The roughly 150 planners and hospitality partners who attended FICP's 2008 Education Forum at the lovely Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in Orlando June 18-20, had an intense learning and networking experience with takeaways on many levels.

The forum's 17 educational sessions and interactive general sessions were aimed at helping participants to achieve their leadership potential. In a variety of formats, workshops tackled diverse topics that ranged from corporate social responsibility to ethics to creative food and beverage. FICP's Vice President Membership Dan Young was the entertaining emcee.

Attendees also had the chance to experience some of what Disney has to offer for meetings and incentive programs, including a presentation on leadership excellence by the Disney Institute and a spectacular event and dinner backstage at Epcot. In a popular breakout, culinary experts from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin demonstrated fresh ideas for events, and an Italian-themed final evening reception and dinner was held at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

Kim Boriin, CMP, Guardian Investor Services LLC and FICP vice president, education, announced that next year's forum will take place at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 21-23.

Register Now for Annual Conference

In a down economy, one of the best investments a company can make is in the continued education of its employees. Companies need to find ways to create efficiencies, leverage best practices, and minimize costs.

Attending the 2008 FICP Annual Conference, November 9-13 in Cancun, Mexico, provides the opportunity to take advantage of more than 30 education sessions and three dynamic keynote presentations, specifically designed for insurance and financial services professionals. Each session is organized into tracks focused on leadership development, strategic management, contracting solutions, technology advantages, increasing value, and best-practice sharing. Tracks are targeted toward specific experience levels.

As well, the conference will feature numerous networking activities, meal breaks, evening events, and a marketplace — all showcasing innovative meeting planning ideas and providing opportunities to form business relationships with industry leaders.

Make plans to “Reach Beyond Boundaries” and attend the FICP Annual Conference at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach. It's your one-stop shop to gain time- and money-saving tips while strengthening industry relationships that are certain to benefit you and your company. Visit www.ficpnet.com/annualconference today for a schedule of events, registration details, and conference ROI and learning worksheets.

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 on to their online profiles and paying the 2008 dues.