As those of you who have spent any time there already know, Las Vegas is a city filled with excitement and entertainment. Add some outstanding educational sessions and great networking opportunities, and you have the recipe for the best FICP Annual Meeting in history. The 2006 FICP Annual is the one industry event you don't want to miss!
In step with FICP's strategic plan that named education as one of our top priorities, the November 12 to 16 agenda is packed with educational breakouts and thought-provoking general sessions. There will be sessions on ethics and etiquette, technology, professional development, event programming, designing state-of-the-art evaluations, risk management, international meetings protocol, communications, and the state of our industry. Also, back by very popular demand is computer-based skills training led by James Spellos, CMP.
This year's design team is showcasing three top-rated keynote speakers, highlighted by closing speaker, Lyn Heward, who is sure to motivate and excite all who attend her session. Heward, former president and COO of Cirque du Soleil, will share her creative talents during her presentation, The Spark: Igniting the Creative Fire That Lives Within Us All. This session will offer both practical suggestions and inspiration.
But not only has the design team developed an outstanding educational program, they have also factored in ample time to explore Las Vegas and discover the magic of the city. The agenda is designed to showcase Las Vegas as a meeting destination and allow you to see and experience firsthand what this city has to offer. From the opening at Wynn Las Vegas, to Tao bistro and nightclub at the Venetian, to MGM's Studio 54, to the closing event at Caesars, you will see outstanding events that will stir your creative juices — and just maybe allow you to have a little fun as well!
Based on attendee responses, the design team has made a conscious effort to allow you the time to network and exchange best practices with your industry peers, and has included some office touch-base time as well — something that many attendees have requested through the years.
Without the help of volunteers, FICP would cease to exist. I mention this because our association and the board of directors owe a huge debt of gratitude to Steve Clark, CMP, for accepting the position of Annual Design Team Chair. Steve volunteered his time and expertise after the resignation of John Touchette, CMP, our past president, and the board unanimously accepted his gracious offer.
Steve, along with the entire design team, has created an exciting, educational, and networking-rich agenda. Members include Kim Boriin, CMP, Guardian; Margaret Moynihan, CMP, Deloitte; Gary Pearon, AON; Jan Hennessey, CMP, CMM, Kaiser Permanente; Kim DeVillers, Countrywide Financial; Todd Gagnon, Caesars Palace; Jeff Gloeb, Wynn; Delaine Everett, CMP, GAMA International; and Connie Jalet, Las Vegas CVA. The board of directors would like to thank each member of this design team for volunteering hours of their time to ensure that the 2006 FICP Annual Meeting will be a successful one. We appreciate their time and their dedication to our association.
Las Vegas, with all its glitter, is ready for FICP. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2006 FICP Annual Conference. Registration will be opening soon. Last year's event was a sell-out, so don't delay. Register early to ensure your spot at the 2006 FICP Annual Conference in Las Vegas. And remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!
Hope to see you there!
Sharon Chapman, CMP, CMM President-Elect, FICP