Photo courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION DECEMBER 2023 VOL. 30 NO. 6 $15.00 INSIDE 2024 OUTLOOK SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING KEEPING UP WITH CONTRACTS Page 30 BAHAMAS & CARIBBEAN ESCAPES Atlantis Paradise Island When you partner with Disney for your meeting or event, you get access to best-in-class planners, industry-leading technology, world-class culinary experts and unforgettable entertainment. But, most importantly, you’ll get Disney’s legendary creativity, storytelling and attention to detail. When you use our imagination, you will transform your meeting into something incredible only found at Disney. Use Our Imagination. Visit us at disneymeetingsandevents.comINSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2023themeetingmagazines.com 3 DECEMBER 2023 Vol. 30 No. 6 18 26 30 departments features 16 30 4 18 22 26 2024 Industry Forecast Meetings Professionals Bullish Despite Budgeting Constraints By Steve Bova, CAE Event Marketing Using Social Media to Promote Events, Engage Attendees By Maura Keller On Contracts Staying Ahead of the Ever-Changing Process By Christine Loomis Hybrid Events On Developing the Culture By Marlene Goldman Bahamas & Caribbean Escapes Where Meaningful, Memorable Events Await By Keith Loria destinations 6 8 10 14 34 Publisher’s Message News & Notes Snapshots: FICP 2023 Empathy & Engagement The ‘Secret Sauce’ for Post-Pandemic Leadership Success. By Merilee Kern, MBA When Disaster Strikes Tell it All, Tell it Fast By Robert L. Dilenschneider Corporate Ladder 22 ISSN 1095-9726USPS 012-991Harvey Grotsky Looking Forward To The Year Ahead As we head into 2024, the global incentive travel and meetings com- munity continues to ride the unpredictable wave created by political and economic unrest. That is because our industry can only be as con- fident and secure as those they serve. Despite the effects of the economy, the insurance and financial services industry continues to hold meetings and incentive programs even though, like most of corporate America, concerns about the economy remain a major factor for event planning. We are seeing an increase in the fre- quency of meetings. Facilitating one- on-one and group communications is becoming the mission, versus e-blasts and web conferences that some thought would take over. That idea has come full circle. With cost as a driving factor, mar- gins are tighter and far shorter response times have now become the industry norm. ROI continues to demand attention with some meetings being held in combination with incentive programs in order to maximize dollars spent. Short term planning will continue as the election approaches. Technology will continue to impact us, and we will learn how to handle the challenges ahead. | PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE | A COASTAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION PUBLICATION PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harvey Grotsky harvey.grotsky @ themeetingmagazines.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristin Bjornsen kristin.bjornsen @ themeetingmagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Maritza Cosano maritza.cosano@themeetingmagazines.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rachel Galvin rachel.galvin @ themeetingmagazines.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Alana Castillas Cynthia Dial Marlene Goldman Dan Johnson Maura Keller Christine Loomis Kathy Monte David Swanson PRESIDENT & CEO Harvey Grotsky VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS David Middlebrook david.middlebrook @ themeetingmagazines.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES 2500 N. Military Trail, Suite 283 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322 561-989-0600 Fax: 561-989-9509 advertising@themeetingmagazines.com REGIONAL MANAGER Bob Mitchell 630-541-3388 bob.mitchell@themeetingmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Michael Caffin 914-629-5860 michael.caffin@themeetingmagazines.com Insurance & Financial Meetings Management is published bi-monthly by Coastal Communications Corporation, 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste. 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322; 561-989-0600. Single copies $15.00 U.S.A.; back cop- ies $17. Yearly subscription price is $70.00 in the U.S.A.; $135.00 in Canada. Distributed without charge to qualified personnel. Periodicals Postage Paid at Boca Raton, FL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Insurance & Financial Meetings Management, 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste. 