NETWORKING

Blueprints of Connectivity

The 2024 FICP Education Forum will provide abundant networking opportunities in a balanced, planner-to-supplier environment. Networking events offer attendees a time to connect and form relationships with peers and partners.

Below is a high-level view of the scheduled networking opprotunities that will take place.

Agenda subject to change. All times below are noted in CDT.

Wednesday, June 12

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

First-Time Attendee Meetup (Meetings professional & hospitality partner events for first-time attendees; held separately to start and will combine at the end. This function is by invitation only.)

Solo Travelers Meetup (Traveling without a team? Meet other meetings professionals & hospitality partners who are also attending solo.)

12:45-1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch (Get ready to mix and mingle with fellow event enthusiasts and hospitality partners! Step into the room, grab a number from the bowl and take a seat at the corresponding table.)

3:15-3:45 p.m.

Networking Break

5:45-6:30 p.m.

Rising Professionals Happy Hour

6:30-9:00 p.m.

Evening Event at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

Sponsored by Accor

Thursday, June 13

6:30-7:15 a.m.

Exercise Activity

9:30-10:00 a.m.

Networking Break

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch (open seating)

3:00-4:30 p.m.

FICP Gives Back: LEGO Portrait Teambuilding Event

Brought to you in partnership with DMC Network

6:30-10:00 p.m.

Offsite Evening Event

6:30-8:00 p.m. FICP-exclusive Wendella River Boat Cruise

8:00-10:00 p.m. Reception at River Roast

Brought to you in partnership with ETHOS Event Collective

Friday, June 14

8:00-8:45 a.m.

Breakfast (open seating)

Wednesday Evening Event
Rising Professionals Happy Hour
Exercise Activity
FICP Gives Back
Thursday Evening Event

Wednesday, June 12

Evening Event at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

6:30–9:00 p.m.

Embrace the vibrant pulse of Chicago's fest season, a tapestry of community spirit and cultural celebration that defines the city's essence. Traverse from the historic charm of Hyde Park to the eclectic vibes of Andersonville, savoring just a glimpse of the 77 dynamic neighborhood street festivals that grace this city each year. Begin your journey with Fairmont's enchanting rendition of the Sheffield Garden Walk, then indulge in the delectable flavors of Pilsen or venture into the bustling streets of Chinatown. Each neighborhood beckons with its own culinary treasures, promising an evening of authentic delights that stir the soul.

Sponsored by Accor

Wednesday, June 12

Rising Professionals Happy Hour

5:45–6:30 p.m.

Meetings professionals and hospitality partners with 10 or fewer years of experience are invited to join us for a quick reception on Wednesday, June 12 at 5:45 p.m.

Thursday, June 13

Exercise Activity

6:30-7:15 a.m.

Stay tuned for more details!

Thursday, June 13

FICP Gives Back: LEGO Portrait Teambuilding Event

3:00-4:30 p.m.

Remember all the fun you had growing up making amazing creations with LEGO? Relive the glory days AND give back to the community with our LEGO Superhero Portrait Build! Join us for an afternoon of fun as we turn thousands of LEGO pieces into incredible portraits of everyone's favorite cartoon characters. Finished art pieces will be donated to local Ronald McDonald Houses and Boys and Girls Clubs along with additional bins of loose LEGO, so kids can make their own awesome creations.

Brought to you in partnership with DMC Network

Thursday, June 13

Offsite Evening Event

6:30–10:00 p.m.

Location: Wendella River Boat Cruise to River Roast

Join us for an authentic evening celebrating Chicago’s vibrant spirit as we blend toe-tapping Blues, award-winning culinary delights, and two iconic waterfront venues into one impactful and immersive destination experience. Following a short stroll across the Windy City’s famed Magnificent Mile, we’ll embark on an FICP-exclusive River Cruise discovering the city's rich history and world-renowned architecture. Next, we’ll savor locally sourced summertime noshes at River Roast, building bridges and creating connections amidst the stunning skyline and pulsating energy of downtown Chicago.

Brought to you in partnership with ETHOS Event Collective