2021 FCIS Convention
Facing Forward: Leveraging Courage and Curiosity
November 3-5
Welcome Letter from Our Convention Co-Chairs
To all FCIS schools:
As your 2021 FCIS Convention Chairs, we hope you have marked your calendar to join us for the FCIS Annual Convention, November 3-5, 2021. This year’s convention will have a different look as it will have both an in-person and a virtual component. After a challenging school year, we know you all will agree that coming together as a community of Florida educators, both in-person and virtually, will generate great value to our institutions and provide beneficial professional development for individuals.
This year’s Convention theme focuses on Facing Forward: Leveraging Courage and Curiosity. We believe that looking ahead is critical to our schools’ success, and that the best way to approach the future is with courage, curiosity and compassion. The ability to express the value of our schools and to imagine what the next version of independent school will resemble is critical to our individual and collective success as school leaders and educators. Administrators and teachers from the Tampa Bay area independent schools, along with Dr. Barbara Hodges and Alison Carlson, have been working hard to meet the goals of the conference-goers while providing a safe and welcoming opportunity to come together.
Our Convention Steering Committee has compiled a full program that will offer an engaging, informative, and meaningful professional development experience for individuals in any role at your school. We encourage everyone to explore topics with an open mind – perhaps even sign-up for a session outside of your comfort zone! You also won’t want to miss the keynote speakers on Thursday, Irshad Manji and Friday, Reb Rebele.
Both the Pre-Conference Workshops on Wednesday, November 3 and the Administrator Day, Thursday, November 4, which are for heads of schools, senior administrators, and board members will be held in-person, with safety protocols in place at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Orlando International Airport.
Faculty Day is Friday, November 5 and will take place virtually. This will allow faculty from all of our FCIS schools to come together safely and learn from one another.
And there is more! We have exciting news to share with you! Renowned independent school gurus Michael Thompson and Rob Evans will be leading a Pre-Conference Workshop on Wednesday, November 3. Long-time authors and speakers, this dynamic duo have a new book out entitled: Hopes and Fears: Working with Today’s Independent School Parents. Don’t miss this important workshop, which will be conducted in two sessions.
For more information on the broad range of sessions and speakers planned for the Convention, please explore the FCIS website, which will be updated over the next months. As we get closer to November, we will convey the most updated information in our Annual Convention mobile app.
We are both looking forward to being together with you for an inspiring three days this November at the 2021 FCIS Convention.
Warmly,
Dr. Jan Pullen, Head of School, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School
Nancy L. Spencer, Head of School, Shorecrest Preparatory School
2021 FCIS Convention Co-Chairs
Registration Information
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
It may be helpful to appoint a Convention Coordinator from your school to complete the online registration form.
Please refer your faculty and staff to the Administrator Day (Thursday) and Faculty Day (Friday) programs that can be found on the Convention Agenda webpage and on the Convention App (Whova).
ADMINISTRATOR DAY Advise everyone who will be attending in person on Administrator Day that they will be able to access the program by downloading Whova onto their mobile device. We strongly recommend that they download Whova in advance of the Convention to explore the features and sessions and to customize their schedule.
FACULTY DAY Advise everyone who will be attending virtually on Faculty Day that they will be able to access the program and sessions on a mobile device by downloading Whova or on a laptop by signing into Whova. We strongly recommend that they download/sign into Whova in advance of the Convention to explore the features and sessions and to customize their schedule.
Your school should submit ONE registration that includes ALL attendees from your school. Anyone from your school who is presenting a session should also be included. When registering, include an email address for every attendee. Important information will be sent out to attendees closer to the Convention.
Member Schools Registration:
1 registrant = $425
2-26 registrants = $100 for each registrant
27 registrants and up = $10 for each registrant
(This does not include tickets for special events.)
Example: 30 registrants = $2,965
40 registrants = $3,065
Non-Member Schools Registration:
1 registrant = $595
Each additional registrant = $100
(This does not include tickets for special events.)