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. Nothing contained in this publication shall constitute an endorsement by Coastal Communications Cor- poration (Insurance & Financial Meetings Management), and the publication disclaims any liability with respect to the use of reliance on any such informa- tion. The information contained in this publication is no way to be construed as a recommendation by I&FMM of any industry standard, or as a recommenda- tion of any kind to be adopted by or binding upon any corporate/incentive travel planner or agent. Reproduction of any portion of this publication by any means is strictly forbidden. Editorial contributions must be accompanied by return postage and will be handled with reasonable care. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited photographs or manuscripts. Subscriber: Send subscription inquiries and address changes to: Circulation Dept., Insurance & Financial Meetings Management, 2500 N. Military Trail, Ste. 283, Boca Raton, FL 33431-6322. Give old and new addresses including zip codes. Enclose address label from most recent issue and allow five weeks for change to become effective. Printed in U.S.A. © 2023 www.themeetingmagazines.com When you need a team that gets the little details and the big picture, IT MATTERS WHERE YOU STAY. From Team Members who say, “Hi, happy to help!” to Trusted Advisors, an exclusive group of sales professionals, we go beyond what’s expected. We’re passionate about spreading the light and warmth of hospitality. That’s why we listen to what you need and work together on new ways to bring your vision to life, so that it all comes together exactly as planned. Your greatest stays are the moments we live for. Learn more at events.hilton.com. © 2023 Hilton themeetingmagazines.com 4 DECEMBER 2023 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENTWhen you need a team that gets the little details and the big picture, IT MATTERS WHERE YOU STAY. From Team Members who say, “Hi, happy to help!” to Trusted Advisors, an exclusive group of sales professionals, we go beyond what’s expected. We’re passionate about spreading the light and warmth of hospitality. That’s why we listen to what you need and work together on new ways to bring your vision to life, so that it all comes together exactly as planned. Your greatest stays are the moments we live for. Learn more at events.hilton.com. © 2023 HiltonARRIVING LATE FALL 2023 AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S NEW PREMIER RESORT From meetings and conventions to social celebrations and intimate events, impress attendees in an inspiring setting that transforms any gathering into an unforgettable experience. With premium amenities, 20 world-class food and beverage concepts, a newly imagined championship golf club, and 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is the perfect place to host your next event. Spectacular gatherings START HERE BOOK NOW sunseekerresorts.com | 833.914.7300 LUXURIOUS SUNSUITES UNFORGETTABLE CULINARY CREATIONS INNOVATIVE EVENT SPACES themeetingmagazines.com 6 DECEMBER 2023 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — A special topping out event for the 400,000 sf east expansion building of the Broward County Convention Center and 29-story Omni Hotel brought out team members and local officials. This is part of Phase 2 of the $1 billion project. The stand- alone East Expansion Building features ballrooms, exhibit space and a kitchen that will service the entire 1.5 million sf convention center. Additionally, the 801-room hotel Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel will provide additional meeting and ballroom space, multiple restaurant options, amenity deck, rooftop bar and other amenities. For more information, visit ftlauderdalecc.com. INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Global hospital- ity leader Hilton announced the official signing of a management agreement for the 800-room Signia by Hilton Indianapolis. Expected to open in late 2026, the new-build Signia by Hilton Indianapolis will serve as the latest anchor hotel connecting to the Indiana Convention Center via skywalk as part of the city’s $710 million convention center expansion. The hotel will offer approximately 90,000 sf of flexible meeting space, including a 50,000 sf ballroom, and seven distinct dining concepts, including a speakeasy bar, a sky bar, as well as a signature, chef- driven restaurant. For more information, visit hilton. com/en/brands/signia-by-hilton. LAS VEGAS, NV — The much-anticipated Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened with a star- studded private celebration. The opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas signals a new era of luxury hospitality on the Strip. Meeting plan- ners will find 550,000 sf of event space here. There also is 25,000 sf of outdoor space on the Waterbleau Terrace. When not in meet- ings, attendees can enjoy drinks in one of the 13 bars and