In response to member feedback, and in consideration of the ongoing global recession, Financial & Insurance Conference Planners has announced that it is shortening its annual conference by one day this year.

Scheduled for November 15 to 18, 2009, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, the conference will close Wednesday at noon. Traditionally, annual conference departures take place on Thursday morning.

According to an e-mail to the FICP community from 2009 Annual Conference Chair and Immediate Past President Patricia Kerr, CMP, the Annual Conference Design Team surveyed members and found an “overwhelming” preference for ending the meeting on Wednesday.

“The new format will not compromise the number or quality of educational sessions,” Kerr said in her correspondence. “However, it will save you one night’s accommodations and an additional day in the office.” Kerr also made a point of thanking host hotel the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel for its flexibility and partnership in handling the change.

And she reminded members and hospitality partners planning to attend the conference to know the current entry requirements for visitors to Canada. Updates can be found at the Canadian Tourism Commission Web site.