I.C.E. Exchange Location Selection Process
The I.C.E. Exchange is an important time for the credentialing community to come together to learn, network, and exchange ideas. We know the location of the Exchange is an important component of deciding to attend.
Site selection for conference locations takes place 3-5 years in advance due to space and availability at popular destinations.
In 2023, I.C.E. implemented a new site selection evaluation process that will first be implemented for our 2025 and 2026 locations. Potential locations are evaluated through multiple considerations, starting with our DE&I Statement and factors such as ease of travel, affordability/size requirements, attractiveness, and geographic distribution.
I.C.E. makes every attempt to select a venue that is welcoming for all attendees and allows I.C.E. to accomplish all of the conference goals within the site opportunities available at the time.
Once a location is selected, I.C.E. continues to monitor the location to understand any policies that may be deemed unwelcoming based on our DE&I statement. I.C.E. will communicate any concerns with our hospitality partners, and staff will use our DE&I statement to strategize how to support I.C.E. members, attendees and the surrounding community.
2024 I.C.E. Exchange Location
Why is I.C.E. hosting the I.C.E. Exchange in Miami Beach, Florida?
I.C.E. rotates our annual event around the United States to provide an opportunity for all members to have an opportunity to network and engage in credentialing programming. The general guiding principle is to rotate east, west, and middle of the country locations to ease travel costs and time over a three-year period.
Miami Beach was originally selected as the location for our 2020 event. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted our ability to host an in-person event, and the most fiscally sound decision was to reschedule at this venue for a future event rather than cancel and incur a significant financial penalty. The negotiations resulted in commitments for conferences in 2024 and 2027.
How does I.C.E. select the sites for the I.C.E Exchange?
As shared above, we locate venues based on the needs of our community, availability to fit the conference programming, and experience for our attendees. We evaluate our options based on our DE&I Statement and a number of factors, including ease of travel, affordability, attractiveness, and geographic distribution.
The site selection process occurs 3-5 years before the event is hosted, and I.C.E. makes every attempt to select a venue that is welcoming for all attendees with the information available at that time.
After a site is selected, I.C.E. will continue to monitor the location to understand any policies that may be deemed unwelcoming to our credentialing community. Hosting an event in a city or state does not imply support of state and local legislation. I.C.E. will communicate any concerns with our hospitality partners, and staff will use our DE&I statement to strategize how to support I.C.E. members, attendees and the surrounding community.
Will new laws in Florida that do not align with I.C.E.’s values impact the event and the topics discussed?
I.C.E. will not limit any topics at the I.C.E. Exchange 2024 in relation to Florida laws. I.C.E. has the right to select the programming offered at Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. We remain committed to supporting the credentialing industry and will provide education on topics that impact and drive the credentialing field forward.
How will I.C.E. create a welcoming and safe environment at the I.C.E. Exchange, especially considering Florida’s anti-LGBTQ and anti-DEI laws?
I.C.E. is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive conference in person in Miami Beach and uphold the values expressed in our DE&I Statement.
The City of Miami scores an 89 out of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, based on how inclusive their municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. The Greater Miami and Miami Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau supports the diverse community that makes Miami Beach unique: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/about-gmcvb/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
I.C.E. recognizes that some attendees may have concerns about safety while onsite in Miami Beach. I.C.E. will be working closely with our event partners including the Greater Miami and Miami Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Fontainebleau Hotel to ensure our attendees experience a welcoming and safe environment.
All I.C.E. event participants are expected to treat others with respect and follow the I.C.E. Exchange Code of Conduct.
Will I.C.E. consider relocating the 2024 I.C.E. Exchange?
No, I.C.E. will not relocate the 2024 I.C.E. Exchange. I.C.E. is limited in the number of venues that can accommodate our space requirements. The Miami Beach Fontainebleau Hotel would penalize I.C.E. and its members with a significant cancellation fee.
Cancellation would also impact workers in the service industry who rely on the conference industry for their livelihood.
Will there be a virtual or hybrid component of the 2024 I.C.E. Exchange?
At this time, I.C.E. is not planning to offer a virtual or hybrid component to the conference. I.C.E. monitors the needs of attendees/ presenters as well as cost effectiveness when making decisions about program delivery.
How will I.C.E. support local social justice in Miami Beach, Florida?
Every year, I.C.E. selects a local charitable organization or an organization with interests that align with professional credentialing to support during the Exchange. The organization receives a donation from our attendees. I.C.E. is in the process of identifying local organizations to support and will publish the selected organizations when registration opens.
Where will future I.C.E. annual conferences be held?
I.C.E. announces future locations on our save the date page.
Where may I direct my questions or comments?
You are welcome to send your questions and comments about the 2024 I.C.E. Exchange to info@credentialingexcellence.org or to Denise Roosendaal, Executive Director, droosendaal@credentialingexcellence.org.