lounges, a relaxing treat- ment in the luxury spa, entertainment in the 90,000 sf theater, gambling in the 150,000 sf casino and more. MALTA — Hosts Global named Colours of Malta as the 2023 International DMC of the Year at its 9th Annual Hosts Global Forum, held in Malta. The organization recognized Colours of Malta for its exceptional service and significant contributions. Colours of Malta is Malta’s leading destination management company, specializing exclusively in handling conference and incentive markets. With a multilingual team, they provide correspondence and handling in the different languages. Their dedication and support have played a pivotal role in Hosts Global’s success, contributing to remarkable growth in demand for their destination. Kurt Paben, CEO of Hosts Global, highlighted Colours of Malta’s excellence, stating, “Colours of Malta truly embodies these qualities, and we are thrilled to bestow upon them the Hosts Global Member of the Year, International, award.” FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT COLOURS OF MALTA EARNS TOP HONOR FROM HOSTS GLOBAL SIGNIA BY HILTON INDIANAPOLIS SET TO OPEN IN 2026 OMNI HOTEL FORT LAUDERDALE & BROWARD CONVENTION CENTER TOP OUT | INDUSTRY NEWS | COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO A rendering of Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. COURTESY PHOTOARRIVING LATE FALL 2023 AT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S NEW PREMIER RESORT From meetings and conventions to social celebrations and intimate events, impress attendees in an inspiring setting that transforms any gathering into an unforgettable experience. With premium amenities, 20 world-class food and beverage concepts, a newly imagined championship golf club, and 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is the perfect place to host your next event. Spectacular gatherings START HERE BOOK NOW sunseekerresorts.com | 833.914.7300 LUXURIOUS SUNSUITES UNFORGETTABLE CULINARY CREATIONS INNOVATIVE EVENT SPACESD espite a few rainy clouds near the end of the event, the 2023 FICP Annual Conference, held November 12-15 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, shined. The event attracted more than 700 attendees, including 215+ meetings professionals, 440+ hospitality partners, 40 speakers, media and invited guests. This was also the first FICP Annual Conference for 68 meetings professional attendees. Highlights of the event were four general sessions, including the popular Speaker Showcase, as well as 15 breakout sessions, three unique evening events held onsite at the JW, a CSR event to give back to the local community and a record-breaking Silent Auction. Another popular and growing tradition was the Rising Professionals Happy Hour where meetings professionals and hospitality partners who are newer in their career connected with each other in an inviting environment. The general sessions included an inspiring opener, “Fear Less, Do More” by Michelle Poler; an impactful industry panel discussed “How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionizing the Business Landscape”; and Robert X. Fogarty and Khatidja Megjhani of Dear World closed out the event with “The PRTRAIT PROCESS: A New Way to See Each Other, ” including a moving video of the attendees’ experiences. The general sessions featured Sponsor Perspectives — brief “TED-style talk” panels that showcased thought leadership from the event’s Super Platinum and Platinum Sponsors. Attendees chose their preferred networking activity during an afternoon session where they participated in FICP Gives Back — a hands-on networking activity resulting in over 70,000 packed meals for Meals of Hope – or FICP Teams Up — an opportunity to partner up with fellow attendees and enjoy various games and activities on the beach. The 2023 FICP Annual Conference shined with 98% of attendees sharing that the experience on Marco was good. “I have always characterized FICP as a 3-in-1 event, “said Steve Bova, CAE, FICP’s executive director. “First and foremost, it’s a high- quality education and networking event. Second, although it’s an association event, the conference imposes many elements of a corpo- rate event, so every experience is educational for attendees. Finally, being held near the end of the year, it can be seen as a quasi-incentive event. Given how hard meetings professionals work throughout the year, it’s nice for them to be an attendee for a change.” I & FMM FICP 2023 themeetingmagazines.com 8 DECEMBER 2023 | INSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | SNAP SHOTS | Scene At PHOTO BY MARITZA COSANO PHOTO BY MARITZA COSANO PHOTO BY MARITZA COSANO PHOTOS COURTESY OF FICPINSURANCE & FINANCIAL MEETINGS MANAGEMENT | DECEMBER 2023themeetingmagazines.com 9 PHOTOS COURTESY OF FICPNext >