Florine Edwards, CMP, CMM
Vice President, Corporate Programs and Exhibit Management
FM Global
Johnston, R.I.

FIM: What have been the benefits of Financial & Insurance Conference Planners membership for you?
Edwards: Networking, networking, networking, followed by education, education, education.

FIM: Why did you decide to take on this leadership role?
Edwards: Because of the benefits that FICP has brought to me: It was time to give back. FICP helped me grow and succeed in my career. FICP is only as strong as its individual members. Everyone needs to participate.

FIM: Why is it important to have an active network of FICP regions?
Edwards: You really can view FICP in two ways. At the national level, members get a broad overview of the industry, current trends, and education. The regions allow members and hospitality partners an intimate setting in which to network and to keep up on the pulse of the region.

FIM: What are your goals as VP, Regions, for the year ahead?
Edwards: We get the regional leaders together four times per year, via three phone conferences and one face-to-face meeting. That’s very important. We want to leverage the strength of the regions by bringing a consistency of experience to their meetings while maintaining the quality of their education and networking—and also keeping their regional flavor. We want to be sure that, whatever region you are in, you get a certain level of value. We need to maintain FICP standards.

Our first meeting with the region chairpersons focused on our meeting-in-a-box concept, which will make planning their meetings easier. The objective is to encourage participation and give the regions all the support they need to succeed. We recognize that our regions are brand ambassadors.