Big ‘I’ to Offer Continuing Ed Courses in Orlando

For individuals needing continuing education (CE) credits to meet their state’s insurance licensing requirements, then the 2004 Big “I” Convention this October at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel near Orlando is the place to be.

During the Big “I” showcase event from Oct. 9-12, attendees can earn CE credits by taking courses covering a variety of subjects ranging from alternative distribution channels to disaster mitigation. Attendees can earn a total of 11 CE credits at the 2004 Big “I” Convention once all state departments of insurance approvals are secured.

“The continuing education courses at this year’s Big ‘I’ Convention will help independent agents and brokers build their base of insurance knowledge so that they can better meet the needs of their clients and succeed in the competitive insurance market,” Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of education and research, said.

Independent agents, agency owners and managers, brokers, and other insurance professionals are encouraged to attend the classes, which begin Oct. 10 and run through Oct. 12.

A sampling of some of the continuing education courses that will be available include:

* Big “I” Virtual University (VU) Top 20 Countdown—This course uses a musical theme to present the Top 20 questions submitted to the VU “Ask an Expert” service and as well as the answers to those questions.
* The New Game of Insurance Distribution—This course will cover new rules of service; five issues insurers cannot overcome; popular myths about the insurance industry; and other topics.
* E&O Certification Program—This course will cover striking a balance between minimizing E&O loss exposures and maintaining high levels of agency performance.
* FEMA/NFIP Disaster Mitigation Certification Workshop—This course offers expert instruction on aiding and advising clients in the event of a disaster.
* How to Work with an E&S Broker—This course will cover how Lloyd’s of London works; binding brokerage business; how losses are handled in the E&S market; providing information to allow accurate pricing of the risk by the E&S carrier; and other topics.

Courses will be taught by Big “I” staff and other education leaders in the insurance industry. Course instructors include Bill Wilson, Chris Amrhein, Howard Candage, Jay Williams, and David Thompson. Classes and materials are included in the cost of registration for the Big “I” Convention.

The event falls on the three-day Columbus Day holiday weekend which allows agents and brokers with pre-school and school-aged children to mix business with a mini-vacation that offers children of all ages opportunities for family fun and relaxation. The convention hotel—the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel—is located on the Disney World property and is minutes from Epcot Center, the Magic Kingdom, Disney golf courses and many other family attractions in the Orlando area.

Convention attendees can also register for the Best Practices Business Symposium, taking place during the Big “I” convention Oct. 10 and 11. The symposium is an intensive program of group events, networking opportunities and informative workshops designed to give agency owners and their management staff the tools and expertise to attain their agencies’ business and sales goals.

Additionally, agents and brokers also can register to attend the Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference. The conference, which precedes the Big “I” Convention Oct. 8 through 10, features sessions designed exclusively for young agents including sales training and skills sessions.

For more information about the CE courses, contact Jennifer Becker, Big “I” education program manager, at (800) 221-7917 or jennifer.becker@iiaba.net. For more information about the convention, Best Practices Business Symposium and the Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference, go to www.independentagent.com and select “Events and Conferences.”

Topics Agencies Training Development Market