Rio Reinvent Your World in Color Qualification Requirements 2017 Bankers Fidelity® Sales Leaders Conference March 26–31, 2017 CON QSB 4649 2017 (12-15) Reinvent Your World in Color Greetings from the Cidade Maravihosa, or the Marvelous City, as Rio is known in Brazil. Rio is famed for its colorful carioca spirit—a name the city endearingly calls its residents. It represents a feeling of spontaneity, good nature, and a desire to live one’s life in full color. With its year-round tropical climate, golden shimmering beaches, and kaleidoscopic landscapes, the Cidade Maravihosa invites you to engage all your senses— and practice the fine art of the party. Considered the cradle of samba music, and of course, Carnival— the most infamous street party in the world, Rio possesses a rhythm all its own. A euphoric place where the world comes to dance, sing, and relax by the ocean awaits your qualification for this unforgettable trip to the bright heart of Brazil. Belmond Copacabana Palace This glamorous landmark is among the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro Since its Art Deco doors swung open in 1923, Belmond Copacabana Palace has been attracting eminent and fascinating people from around the world. With one of the city’s largest and most breath- taking pools, expect to sunbathe near a team of pool assistants available to cater to your every request, from fresh towels to cool drinks. Tennis courts, beach services, spas, boutiques, and fine restaurants mark the hotel as THE renowned spot to see and be seen in Rio. Carnival The Rio Carnival began in the 1840s, brought over by the city’s Parisian bourgeoisie as a rather sedate masked ball, where people would host masquerade parties and spend the evening dancing polkas and waltzes. By 1917, the newly invented Brazilian dance called “samba” had become an integral part of the celebration as African and Amerindian cultures slowly infiltrated the mainstream. After months of preparation, Carnival begins with the crowning of King Momo (the Fat King), who is given the silver and gold key to the city. This signifies the symbolic reversal of Rio’s strict social roles; aristocrats transformed into commoners, gypsies and slaves became royalty, and all differences are forgotten for the duration of the festival. Today, more than half a million tourists pour into Brazil each year to celebrate alongside millions of the city’s carioca. Samba Schools No one knows exactly where the word originated, but one theory suggests it evolved from the word semba, a form of ritualistic music brought over by Afro-Brazilian slaves. It loosely means a cry, a lament, or something like the blues. It translates as “a blow struck with the belly but- ton.” It was meant as a form of prayer, an invocation of ancestors, and was eventually adopted by the city’s work- ing poor who developed their own unique style of music, rhythm, and dance. The samba schools are exclusive social clubs representing the numerous working class communities known as favelas. Each year they choose themes, write lyrics, build floats, and spend months preparing to embody their neighborhoods in one of the most vital and extraordinary elements of Rio Carnival. 2016 Olympics August 5–21, 2016 In 2009, Rio won its bid to host the games of the XXXI Olympics in the summer of 2016. It is the first time that the Olympic Games will take place in a South American country, and Rio plans to stage all the competitions inside the city. Inspired by the rich landscapes of Rio and Brazil— full of the sinuous curves of mountains, rivers and lakes— the city’s best-loved icons, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado, will all take part in the celebration. Rio Skyline Sugar Loaf or Pão de Açúcar Take in a 360° view of the Cidade Maravilhosa from the peak of Sugar Loaf. Legend lends the summit its name since the mountain is shaped like a traditional loaf of refined sugar. Two cable cars lead you upwards amidst exquisite natural beauty, with a stop half-way (at 220 meters) to Morro da Urca with its own unique views, tastes, and sights. At the top, the pristine city skyline unfolds in full color beneath you, with Corcovado mountain and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) off to the west, and Copacabana Beach to the south. Christ the Redeemer or Cristo Redentor Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, we invite you to open your mind, body, and spirit to Rio’s most iconic landmark. French sculptor Paul Landowski erected the 130 feet high monument—the largest Art Deco statue in the world—in order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Brazil’s 1822 independence from Portugal. The statue, with arms extending nearly 92 feet from fingertip to fingertip, sits 710 meters above sea level on top of the Corcovado Mountain. The striking views from the top seem to embrace the entirety of Rio’s breathtaking, spectacular disorder. Taking the train to the top through Tijuca National Park, one of the world’s largest urban forests, only adds to the experience. A tropical reserve where waterfalls tumble and butterflies flit through dense, verdant forest, Corcovado Mountain stretches 2310 feet up to the sky. Beaches Praia de Copacabana All the beauty of Brazil begins here: the 2.5 mile stretch of glistening sands, the people, and cool, clear waters all epitomize this world famous beach. Catch a massage as the sea mist and sun kisses your skin. Sip rich coconut milk or açaí straight from the source. The kinetic, winding, hand- tiled promenade lining the street sets the tone for the tropical-modern feel of a life well-lived. Praia de Ipanema To know Ipanema is to know Rio. A beautiful beachfront that refuses to take itself seriously, Ipanema is known for its clean, soft sands, iridescent waters, and laid-back attitude. A cultural blend of locals and visitors, this is the beach that sways like the samba itself. At sunset, you can lean back, inhale the gentle ocean breeze, and watch the lights of the hills twinkle and dance before your eyes. History Named mistakenly by the Portuguese explorer, Gaspar de Lemos, Rio de Janeiro means “River of January”, although there is no actual river in the city. After Napoleon invaded Portugal, the Royal Family moved to Brazil and made Rio capital of the Kingdom, making it the only city out- side Europe to be capital of a European country. Rio possesses the world’s largest urban forest— Tijuca National Park. Brazil has won 108 gold medals in the Olympics since it first competed in 1920 in Antwerp, more than half of them in volleyball, sailing, and judo. The stars on the flag of Brazil represent the sky over Rio on the night of November 15, 1889, the date of the proclamation of the Brazilian republic. Pre-Trip/Prefácio Upgrade your time in Rio with our special Prefácio trip (March 24-26, 2017) available to the 20 elite agents who qualify. Hotel Fasano Located on Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Ipanema Beach, this highly coveted boutique hotel pays homage to the golden age of bossa nova and is the first Philippe Starck design in all of Brazil. From the heated rooftop pool and bar overlook- ing the best sunsets in Rio to the elegant, modern design and décor, this hotel has been described as a little piece of heaven. Distinctly Brazilian materials are mixed with Grecian marble, 19th-century Argentinean brick, and Chinese onyx for a sophisticated blend of past and present. The guest rooms have Sergio Rodrigues furnishings and come with private balconies affording sweeping views. Let the Hotel Fasano’s impeccable service and impossible views infuse your state of mind with wonder. Rio Reinvent Your World in Color ® Bankers Fidelity Sales Leaders Conference • Rio • March 26-31, 2017 Sponsored by Atlantic American Corporation ©2016 Atlantic American Corp. CON QSB 4649 2017 (12-15).