The 2008 FICP Annual Conference promises to deliver top-notch education and engaging networking opportunities to further professional and personal development. This year's conference will be held at Cancun's Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, November 9-13.

The conference theme, Reach Beyond Boundaries, will require attendees to stretch beyond comfort zones to learn new skills, explore innovative ideas, network with new friends, and rekindle existing relationships within the financial services and insurance industries.

The Annual Conference Design Team has planned more than 30 education sessions, organized into learning tracks geared toward planners and hospitality partners of all experience levels. Breakout sessions feature best practices, contracting solutions, technology advantages, strategic management discussions, leadership development and executive management training, a speaker showcase, and tips for increasing one's value within an organization. The robust breakout sessions are complemented by dynamic keynote presentations from whistle-blower Cynthia Cooper, astronaut Jerry Linenger, and Captain Michael Abrashoff.

The conference will showcase some of the best Cancun has to offer. Evening events will provide occasions for attendees to share best practices and create opportunities for hospitality partners and meeting planners to expand their network. Evening event hosts include Hilton Cancun, JW Marriott Cancun, Gran Meliá Cancun, and Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach. Attendees can also engage with peers during one of the many planned networking activities, which further demonstrate the benefits of Cancun as a meeting destination.

Conference registration is $425 for FICP planner members registered by August 31, and $525 thereafter. Nonmember planners are welcome to attend. The rate for nonmember planners is $525 if registered by August 31, and $625 after the early-bird cutoff. Hospitality partners are invited through sponsorship and recruitment eligibility.

Last year's conference was a sellout, so don't delay in securing a spot at this year's event. Visit www.ficpnet.com for online registration and event information.

FICP Education at Your Desktop — and on Your Phone

FICP is presenting virtual and teleconference education for busy meeting and hospitality professionals who may not be able to attend its face-to-face events or chapter meetings. Upcoming offerings include a webinar on Internet technology and an FICP Talk Radio session on international meetings and incentives. Visit www.ficpnet.com/calendarofevents for dates and registration information.

Members and Nonmembers: Renew or Join Today!

Start networking with FICP! To join FICP as a new member, please visit www.ficpnet.com and complete an online application, or e-mail FICP at membership@ficpnet.com.

Members can renew their FICP membership by logging in to their online profiles and paying the 2008 dues.