Registrations are rolling in for the Financial & Insurance Conference Planners Annual Meeting November 17–20. We checked in with some of the planners who are attending to find out why they’re making sure they’ve got a room at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach this fall.

“I’m already registered. This is the best networking meeting I attend,” says Michael Key, AVP, sales support, at Monumental Life Insurance Co. in Durham, N.C. “Also, it offers educational opportunities to stay current with industry trends and a chance to hear new speakers that we could eventually use at an upcoming meeting. I can't wait to experience a meeting at the new Fontainebleau. It certainly has potential for a future Monumental conference.”

Caryn Taylor Lucia, CMP, director, corporate events, at asset management company SEI in Oaks, Pa., is looking forward to being back at the annual. “For a year or so we held off on attending due to budget cuts and the state of the financial industry,” she explains. “Now I am really feeling the need to reconnect with other planners and, of course, hospitality partners again. And I’m looking for insight on how others are dealing with FINRA regulations, new meetings technology, and other issues.”

Reconnecting with hospitality partners is high on Mark Turner’s list of priorities. “With the reorganization and changes in hotel sales teams over the past year, my primary reason for attending is to establish new personal relationships with the different organizations we have partnered with in the past,” says Turner, manager, agency services, at Modern Woodmen of America in Rock Island, Ill. “I am also looking forward to the opportunity to network with my industry peers to hear how they and their companies are adapting to the current economic situation.”

Heather Huebner, manager, corporate events, at Hartford Steam Boiler, is in it for the education: “There are great selections this year. Kudos to the design team,” she says. “I’m also attending so that I can talk to my counterparts and get their opinions on some projects I am working on.”

Worth Wilson, vice president, communications, mortgage insurance, at Genworth Financial in Raleigh, N.C., says he appreciates that all of his most important contacts are gathered together in one place. “I attend because the FICP Annual Meeting is the most efficient way for me to build and maintain my network with the top players in hospitality industry and with my professional peers,” he says.

Ken Juel, manager, rewards and recognition, at TD Ameritrade in Omaha, Neb., has similar priorities. “I attend in order to connect with peers and connect with national sales teams, as well as for the education, to hear about new trends both formally and informally, to build new relationships and to strengthen old relationships.”

Find out more about the annual meeting agenda and how to register.