Special Events: Sign up on the registration form.
- Pre-Conference Workshop with Rob Evans, Ed.D., and Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D.: $249 (Members) | $349 (Non-Members)
- Pre-Conference Business Officers' Workshop: $249 (Members) | $349 (Non-Members)
- Administrators' Cocktail Supper: $65
- Admission Directors' Cocktail Supper: $65
- Business Officers' Cocktail Supper: $65
- Technology Directors' Cocktail Supper: $65
- Administrators' Luncheon: $48
Payment Options:
1) Register by Credit Card: Visa and MasterCard are accepted, not American Express.
2) Register by Check: Once registration has been completed online, please mail check to:
FCIS — Convention ’21
1211 North Westshore Blvd., Suite 612
Tampa, FL 33607
Note: Check must be received in FCIS Office by October 12 or a late fee will apply.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THE NAMES OF ATTENDEES FOR ADMINISTRATOR DAY ARE CORRECT AS THIS LIST IS USED TO MAKE NAME TAGS FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL.
Registration is complete once FCIS receives payment.
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 12, 2021. There will be a $150 late fee for all registrants not received or entered online by October 12.
Cancellations, Refunds & Changes: Convention refund requests must be made in writing and emailed to: kdanger@fcis.org. There is a $50 processing fee through October 5, 2021, with no refunds after this date. Requests for changes of name or participation in special events cannot be honored after October 20, 2021.
PLEASE NOTE:
> If you are registering more than 10 people, click on the "+" button until you have enough spaces for the number of people you are registering. Then, enter the name and email address for each person.
> If you are registering more than 20 people, before you start the registration process, call Alison Carlson in the FCIS office at 813-287-2820.
> If you register your school and later need to make changes to your registration, contact Alison Carlson in the FCIS office by email at acarlson@fcis.org.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PDF WITH STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS & HELPFUL TIPS FOR COMPLETING THE REGISTRATION FORM.
OR
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS & HELPFUL TIPS FOR COMPLETING THE REGISTRATION FORM.
Schedule at a Glance
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | IN PERSON
* Download the mobile app closer to the Convention for the most updated information.
10:00-12:00 (Session I) & 1:00-2:00 (Session II) | Pre-Conference Workshop with Rob Evans & Michael Thompson
Continental Ballrooms 5 & 6
1:00-5:00 | Pre-Conference Business Officers' Workshop
Continental Ballrooms 7 & 8
3:00-5:00 | Registration Open
Lobby North (Upper Level)
5:30-6:30 | President's Reception for Heads of School (by invitation for Heads of School only)
Pool Deck
6:00 | Administrators' Cocktail Supper (ticket required)
6:00 | Admission Directors' Cocktail Supper (ticket required)
6:00 | CFOs/Business Officers' Cocktail Supper (ticket required)
6:00 | Technology Directors' Cocktail Supper (ticket required)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 | IN PERSON
* Download the mobile app closer to the Convention for the most updated information.
7:30-11:30 | Registration Open
Lobby North (Upper Level)
7:30-4:00 | Vendors / Exhibitors Open
8:30-9:30 | Welcome & Keynote Address
Continental Ballrooms
9:30-10:00 | Coffee by Exhibitors
10:00-10:55 | Session I
Breakout Rooms
11:05-12:00 | Session II
Breakout Rooms
12:10-1:40 | Luncheon & Speaker
Continental Ballrooms
1:40-1:55 | Visit the Exhibitors
2:00-2:55 | Session III
Breakout Rooms
3:05-4:00 | Session IV
Breakout Rooms
3:05-4:00 | FCIS Annual Business Meeting (Head/Representative from each school must attend.)
Briefing Room
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5 | VIRTUAL ON WHOVA
* Download the mobile app closer to the Convention for the most updated information.
