Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence in 2008
2008 Annual Meeting - A Great Success
Thank you to all those who attended the 2008 Annual Meeting! Members may download the 2008 Annual Meeting presentations as a reference to the great content shared while in Miami Beach. Read the 2008 Annual Meeting wrap-up article and browse the photo gallery for some of this year's highlights.
The 2008 Annual Meeting celebrated members like never before, kicking off the Forum's 35th anniversary year with a special gala and a commemorative DVD for members only. The one thing that holds true and remains the strongest force at the Annual Meeting is the Forum's founding principle – sharing.
1973 was a monumental year in many regards:
- U.S. involvement in Vietnam War ends...
- Richard M. Nixon claims "I am not a crook"...
- New York Yankees purchased by George Steinbrenner and company...
- And The International Forum was founded!
The History
The International Forum was founded in 1973 as the Five Million Dollar Forum by a group of like-minded, successful individuals who felt that existing trade organizations did not address the specific needs of their advanced audience. Gerald D. Gallop, CLU, ChFC, CFP, who led the charge, was voted the first organization president in 1974 and is still an active member today.
The first Annual Meeting took place in 1974 to provide an open exchange of diverse ideas and expertise. Holding true to its founding principles, the Five Million Dollar Forum exists today as The International Forum, an independent, member-driven organization of top financial services professionals.
Click here to read the list of the pioneers who built The International Forum.
Forum Presidents
There have been 34 Forum presidents since the founding in 1973. Starting with Gerald D. Gallop, CLU, ChFC, CFP, presidents have maintained the Forum mission and helped to foster continuous growth within the organization. Thank you to all presidents for their time and dedication to The International Forum.
