader can feel daunting — and you aren’t alone. In this session, strategic leaders will explore key insights from the Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) Future-Ready Leadership whitepaper, reflect on the five challenges facing senior event professionals and engage in meaningful dialogue around what matters most in the F&I industry. Leaders will leave with actionable strategies, data-driven tools and a mindset for continuous adaptation — ready to lead with impact and clearly demonstrate their strategic value

3:15-3:30 p.m.
Break
3:30-4:45 p.m.

Navigating the Implications of Technology, Geopolitics and Duty of Care

 
Strategic leaders are often challenged to deliver results amid external forces beyond their control. In this exercise, participants will select a discussion table focused on one key topic — technology, geopolitical dynamics or duty of care — to explore how it’s shaping event strategy, planning and the attendee experience. The session will conclude with a full-group reflection, exchanging key takeaways and how to prepare accordingly.
4:45-5:00 p.m.
Break
5:00-6:00 p.m.

Crowdsourcing Solutions to Timely Challenges

 
Balancing rising costs and stakeholder expectations while delivering a high-quality experience is a notable challenge for event professionals. To conclude this impactful day, participants will vote for what topics they want to discuss to surface innovative, resource-savvy solutions to help create meaningful events and moments of unreasonable hospitality.

 

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

8:30-9:45 a.m.

Attracting, Retaining and Growing Talent

 
Gather with peers overseeing similar-sized teams to exchange strategies for finding talent, enhancing role clarity and boosting team satisfaction. Discussion topics will span from educating one’s team about the business and managing workloads to driving engagement and leveraging stretch assignments to retain top talent. The full group will debrief on effective resource management to support growth while mitigating burnout.
9:45-10:00 a.m.
Break
10:00-11:00 a.m.

Operational Strategy and Change Management: Adapting Team Models for Business Agility

 
Explore how evolving business priorities are driving shifts in team models and operational strategy. Participants will select a table topic — mergers and acquisitions, contract workforce dynamics or roles impacted by AI — to examine how organizations and leaders manage change and maintain agility. Groups will share approaches to navigating disruption and aligning event teams with strategic goals.
11:00-11:45 a.m.

Parking Lot and Conclusion — What’s Still on Your Mind?

 
The Strategic Leaders Event will conclude with space for participants to share final reflections, surface unresolved challenges and revisit key themes from earlier discussions. This wrap-up offers an opportunity to connect insights across sessions and strengthen your leadership toolkit. Leave equipped to guide both strategic initiatives and the people who bring them to life.