Today more and more planners are swiftly adapting to a shift in alcohol consumption across the country. Water and soda are no longer good enough as alternatives. There is a clear demand for options that maintain an event’s festive mood without the booze.

By rethinking formats, cutting unnecessary expenses and focusing on smarter spending, planners can find new ways to deliver high-impact experiences without breaking the budget.

From celebrity-designed golf courses to state-of-the-art spa environments, today’s golf and spa resorts have proven to be ideal destinations for financial and insurance events of all sizes.

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

Executing that first event runs the emotional gamut — from excitement to anxiety to exhaustion. As the planner, you are ultimately responsible for every detail of an event, whether it’s a small executive retreat for a company’s core leadership, a business expo expecting thousands of attendees or something in between.

Expansive meeting spaces? Indeed. Dining options aplenty? Certainly. And an array of entertainment amenities that appeal to all attendees? Absolutely. Today’s gaming resort gems offer the ideal setup for financial and insurance gatherings of all types.

Creating a memorable incentive event is more than just finding an exciting destination. It is about creating an overall experience that not only rewards employees, but gets them engaged and excited.

Smaller cities generally have more availability, offering planners greater flexibility and allowing for more collaborative partnerships with convention and visitor bureaus and destination management companies,

In today’s competitive meetings landscape, food and beverage (F&B) isn’t just a line item — it’s a defining part of the attendee experience.

Networking and learning are two common expectations for anyone attending an event. For planners tasked with the latter, it can be a tall order to make content engaging, easy to understand and enjoyable.