The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas’ annual convention set for June 14 and 15 has a new look this year. This year’s event, at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, will be a jam-packed two days of continuing education workshops, one-on-one consultation sessions, a huge trade show and the always-popular golf tournament.
The convention will end on a high note with the presentation of the Drex Foreman Award to an outstanding agent.
Thursday: Focus on Sales and Young Agents
9:45: Concurrent workshops “Top Ten Deal Closers You Can Use Tomorrow”: Chris Amrhein, AAI from Lorton, Va., Amrhein will share 10 ways to close deals without tricks, deception or the lowest price.
“Gizmos, Gadgets and Cool Tools”: Steve Anderson of steveanderson.com, Inc., Franklin, Tenn., will guide agents through an exploration of how new technologies are revolutionizing the way agents do business.
11:30-1:15: Luncheon “The Superman Complex”. W. R. “Max” Carey Jr., a successful college athlete, Vietnam vet and entrepreneur, shares life lessons in balance and hard work.
1:30-4:15: Four workshops “The Five (Manageable) Sales Truths” (1:30-3): Max Carey, a specialist at helping salespeople identify the value of what they offer the customer, will share his five sales truths.
“Personal Financial Planning” (1:30-3): Certified financial planner Dave Evans from the Independent Insurance Agents Association headquarters, Alexandria, Va., will show how to maximize income and assess savings plans from college funds to new IRAs.
“Fire, Monkeys and Bananas: Marketing for Young Agents” (3:15-4:30): Andy Thompson of the Thompson Group, Parker City, Ind., grew a small agency into a regional marketing force by thinking out of the box.
“PEOs: How Agents Are Getting Involved” (3:15-4:30; filed for 1 CE credit): A panel of agents and professional employer organization managers will explore all aspects of PEO sales and management.
Young agents will also want to attend Thursday’s reception for young agents, first timers and small and rural agents before the Exhibit Hall Welcome Party. Afterward, they can round out their evening with a relaxing riverboat cruise just for young agents.
Friday: Workshops & More “Negotiating the Turn Toward Profitability” (9-10:15 Friday; filed for 1 CE credit): Panel of experienced company leaders will explore changing markets and their strategies for returning to profitability. Panelists include W. Cloyce Anders of IIAA; Dan Carmichael, CPCU, president and CEO of the Ohio Casualty Group; Don Hurzeler Jr., CPCU, CLU, president and CEO of Zurich Middle Markets; Mike McGavick, president and CEO of SAFECO.
“Legislative Update” (1:30-2:30 Friday; filed for 1 CE credit): A distinguished group of panelists will analyze the 77th Texas legislative session. New licensing and privacy laws should be in place, workers’ compensation changes will be agreed upon and new requirements imposed on the industry will be finalized. Panelists include Rep. Kim Brimer, R-Arlington and Don Hanson, Texas Dep. of Insurance, Austin. Moderator will be Bo Gilbert, CPCU, IIAT Director of Governmental Affairs, Austin.
“Small Agency Round Tables: Best Practices” (1:30-2:30 Friday; filed for 1 CE credit): Small and rural agents will share solutions unique to agencies of their size and location at round table discussions facilitated by members of IIAT’s Small and Rural Agencies Committee.
“Credit Scoring: Underwriting Tool or Hard Market Weapon?” (2:45-4:15 Friday; filed for 1.5 CE credits): A company representative, an agent, a consumer activist and a credit scoring specialist will separate fact from rumor in this controversial practice.
“Sick Property: Mold, Dirty Air and Construction Defects in Texas” (2:45-4:15 Friday; filed for 1.5 CE credits): Panel of attorneys and company representatives will explore the rising tide of claims involving perils that were never dreamed of 20 years ago.
CSR Day
10:15: CSRs can visit the convention’s trade show.
Noon-1:30: Luncheon Nathan McCray of Impact Presentations in Killeen with “You Can’t Spell Customer Service Without U and I.”
More Convention Highlights
3-4:40 Friday: Market Connection Round Tables Agents may meet with up to five company representatives in a small-group format to learn what type of agent, mix of business and territories those companies are seeking. Tickets required.
2-5 Thursday & 9-11:40 Friday: Ask the Experts Agents can consult with an industry expert in a free 20-minute session with one of the following:
Agency Operations & Sales Management: Chris Amrhein, AAI, Lorton, Va.
Automation Management: Steve Anderson, steveanderson.com, Inc., Franklin, Tenn.
Retirement and Financial Planning: Dave Evans, CFP, IIAA, Alexandria, Va.
“Ask the Experts” is open only to agents registered for the full convention by
May 1.
Noon-1:15 Friday: Luncheon A top newsmaker will examine issues of importance to all Texans at the Wade F. Spilman Political Action/Officer Installation. The luncheon honors the memory of longtime IIAT counsel Wade Spilman, who passed away in 2000. New officers for 2001-2002 will be installed.
A Bigger and Better Trade Show
More than 140 insurance companies, agency automation vendors, adjusting firms, surplus lines agencies and premium finance companies will display the latest products and services. Trade show hours are Thursday—2 to 7 and Friday—10:15 to noon and 1:30-2:45. For a preview of exhibiting companies, check out the exhibitor listing at www.iiat.org.
The Social Whirl
7:30-1:30 Thursday: IIAT golf tournament gets into the swing at Canyon Springs Golf Club, one of the newest and finest golf courses in the Southwest. The tournament fills up quickly, so register today if you want to play.
5:15-7 Thursday: Exhibit Hall Welcome Party.
6-10:30: Drex Foreman Dinner & Dance Featuring the Drex Foreman Award, recognizing an IIAT member for his or her outstanding contributions to the industry and community. Dance to tunes of Calvacade, one of Dallas’ top bands. Top off the evening at the Coffee and Cordials Party.
Grand Prize Drawing
One lucky agent will win a design-your-own trip for two in the annual grand prize drawing. The winner will be announced at Friday’s Drex Foreman Dinner & Dance and must be present to win.
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