The FICP Board of Directors is monitoring the global situation with COVID-19, the Coronavirus; a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Together with Meetings Mean Business, a coalition which serves to unite the meetings industry with one strong and powerful voice, FICP is working with industry leaders to understand the threat this worldwide health crisis poses to face-to-face business and the ripple effects that will be felt throughout the economy.
As the rapid spread of misinformation and panic grows, uncertainty and fear trickles into our daily decision making. Always focused on strengthening our members and amplifying your positive impact on your organizations as well as the meetings and events industry, the FICP Board of Directors, in partnership with industry leaders, is focused on arming you with valuable resources and the latest developments on the Coronavirus crisis to help you navigate the effects on your business.
I recommend accessing the Meetings Mean Business Coronavirus resources for your professional communications about the impact of the crisis, including a template holding statement for meeting organizers and a template letter to the editor. Please see below for more resources about Coronavirus.
As of March 9, 2020, the coronavirus risk remains low for most Americans, there are no federal restrictions in place to prevent meetings and travel in the U.S. and Canada, and FICP encourages participation in meetings and events throughout North America. I urge you to consult the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health authorities as you prepare for upcoming meetings, conferences, and incentive programs, as well as both professional and personal travel.
All upcoming FICP events including the 2020 FICP Education Forum, June 24-26 in Pasadena, California, are scheduled to be held as planned. The FICP Board of Directors is closely monitoring the Coronavirus crisis and will alert FICP members if they feel the need to change or cancel an upcoming event.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Stay alert and informed in order to be a sound resource for your organization’s executives who may be wondering what changes, if any, need to be made to face-to-face meetings and programs. As always, the FICP community will serve as your sounding board and support system throughout this time of uncertainty.
Resources:
Michael Burke, CMP
Chair, Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP)