Nearly 70 financial and insurance meeting planners and hospitality partners gathered at the Marriott Hartford Downtown in Hartford, Conn., January 6 to 8, for the FICP Northeast Chapter Meeting. “The chapter meetings offer the same benefits as the annual meeting, but on a smaller scale,” notes attendee Judith A. Cuccorelli, CMP, assistant vice president, public affairs manager, Citizens Bank, Providence, R.I. “This meeting was probably one of the best ones yet,” she added. “The agenda was packed full of educational sessions, keynote speakers, roundtable sessions, and even a mini Marketplace.”

A highlight of the day-and-a-half educational program, spearheaded by design team leader Jennifer Squeglia, CMP, Boston Private Wealth Management Group, was a highly interactive and thought-provoking presentation led by Michelle Lapierre, director, service and relationship strategy, Marriott International.

The Generations@Work session described what makes the four generations in today's workforce — the matures (age 63-plus), boomers (43 to 62), Gen X (28 to 42), and Gen Y (27 and younger) — tick. For example, Lapierre said, “Gen Yers are multi-taskers. They are not lazy but are stimulated in a passive manner. So don't use just one way to motivate or engage this generation.”

Attendees broke into small groups and worked with case studies to discover how their own attitudes toward different generations might be adapted based on that person's style. “It was such an eye-opener to learn the significant differences in the four generations,” says Cuccorelli.

The conference also featured a panel about best practices in green meetings, a presentation by an expert in writing effective surveys, and a lively talk by Mike Hourigan about becoming an effective change agent in one's professional life “With so many organizations going through change these days,” observes Cuccorelli, “it was enlightening to learn about the type of loss incurred when change occurs, and how to deal with and respond to change with a positive attitude.”

Hartford, often referred to as the insurance capital of the world, was lovingly showcased by its hosts, including the Marriott, the Connecticut Convention Center, and the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau — demonstrating what a convenient and first-class package the very young (only two-and-a-half-years-old) hotel and Center offer to various sized groups.

The next FICP Northeast Chapter Meeting will be held July 27 to 29 at the Hilton New York.

Education Forum, June 18 to 20

Financial & Insurance Conference Planners is putting together a meaty educational agenda for its annual Education Forum, June 18 to 20, in Orlando. The event, taking place at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort, will offer a variety of sessions around the theme “Awakening Your Best,” aimed at helping attendees to identify the specific values and behaviors that will contribute to their success as leaders.

Meeting planner registration will open in early April and will be available online. For more information, please visit www.ficpnet.com.

Membership Info

JOIN FICP TODAY! If you are interested in joining FICP as a new member, please visit www.ficpnet.com to complete an online application, or e-mail FICP at membership@ficpnet.com.

Past members can renew their FICP membership through 2008. Simply log in to your online profile and pay your dues.