7:15-8:15 | Episcopal Schools' Gathering
8:00-1:00 | Check Out Exhibitors
8:30-9:30 | Welcome & Keynote Address
9:40-10:30 | Session I
10:40-11:30 | Session II
11:40-12:30 | Session III
11:40-12:30 | FCIS: The State of Our Association
12:30-1:00 | Wrap Up & Giveaways
Hotel and Parking Information
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
HOTEL RESERVATIONS:
All guest room reservations should be made directly with the Hyatt Regency. Room rate is $192, single or double, plus applicable taxes. The easiest way to make your reservation is to use this weblink:
HYATT RESERVATIONS. This weblink was designed especially for FCIS attendees and includes the Convention rate of $192, plus applicable taxes.
You may also call the hotel and make your reservations by phone. The hotel reservation number is: 407-825-1234. You will need to identify yourself as an FCIS member and ask for the special rate.
The deadline for the guaranteed Convention rate is Friday, October 12, 2021, based on availability. Once the room block is sold out, there may not be rooms available at the group rate.
Check in time: 4:00 PM
Check out time: 12:00 PM
Please note that FCIS is not using a housing bureau for hotel reservations. You will not receive a call from FCIS or the hotel asking you to make reservations over the phone. If you receive this type of phone call, it is likely a scam. Please make your reservations online or by calling the hotel directly.
PARKING:
Self-parking day rate = $4 | Valet parking day rate = $7
Self-parking overnight rate = $12 | Valet parking overnight rate = $16
> Directions to Self-Parking: Go to TERMINAL B at Orlando Int’l Airport and after taking a parking ticket from the gate machine, drive up and around the ramp to the THIRD level. Follow the BROWN sign to the Hyatt Terminal Top Parking. At row C, cross over the ramp and park on any level 4-10. Take ELEVATOR BANK B to LEVEL 4 to enter the hotel. To receive the discounted parking rate for your event do NOT use the e-pass lane.
> Directions to Valet Parking: Go to TERMINAL B at Orlando Int’l Airport and stay to the RIGHT side of the road. Follow the BROWN sign to the Hyatt Valet Parking. The entrance is on the LEFT side, IMMEDIATELY past the large fountain.
Bus Drop-off: It is strongly suggested that schools arrange for carpools or bus drop-off. For bus drop-off, follow these directions:
• Go to TERMINAL B at Orlando Int’l Airport and stay to the RIGHT side of the road.
• Follow the BROWN sign to the Hyatt Valet Parking.
• The entrance is on the LEFT side, IMMEDIATELY past the large fountain.
NEW MOTHERS:
On the fourth floor of the hotel, Endeavor is a private space for nursing mothers. Click here for a map.
Please note: A key will be available at the Convention registration desk.
Keynote Speakers
THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 4 | 8:30AM
IRSHAD MANJI
Founder
Moral Courage ED
Diversity Without Division:
The Unifying Power of Moral Courage
Read More
Irshad Manji is Founder of Moral Courage ED, the nonprofit that empowers students to hear, not fear, different perspectives. She also teaches with Oxford University's Initiative for Global Ethics and Human Rights. A New York Times bestselling author, Irshad's latest book is Don't Label Me: How to Do Diversity Without Inflaming the Culture Wars. (Fun fact: Chris Rock calls the book "genius.") But her favorite distinction comes from Oprah Winfrey, who gave Irshad the "Chutzpah Award" for boldness.
FRIDAY | NOVEMBER 5 | 8:30AM
REB REBELE
Senior Research Fellow for Wharton People Analytics
University of Pennsylvania
The Pursuit of Greatness and Goodness
Read More
Reb Rebele is a Senior Research Fellow for the Wharton People Analytics initiative at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and studies personality processes in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Reb earned his Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) degree at the University of Pennsylvania and taught in that program for nearly 10 years. His research aims to understand consistency and flexibility in human motivation and behavior – particularly in the context of work – and has been conducted with a number of national and international organizations. Reb’s research and writing has appeared in academic journals (Proceedings of the National Academy of Science), books (Flourishing in Work, Life, and Careers), and magazines (Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, The Atlantic). After completing MAPP, he worked on a diverse portfolio of positive psychology projects, including serving as part of a resilience training team working with the U.S. Army and groups of educators, speaking and guest-lecturing on applied psychology topics to organizations and conferences, and working as a strategic advisor to the International Positive Psychology Association.
