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Aug 11, 2003 12:00 PM, By Sue Pelletier

Almost 70 insurance and financial services planners came to the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans on July 17 to 19 to learn, network, and have some fun. They got all that and more at the ICPA Summer Educational Forum, which this year included standout presentations on everything from managing your e-mail and group security and contingency planning, to dealing with problem people and an airlines update. Even the weather seemed to cooperate: Lurking hurricane Claudette cleared out of the area just in time for the meeting, and an afternoon shower ended in plenty of time for an outdoor activity on the first evening. Inside the meeting rooms, the atmosphere was charged with energy, enthusiasm, and enquiring minds.

While there were so many things to love about the Forum, here is a pick of my personal top 10, in no particular order:

1. Putting on the Ritz—where else to do it but at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans? From elevators that seemed to magically appear at the touch of the button, to the elegant lobby and courtyard area, to triple-sheeted beds you can fall right into, this hotel was made for pleasure. And for business, especially its beautifully appointed Lafayette Ballroom, where the ICPA sessions were held.

2. Talk about Southern hospitality! Not only did we have a delicious K-Paul-catered dinner, but we had it at the Moore Goldstein Historical House in the Garden District—which also just happened to be the place Bonnie Boyd, owner of New Orleans DMC Bonnie Boyd & Co., calls home. <

3. Expert advice, backed with real-world examples, was part of each formal presentation. Tech guru Corbin Ball, CMP, not only gave tips on effective e-mailing, but also gave several places to go to get help ducking the dreaded spambots who trawl Web sites in search of e-mail addresses to spam. Security expert Rick Werth asked planner Leanne Acton, CMP, Penn Mutual Life Insurance, to explain how she used the information he was providing at the session for one of her programs—and how it increased her professional profile in the eyes of her corporate management.

4. Feeling the warm breeze on our skin while sipping champagne on the balcony of the private apartment on Jackson Square that hosted the opening reception.

5. Watching the tourists—and the locals—trying to catch the beads we flung off the colorful floats that took us from the Ritz-Carlton to the Windsor Court Hotel for lunch and afternoon sessions. Having our very own police escort whisk us through the intersections also was a nice touch.

6. Apple-flavored martinis, goat cheese and shrimp hors d-oeuvres, lobster salad with tomato sorbet and pepper tuile, and a host of other fabulous, different tastes of the Big Easy.

7. Eating Ben & Jerry ice cream bars by fourth-floor outdoor swimming pool at the Windsor Court Hotel during a break in the sessions—the water looked so inviting, it made me wish I brought along a bathing suit.

8. The amazing jazz and blues bands that set the tone for the final evening gala held in the Ritz-Carlton, along with fluttering torches and some of the more interesting tabletop coverings I’ve seen.

9. Hearing lots of peer-to-peer conversation, tip-sharing, and advice during the interactive roundtable discussions.

10. Having the opportunity to meet so many knowledgeable, professional planners! This was my first opportunity to go to an ICPA meeting, but after experiencing the Forum, I hope to attend many more.

Look for more Forum details in the September/October issue of Insurance Conference Planner magazine. And look for more great photos of the event, which like the ones shown here were taken by redbutton.tv. If you don't want to wait, go to ICPAphotography.com to see more of the fun we had in New Orleans. Use event password "Jazz."

What did you think of this article? Please send your comments/suggestions to Regina Baraban, and include the article's headline in the subject line of your email.

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