With 375 rooms, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, sits like a palatial grande dame on pristine Seven Mile Beach. The resort has more than 13,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 9,000 square-foot ballroom (the island’s largest) and a variety of outdoor venues that can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 guests. Among other amenities is the spectacular, 20,000-square-foot La Prairie spa. 

A beachfront opening reception reflected the beautiful event setups and delicious food for which The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. is known, and set the scene for a memorable meeting. Hotel partner Celebrations Ltd assisted with event design throughout IAC event.

Planners and hoteliers networked throughout the meeting—seen here at a general session. Ballroom design reflected the Insurance Advisory Council’s “into the blue” theme.

At general sessions, planners brainstormed in small groups about best practices, then reported back. Seen here, Caryn Taylor Lucia, SEI.

Among corporate leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. who participated in the Insurance Advisory Council meeting were Bart Berkey, senior corporate director, global sales office, Eastern region (left), and Louise Bang, vice president, global sales organization, Americas.

Shelia Cleary, National Life Group; Pam Ferguson, director of global accounts, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Co.; and Ed French, chief sales & marketing officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. Addressing a general session, French shared updates on Ritz-Carlton branding initiatives, including bringing unique local experiences to meetings.

Michael Lifson, Liberty Mutual Group, and Lori Frino, The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, during a break between presentations

Clodagh Larkin (in red, at left), The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba; and Laura Jarvinen, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, led a workshop on how to plan memorable meetings for millennial attendees.

Sherri Lindenberg, Crump (left), and Nikki Cloutier, Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America, enjoying an al fresco breakfast with beautiful floral centerpieces

Cindy Wheaton, Grange Insurance (left), and Bill Hopkins, Bill Hopkins Events. Hopkins presented tips on how planners can wow attendees with entertainment without blowing the budget.

Patricia Kerr, Nationwide Insurance (left), and guest Jeff Kerr, modeling new styles of Maui Jim sunglasses. Inge Campbell, Maui Jim (at rear of display), introduced a new “back to back” program for planners that guarantees an upgrade to the next package level free of charge for a subsequent meeting after they purchase a corporate gift package.

Chef Sven Wunram at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, with Alee Nicandri, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, and Paula Marks, Allstate Insurance Co., at a workshop on food and beverage trends.

At a coconut-themed break: Julie Sutter, Selective Insurance Co. (left), and Cheryl Abney, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Tee Nuchai, Bill Hopkins Events, and Karen Alfonso, QBE North America, catch up during the Insurance Advisory Council event. 

Networking at an outdoor reception (from left): Tracey Anderson, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co.; Wayne Lindbom, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island; and Daniele Menache, AB

A guided kayak tour of the mangroves with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassador’s of the Environment program was a great way for IAC attendees to learn about this essential island ecosystem while having a fun paddle.

Christine Judson, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach/The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, gets up close and personal with a stingray during a group catamaran sail to Grand Cayman’s biggest attraction, Stingray City.

The ballroom was transformed into a glittering blue-and-white fairy tale for IAC’s farewell dinner. Smiling for the camera: Elaine Bouchard Clark ,The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (left), and Brett Barrowman, American Fidelity Assurance Co.

Enjoying post-dinner entertainment: Carlin Putman, AIG Consumer (second from left), and guest Damon Putman; and Kelli Livers, Global Atlantic Financial Group (far right), and guest Jerry Livers.