Did You Know?
The summer solstice marks the official start of summer. Have you ever wondered how other cultures around the world celebrate the longest day of the year? These traditions may surprise you. In the UK, people gather on the grounds of the Neolithic structures at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise. In Chichén Itzá, Mexico, thousands of spectators celebrate the solstice near the city's central pyramid of El Castillo, where the pyramid appears to be split in two under the sun's rays. Austria celebrates with bonfires in the mountainous region of Tyrolean. In ancient China, feminine "yin" forces and the earth were worshipped; women gifted one another with colorful fans and perfumed sachets. Learn more about these traditions here and find more fun facts about the solstice here.
5 Things to Know in June
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Check out this interactive calendar for an overview of upcoming events.
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The June digital edition of MeetingsNet is now available.
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Did you catch the 2017 Annual Report?
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Watch your mailbox for the 2018 FICP Directory.
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From Social: Five Principles for Managing the End-to-End Customer Experience. Read the full article here.
2017 - The Year of Advancement
2017 was an eventful year for FICP. We ended the year with a new name that better reflects who we are and aspire to be, innovative new educational resources, a new website on which to deliver them, and promising new industry partnerships intended to increase our influence, both collectively and as individuals. Read more in the 2017 Annual Report.
Join the 2018 Silent Auction Subcommittee
Last year, FICP raised over $69,000 for Junior Achievement and Global Giving through the Silent Auction. Are you interested in contributing to the success of the Auction and helping drive donations and bids? Sign up to be a volunteer! The Silent Auction Subcommittee is looking for additional volunteers to join their team from July through November. Complete the Call for Volunteers form today and the Subcommittee will reach out with more information.
Connect with Strategic Leaders
Hospitality partners are invited to attend FICP’s newest event – the 2018 FICP Strategic Leaders Event. Partner with FICP to build relationships with influential strategic leaders during the Cocktails and Curling networking event on December 3 in Chicago. Sponsorship sales open Thursday, July 12 at 11:00 a.m. CT. Learn more.
Experience Toronto Luxury
Be among the first to explore the brand new Hotel X Toronto when you attend the 2018 FICP Canadian Seminar August 16. Situated on the iconic Exhibition Place grounds overlooking both the Lake Ontario waterfront and Toronto skyline, Hotel X Toronto is the only urban resort complex in Toronto. Canadian meetings professionals are invited to join us for a full day of education focused on trends and challenges unique to the Canadian meetings and events industry. Register now!
Hospitality Partner Opportunity - 2019
We’ve started planning the 2019 FICP Annual Conference in Austin, Texas! If you're interested in hosting an evening event, please contact FICP’s Director of Events, Ellie Hurley by June 29, 2018.
Strategic Partner Profiles
Cindy Hoddeson, Director, North America, Monaco Government Tourist Office
"Strategic partnership is a way for the Monaco Government Tourist Office to show its commitment to the insurance and financial sectors. For over 30 years MGTO has been a part of this sharing, professional community from whom we have learned much which has helped us to reinvent and modify our offering and to create the most impactful experiences and memories."
Monaco’s slogan of the year is “Green is the New Glam,” although the Principality has been at the forefront of implementing measures to protect our fragile environment for years. The aim of the new campaign is to show that Monaco is a sustainable luxury destination.
Leona Balthazar, Vice President of Sales, Island Partners Hawai‘i
"Being an FICP Strategic Partner generates an incredible ROI, well beyond dollars. The ongoing benefits and recognition, from the front-page listing on the FICP website, to the confirmed spots in both the Annual and the Educational, through the FICP Leadership’s constant reinforcement of Strategic Partners’ value to its members, leverage your effort and investment. Connections made at every FICP event are powerful! Every FICP event (Annual Conference, Education Forum, Symposia) I’ve attended has afforded me the opportunity to meet new planners, strengthen existing relationships and friendships, and come away with business leads for the current and future years."
Island Partners Hawai‘i, still “Setting The Standard” with fresh, leading edge, evening event designs, tailor made to your objectives, style and investment. Personalized Creativity…Attention to detail…Culturally sustainable influences…“There are NO limits”! …check out those raku surfboard ‘name plates’
FICP Welcomes New & Returning Members and Hospitality Partners
Meetings Professionals:
- Angela Bader, QBE North America
- Maria Bertho, The Boston Consulting Group
- Jordan Brett, Raymond James Financial, Inc.
- Lori Burton, Impact Partnership
- Monique Cotton, Transamerica Life Insurance Company
- Nicki De Curtis, Prudential
- Pamela Echegaray, The Annuity Store
- Karen Hivry, AIG
- Keiko Hosaka, MetLife
- Natalie Metallo, Wells Fargo
- Kate Middlebrook, RBC Global Asset Management
- Cindy Parker, Credit Union National Association
- Chelsea Seviane, American Contractors Insurance Group
Hospitality Partners:
- Jana Adamvoa, LE Hotels
- Rebecca Bosshard Gruyer, The Burgenstock Selection
- Angela Busby, Visit Beaver Creek
- Vivian Chambers, LE Hotels
- Dawn Croasdale, Hyatt Regency by Mall of America
- Melissa Faber, Radisson Hotel Group
- Denise Jury, Business Events Victoria
- Kelly King, InterContinental Hotels Group
- Jonathan Leonardis, 1 Hotel South Beach
- Sandra Moniz, Meetings + Conventions Calgary
- Parth Mukherjee, Jifflenow
- Josh Novotny, Four Seasons Resort Vail
- Amy Parmley, Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
- Deborah Pillatsch-Chausse, Westin Portland Harborview
- Sharon Purewal, 360 Destination Group
- Darin Roper, 360 Destination Group
- Samantha Say-Szombaty, Hyatt Regency Vancouver
- Jessica Sheppard, Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor
- Patricia Smurro, Discover Newport, Rhode Island
- Melissa Stifano, Auberge Resorts
- Christine Taylor, Tourism Whistler
- Edwin Vega, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
- Bonnie White, Fontainebleau Miami Beach