The Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) Annual Conference 2024 at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel was nothing short of awesome! Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals, the event was a hub of inspiration and networking, offering a platform for groundbreaking ideas and meaningful connections.
Inspiring Educational Sessions
The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers, each bringing unique insights to the table. Justin Forsett captivated audiences with his thoughts on adversity and leadership, offering a fresh perspective on growth through challenges. For Ravens fans like Cynthia Lavery, it was amazing to engage with him and his story up close. Moreover, the conference shone a spotlight on inclusivity, with discussions on planning events for neurodivergent communities—groups that accept and celebrate people with diverse ways of thinking, learning, and processing information. “The creators of The Neu Project took the idea of inclusion even further than what I had known before listening.” Says Cynthia who left feeling that this is an area of our business that we do not talk about enough and grateful for the learning experience. For those interested to learn more, explore their comprehensive resource, The Neu Project: An Event Professionals Guide to Neuroinclusive Events. This guide provides practical advice and strategies for event planners aiming to accommodate and celebrate diversity in neurodivergent communities.
Cara Pratt, CMP, DMCP, shared her enthusiasm for Zack Kass's session on AI, emphasizing the timeless value of human connection in our increasingly digital world. He highlighted that while AI can certainly enhance meeting planning, it can never replace the authentic interactions that events make possible. This insight is music to the ears of meeting planners everywhere!
Showcasing Innovation: CSI DMC Event Highlights
Throughout the conference, the CSI DMC team got the chance create events that showcased creative prowess and strong hotel partnerships from Vail to Colorado Springs. Jordyn Wilmer (Valentine) shares, “The innovative activations were both fun and highly engaging. Throughout the event, I frequently heard how much attendees were enjoying themselves. Many eagerly brought their colleagues to the edible balloon station, exclaiming, "You have to try this!" From crafting friendship bracelets to uncovering the mystery tattoo station, guests were delighted by the surprises spread across the events.” Take a closer look at some of our favorite surprise and delight moments!
Bringing Red Rocks Indoors
CSI DMC transformed the Sheraton Denver ballroom into an immersive space inspired by the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. Cynthia Lavery shared her reflections on the event, expressing her pride in being part of an industry where the Red Rocks concert experience could come to life so vividly. She remarked, "The innovation and imagination, the lighting, and the experiential creativity made me feel as though I was truly there."
The event was full of fun and engaging activations, with champagne-flavored edible bubbles and a mystery tattoo station adding a touch of surprise and delight. For the first time in Denver, we introduced a custom "merch station," where guests could choose their shirt color and design. These one-of-a-kind graphics drew inspiration from Red Rocks concerts and even included past FICP "tour dates." Jordyn Wilmer (Valentine) found joy in standing behind the merch station, assisting attendees with their selections, and soaking in their enthusiastic feedback. “Many shared how this was a completely new and exciting experience for them, something they’d never encountered at a conference before.”
Hydrate and Illuminate Experience
As part of our post-FAM with Preferred Hotels & Resorts at The Broadmoor, guests indulged in a unique water tasting experience led by expert, Dr. Michael Mascha, featuring rare and ancient waters. CSI DMC and Dr. Mascha collaborated with The Broadmoor's executive chef to design a menu that harmonized seamlessly with the unique flavors of each water. Some waters elegantly complemented sushi, while others enriched the velvety taste of chocolate. Stay tuned for more insights into the art of water tasting experiences in an upcoming December edition of The Connected Planner—future trend alert!
The evening took an exciting turn with a chic makeover session, where attendees discovered their inner radiance through personalized beauty tips and transformations. It was a night that left everyone sparkling, inspired, and rejuvenated!
Colorado Gold Rush Fun
Our grand finale post-FAM event was a spectacular celebration at the Cheyenne Lodge at The Broadmoor. Drawing inspiration from the Colorado Gold Rush, we paid homage to the hotel's founder, whose fortune was made in that iconic era. This rich history inspired every aspect of our event design, seamlessly intertwining the property's story into the experience. Guests were thrilled by activities such as gold panning, geode cracking, and permanent jewelry stations, all leading up to the exhilarating Human Claw Machine experience. This interactive attraction not only entertained but also supported the American Red Cross, with attendees donating to participate. As Brooke Snyder, noted, “The Human Claw give-back experience on the final night showcased the camaraderie and generosity of hoteliers, as many properties donated extravagant stays.” Guests eagerly paid for turns at the Human Claw, adding a playful twist reminiscent of a white elephant party, as they snatched coveted ‘gold’ from one another.
That's A Wrap FICP 2024!
Our team had an absolute blast pushing the boundaries of creativity while orchestrating events and activations for this year's FICP conference. The results were incredible, and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities to network, learn, and share experiences. We're already looking forward to the exciting possibilities that next year's conference will bring!
