FCSI THE AMERICAS CONFERENCE 2026


LAST BITE Steve


MY CONFERENCE MOMENTS Carlson FCSI


Te principal emeritus of Rippe Associates tells Tina Nielsen about memorable moments and lessons learnt attending FCSI Te Americas conferences over the years


Te first FCSI Te Americas Conference I attended was in Washington DC. I joined FCSI not long after starting with Rippe in 1986 and was encouraged to get involved, so I volunteered to be part of the Society's planning committee.


I got to know a lot of people then. Te people who raise their hand for these events are the ones that are really committed to the FCSI. Over the years I have been to most of the conferences, at least 20.


You’ve got to make sure you are there for social hour. During that first year in DC I met people who have become great lifelong friends.


My recommendation is to get involved. When you are new to an organization it is always nice to have a job, so you are not just hanging around wondering who you should talk to.


Te activities are always fun. One that really stands out for me is the year there was a mechanical bull. I do remember somebody who had great difficulty walking for a couple of days after that.


30


“Folks who attend are the ones who get really involved and have the same commitment to make our industry better”


One of my favorite experiences was the mezcal tasting we had in Arizona.


My tip to someone attending for the first time is for the breakout session, pick a random spot, sit next to someone you don’t know and start a conversation.


Te innovation showcase is really important and everybody should take time to visit it. Tere is always something interesting there and our clients expect us to be aware of all that is going on.


A standout speaker for me was Ken Grombach, the demographer. What he shared was truly fascinating. Te information was out there but I just had no idea.


Technically we are all competitors but it never feels like it. Tere are people out there trying to do what we’re trying to do, so we are always happy to share experiences and give advice. You learn a lot from it.


What I have always liked about FCSI is that folks who attend are the ones who really get involved and have the same commitment to make our industry better.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32