The FICP Northeast Region held its second meeting of 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore July 31–August 2. Led by FICP Northeast Region Chair Sheryl Krongold, CMP, senior meeting planner, Prudential, and Vice Chair Karin Pontelandolfo, CMP, senior meeting planner, Liberty Mutual Insurance, the event kicked off with a “reverse marketplace.” Hospitality partners met one-on-one with planners to discuss their meeting needs, ask questions, and gather insight. The intimate atmosphere—the unique feature of FICP regional meetings—ensured that attendees had ample time to network and connect with local peers.

Several presenters spoke to the theme of “Partnering for Success,” and how to use the services and knowledge of colleagues; a panel of experts shared strategies for collaborating with DMCs, hoteliers, and planners; and roundtable discussions focused on sharing best practices when working with partners. Popular tech expert Jim Spellos, president, Meeting U., provided tips and tricks for working with smartphones, explained how to become “Google-licious,” and shared “60 sites in 60 minutes.” Attendees also were treated to some tricks on the magic of partnership from magician Bill Herz.

Attendees’ inside look at Baltimore and Washington, D.C., as meeting destinations included presentations from Tom Noonan, president and CEO, Visit Baltimore, and Ronnie Burt, vice president of sales and services, Destination DC. Attendees also enjoyed one-of-a-kind Baltimore experiences, such as a cocktail reception on the USS Constellation and dinner overlooking the Inner Harbor at The InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore.