Message from the Program Director
2009 promises to be a year of change. With the historic presidential election behind us, it is anticipated that the new administration and congress will take up the issues that define our industry: health care, retirement and compensation. As practitioners and consumers of benefits, we all have a vested interest in how these issues will be dealt with. It is critically important for your organization and your career to stay informed and educated on the latest trends and strategies organizations are using to address the challenges of our times.
What’s new in 2009?
Courses will be offered in Atlanta, Georgia and Las Vegas, Nevada.
We are pleased to introduce a new Certificate in Public Sector Benefits Administration for our public sector colleagues whose unique environment impact how plans are managed. This new certificate features Introduction to Public Sector Benefits Administration plus two electives allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific needs.
Now more than ever may be the time to consider hosting a Certificate Series course at your worksite. If you have a large number of employees to train but a limited budget, this is a cost effective way to provide quality training, team building, and professional development to your staff and/or clients. All of the Certificate Series courses with the exception of the Certificate in Global Benefits Management are available on a contract basis to be offered at your location. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your situation.
Mindful of the difficult economic situation we face, as we planned our 2009 programs, we were very sensitive to address issues that decision makers consider when approving limited resources to attend educational programs. Here’s the business case:
The money factor: The Certificate Series is a cost-effective option for professional development in 2009.
- We have negotiated lower room rates at our contracted hotels. On average, the nightly room rate for 2009 is more than $70 less than 2008.
- We have carefully selected cities that enjoy favorable rankings for lowest average domestic airfare among the top 100 airports. Atlanta, Milwaukee and Las Vegas offer nonstop service to most major U.S. markets and typically only one layover to secondary markets.
- We have kept registration fees $40-$100 per day less than similar programs offered by other organizations.
- Your registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch and all program materials: no hidden fees makes meeting your budget easier.
The true return on investment: The impact of quality learning outweighs the expense, often exponentially.
- Do you know what savings a wellness program can yield?
- What would it cost if your plans were not in compliance?
- How can you structure and measure incentive programs to produce results?
- Would collective purchasing, outsourcing or integrating programs reduce cost and improve productivity?
- Given the high cost of providing benefits, you can realistically quantify savings realized through education.
The substance: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s about the content.
- Networking is not about socializing. It’s about connecting with and sharing ideas and solutions with those who face similar challenges.
- It’s not just about PowerPoint slides, it’s about dialogue on real issues, checklists, articles, applying knowledge and other valuable resources.
- Learn from those who are expert industry practitioners. They live it and breathe it every day. It’s not about text in a book. It’s about reality. Our instructors have the wisdom that comes from experience.
So, what organization is deserving of your training dollars?
- Unlike many employee benefits organizations that provide industry education, the International Foundation is a not-for-profit organization. Your registration dollars go toward advancing the industry through educational programs and research.
- The International Foundation is non-lobbying. The information and education is timely, relevant and unbiased. We don’t sell product. We exist to keep you informed.
- The International Foundation has been the leading provider of information and education for employee benefits professionals for over 50 years.
While these are tough economic times, it is also a very exciting time to be in our industry. So much is going on and the work of our industry truly impacts the lives of those we serve. I hope to see you this year in Atlanta or Las Vegas. Register today!
Warmest regards,
Thomas P. DeRoche
Director of Educational Programs
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
18700 West Bluemound Road
Brookfield, WI 53045
(262) 373-7648 | (262) 786-6647 Fax
tomd@ifebp.org | www.certificateseries.org