The Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) Annual Conference, which is taking place November 2–5, 2025, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Read all about what to expect at this year’s 2025 FICP Annual Conference in Insurance & Financial Meetings Management magazine’s “FICP Focus” section in our October digital edition.

This year’s theme, Capitalize, reflects the opportunity for meetings professionals and hospitality partners to maximize every aspect of their professional growth — through learning, networking and unforgettable shared experiences. With an emphasis on experiential learning, the FICP Annual Conference invites attendees to not just hear about innovation, service and leadership, but to live it throughout the event. From world-class keynotes like Will Guidara’s powerful perspective on Unreasonable Hospitality to curated evening events in iconic Washington, D.C. venues, every moment is designed to inspire and elevate the F&I meetings community. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for FICP’s marquee event this year.

Keynote Speakers Who Inspire — and a Showcase That Sets FICP Apart

The keynote lineup at the 2025 FICP Annual Conference promises to be nothing short of transformative, with three world-class voices bringing inspiration, innovation and practical takeaways to the main stage.

Kicking off the Annual Conference is Platon, the celebrated portrait photographer known for capturing world leaders, cultural icons and everyday heroes. In “The Power of Human Connection in the Digital Age,” he will explore how authentic, emotional storytelling can bring people together across divides — an essential skill for those orchestrating experiences in an increasingly complex global landscape. Platon is represented by Goodman Speakers.

At the forefront is Will Guidara, restaurateur, best-selling author and the visionary behind Unreasonable Hospitality. His philosophy — that going above and beyond to create extraordinary experiences is the key to unforgettable impact — resonates deeply with both meetings professionals and hospitality partners who live by this credo every day. Guidara’s session will challenge attendees to think differently about how they design moments of connection, service and surprise, offering lessons that directly translate to the meetings and events industry.

Magie Cook, entrepreneur and CEO, brings an equally compelling perspective with “Mindset With Magie: Unlocking Inner Strength for Collective Success.” Her inspiring journey from adversity to business success illustrates the resilience and adaptability required to lead teams and organizations through challenges and change. Magie represented by SpeakInc Speakers Bureau.

One of the most anticipated elements of every Annual Conference is the Speaker Showcase, a signature FICP experience. In this unique format, attendees are introduced to all three keynote speakers in quick succession — an energizing experience often cited as one of the best parts of the Annual Conference. Afterward, participants can choose to hear a full presentation from the speaker who resonates most with them in an intimate breakout setting, ensuring the keynote experience is both personal and powerful. This year’s Speaker Showcase includes:

• David & Jonah Stillman, First Father-Son and Gen X/Gen Z Speaking Team, Represented by SpeakInc Speakers Bureau | Topic: Generations 2.0
• Tina Varughese, Human Connection Expert and Bestselling Author, Represented by Speakers Spotlight | Topic: Just Be(longing): Authenticity, Belonging and Connection at Work
• Samantha Radocchia, The Radical Futurist, Anthropologist and Entrepreneur, Represented by Gotham Artists | Topic: An Abundant Future With Artificial Intelligence

Education Beyond the Classroom

At the conference’s core lies an immersive, holistic educational experience — far beyond traditional sessions. With more than 20 education sessions, attendees can dive into diverse themes like strategic thinking, technology solutions, professional growth and industry-specific insights.

Breakout workshops span cutting-edge topics such as:

• Behavioral Event Design — unpack how behavioral science can elevate event impact.
• AI in Meetings — learn how to work smarter and more efficiently with artificial intelligence.
• Multigenerational Dynamics — navigate workplace complexities across Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Building Belonging — cultivate inclusive, empathetic environments at work.
• Global Programming — gain practical strategies for planning successful international events.

Every educational moment is designed to inspire, challenge and empower meetings professionals at any stage in their career.

Evening Events That Educate Through Experience

The learning extends well beyond the daytime sessions with evening events curated to immerse attendees in D.C.’s rich cultural and historic ambiance — blended with networking and inspiration:

Welcome Reception at the National Museum of American History

Step into a legendary setting where cultural touchstones like the Star-Spangled Banner coexist with a sophisticated, private gathering. It’s the perfect backdrop for conversations that spark curiosity and connection.

Symphony Soirée at the National Cathedral

Experience a harmonious blend of architectural grandeur, candlelit elegance and musical vibrancy — all woven into interactive culinary stations and performances that echo the spirit of D.C. creativity.

Sixties Supper Club in the Washington Hilton’s International Ballroom

Relive the glamour of the mid-century era in a setting that once hosted music icons and presidents alike. Expect nostalgic décor, era-inspired flavors and a soundtrack that brings disco-era energy into the modern moment.

Networking as Experiential Learning

FICP designs its networking to be far more than meet-and-greets — it’s learning through interaction. With over 22 hours of structured and unstructured networking, conversations in lounges, orientation meetups and Braindate exchanges become extensions of the educational journey.

Highlights include:

• Braindate Lounge — a curated space for one-on-one or group ideation sessions on topics you care about.
• First-Time Attendee, Solo Traveler and Rising Professionals Meetups — informal yet meaningful ways to connect based on career stage or attendee status.

These are not just networking moments — they’re learning opportunities built on authentic connection and shared discovery.

Why You Can’t Miss It

With 700+ meetings professionals and hospitality partners, representing 115+ F&I companies, and access to exceptional education and networking, the FICP Annual Conference is an invaluable opportunity to elevate your career and events with fresh insights and relationships.

Secure Your Spot — and Your CMP Credit

Designed to inspire and equip, the 2025 Annual Conference also supports your professional goals. As a CMP-Preferred Provider, FICP offers sessions pre-approved for CMP credit — helping you progress in your certification while advancing your event strategy.

Join Us in D.C. This November

Whether you’re seeking new strategies to enhance your meetings and events, fresh connections with peers and partners, or inspiration to transform your approach to leadership and service, the 2025 FICP Annual Conference is your chance to Capitalize on it all. Guidara’s philosophy of Unreasonable Hospitality — creating extraordinary impact through thoughtful, above-and-beyond experiences — will serve as both a keynote highlight and a guiding thread throughout the event as we elevate moments into meaningful memories. Capitalize on education. Capitalize on connection. Capitalize on experience. Join us this November in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 FICP Annual Conference. IF&MM