Social Events
SOCIAL EVENTS
* Please note: This schedule is subject to change.
Download the mobile app closer to the Convention for the most updated information.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
5:30-6:30PM | President's Reception for Heads of School | Pool Deck
Special thanks to Balfour and to Carney, Sandoe & Associates for their contributions to this event and their support of FCIS. (by invitation for Heads of School only)
6:00PM | Administrators' Cocktail Supper | Regency AB, Hyatt Regency
The Administrators' Reception will take place in Regency AB in the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Administrators will enjoy conversation and hors d'oeuvres. The OIA International Tailgate will include: Warm Shallot and Stout Dip with Fresh Corn Chips; Avocado Dip with Gluten Free Multigrain Chips; Mini Patty Melts with Thousand Island Spread and Swiss Cheese; Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders with Pickled Onion on Cheddar Roll; Mini Black Bean Sliders; Classic Southern Style Cole Slaw; Potato Wedges Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Bacon and Chives; Warm Mini Pretzel Bites, Beer Cheese and Stout Mustard. A cash bar will be available. Special thanks to School Outfitters by Lands' End for their contribution to this event and their support of FCIS. Ticket required.
6:00PM | Admission Directors' Cocktail Supper | Continental Ballroom 1, Hyatt Regency
The Admission Directors' Reception will take place in Continental Ballroom 1 in the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Admission Directors will enjoy conversation and hors d'oeuvres. The OIA International Tailgate will include: Warm Shallot and Stout Dip with Fresh Corn Chips; Avocado Dip with Gluten Free Multigrain Chips; Mini Patty Melts with Thousand Island Spread and Swiss Cheese; Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders with Pickled Onion on Cheddar Roll; Mini Black Bean Sliders; Classic Southern Style Cole Slaw; Potato Wedges Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Bacon and Chives; Warm Mini Pretzel Bites, Beer Cheese and Stout Mustard. A cash bar will be available. Ticket required.
6:00PM | Business Officers' & CFOs' Cocktail Supper | Regency EF, Hyatt Regency
The Business Officers' & CFOs' Reception will take place in Regency EF in the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Business Officers & CFOs will enjoy conversation and hors d'oeuvres. The OIA International Tailgate will include: Warm Shallot and Stout Dip with Fresh Corn Chips; Avocado Dip with Gluten Free Multigrain Chips; Mini Patty Melts with Thousand Island Spread and Swiss Cheese; Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders with Pickled Onion on Cheddar Roll; Mini Black Bean Sliders; Classic Southern Style Cole Slaw; Potato Wedges Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Bacon and Chives; Warm Mini Pretzel Bites, Beer Cheese and Stout Mustard. A cash bar will be available. Special thanks to CliftonLarsonAllen LLC for their contribution to this event and their support of FCIS. Ticket required.
6:00PM | Technology Directors' Cocktail Supper | Continental Ballroom 3, Hyatt Regency
The Technology Directors' Reception will take place in Continental Ballroom 3 in the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Technology Directors will enjoy conversation and hors d'oeuvres. The OIA International Tailgate will include: Warm Shallot and Stout Dip with Fresh Corn Chips; Avocado Dip with Gluten Free Multigrain Chips; Mini Patty Melts with Thousand Island Spread and Swiss Cheese; Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders with Pickled Onion on Cheddar Roll; Mini Black Bean Sliders; Classic Southern Style Cole Slaw; Potato Wedges Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Bacon and Chives; Warm Mini Pretzel Bites, Beer Cheese and Stout Mustard. A cash bar will be available. Special thanks to i-Tech for their contribution to this event and their support of FCIS. Ticket required.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4
12:10-1:40PM | Administrators' Luncheon | Continental Ballrooms
Grilled Steak Salad: Strip Steak, Mixed Greens, Bleu Cheese, Tomatoes, Hard Boiled Egg, Sweet Onion Dressing, Fresh Pressed Croutons. Carrot Walnut Cake with whipped cream and pineapple compote. Freshly Brewed Iced Tea. Vegetarian, vegan and gluton-free option: Cannellini and Quinoa Fritter, Tomato Jam, Fresh Arugula Salad with Olive Oil and Lemon. (For vegetarian, vegan and gluton-free option, this must be indicated on registration form.) Ticket required.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5
7:15-8:15AM | Episcopal Schools' Gathering | Whova (Convention App)
Hosted by Saint Stephen's Episcopal School
Convention Advertisements
Please support the Convention and those who have dedicated so much time and effort by placing an electronic ad in the ad slideshow. During the Convention, this slideshow will be displayed at the Welcome & Keynote and at the Luncheon.
AD Information:
- DEADLINE TO SUBMIT AD: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021
- PRICE: $195 per ad
- To submit your ad: Use the button below to submit all ad artwork as a high-resolution JPG or PNG file. We will be using standard digital presentation slides, 1024 x 768, landscape orientation. If using an image prepared for print, resolution should be at least 300 dpi. Once received, the file will be sized to fill one slide of a PowerPoint slideshow.
- Payment must be received with ad submission in order to have the ad in the presentation.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR AD
If you have any questions regarding the ads, please contact Cindy Addison at caddison@fcis.org.
Payment must be received no later than Friday, October 15, 2021, in order for your ad to appear.
Refunds: All refund requests must be made in writing and emailed to kdanger@fcis.org. There is a $50 per ad processing fee through Friday, October 8, 2021, with no refunds after this date.
Thank you for placing an electronic advertisement to run during the 2021 FCIS Convention.
We appreciate your support!
Convention FAQs
CONVENTION FAQ's
- Whova Web and Mobile Apps | Attendee User Guide
- What do I do if I forget my username or password to access the Whova mobile and web apps?
- Do I need an invitation code to log into the Whova web and mobile apps
- What if I cannot get into a live virtual session on Whova?
- What do I do if I miss a live virtual session? Will it be recorded?
- What do I do if I have trouble with the live stream for a virtual session?
- What do I do if I need tech support for a live virtual session during the Convention?
- When will I be able to access the virtual session recordings after the Convention?
- How long will I have access to the virtual session recordings after the Convention?
- Can I access the exhibitor's profile page after the Convention?
- What is the Convention Cancellation Policy?
Whova Web and Mobile Apps | Attendee User Guide
What do I do if I forget my username or password to access the Whova mobile and web apps?
Do I need an invitation code to log into the Whova web and mobile apps
What if I cannot get into a live virtual session on Whova?
What do I do if I miss a live virtual session? Will it be recorded?
What do I do if I have trouble with the live stream for a virtual session?
If you are having trouble with the livestream, please try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Be sure that you are not connected to a VPN, which can block ports and/or limit bandwidth. If you are unable to turn off your VPN, try a personal device.
- Use the newest version of a modern web browser when you log onto the web app: Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. If you are unable to update or install these browsers, you can download the. mobile app onto your phone or tablet to access the livestreams.
- Check your network connection settings and make sure your Wi-Fi or cell service is working.
- Reduce the amount of applications competing for bandwidth on your computer or network. Quit all other apps, programs, and streaming.
If none of these solutions resolve the problem, contact your IT department.
You could also try to contact the FCIS office at fcis@fcis.org, but please know that the FCIS staff will be immersed in the Convention experience and may not have a chance to respond in a timely manner.