Young Agent Forum

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New York City is the place to be for the Big “I” young agents conference

By Ken White

New York, New York … the city so nice they named it twice. The Big Apple will soon host the Big I—specifically the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s 2005 Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference, September 9-11. Held in conjunction with the annual Big I Convention, this event gives young agents and brokers from across the country a chance to come together to network with peers and make contact with the leaders of the insurance industry. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn ways to strengthen their earning potential and improve their state young agents programs.

Hosted by the Big I National Young Agents Committee (YAC), this premiere young agents and brokers event kicks off on Friday, September 9, with a welcome reception—the first of several networking opportunities during the event for making valuable new contacts and catching up with “old” friends. Then it’s on to the Young Agents Awards Reception—the Oscars of the industry. High-profile guests include the Big I Executive Committee, State National Directors, industry executives and state YAC chairs. The suspense that blankets the room is almost palpable as the Big I president takes the stage to announce the winners. For all of the state Young Agents Committees that submitted entries for these national awards, this is the moment of truth. The hard work and dedication they’ve poured into their young agents programs over the last year is amazing, and it is quite a sight to see the pride on the faces of these young professionals as they are recognized on a national level for their achievements.

By the way, the Big I National YAC is currently accepting submissions in the following categories: Membership Development, Political Involvement, Young Agents Meeting, Communications and State YAC Project. Top honors will also be awarded to the 2005 Young Agents Committee of the Year and a YAC of the Year Runner-up will also be recognized. Deadline for 2005 submissions is July 1, and details are available through the Young Agents link at www.independentagent.com.

Saturday, September 10 begins with the Young Agents Breakfast & President’s Panel with Big I Leadership. The panel is an informal, candid, and often times humorous discussion with some of the most influential leaders in our industry. You’ll hear what’s happening from the people who are making it happen and also find out what’s coming down the pike in terms of solutions. The 2005 panel will feature: Big I President Tom Grau, Zurich North America Small Business CEO Ray Thomas, The Main Street America Group President/CEO Tom Van Berkel, The Citizens and Hanover Insurance Companies President Marita Zuraitis, and Central Insurance Companies President/Chairman of the Board Bill Purmort.

After you’ve had a chance to digest the details of the panel discussion, you’ll head to the sessions that give the Sales & Leadership Conference its name. These seminars are designed exclusively for young professionals and cover topics such as cutting-edge technology, innovative sales strategies, and effective leadership. You’ll walk away from these sessions energized and excited about all the new ways you’ll be able to build your business and strengthen your state’s young agents program.

And remember those seven “Oscar” winners from Friday night’s awards presentation? The state YAC leaders who won these awards will be the stars of The Magnificent Seven session on Saturday afternoon. The panel of winners will share the secrets to their successes. This is a very informal session where participants dictate the agenda. Whether your state committee is brand new, well established, or in the process of revitalizing, you’ll come away with valuable and useful information about how to improve your committee and strengthen your state association.

Your networking opportunities continue with the Big I Convention Opening Night Party and InVEST Silent Auction. When you register for the Sales & Leadership Conference, you are automatically registered for the Big I Convention at no additional cost. During this evening, you can also bid on great getaways, gems and jewelry, and gizmos and gadgets at the InVEST Silent Auction, which benefits this nonprofit educational trust endorsed and administered by the Big I. InVEST educates high school and community college students in insurance, financial services and risk management and encourages them to pursue careers in the industry. Proceeds from the auction support student scholarships which assist graduates in pursuing higher education with an emphasis on insurance. So stop by the auction—bid early and bid often—and help support this industry-strengthening program.

The Big I Convention, as the industry’s largest gathering of independent agents and brokers, offers you considerable opportunities for networking. The event also features vendor exhibits where you can learn about new technology and products available to you and your agency, as well as offering you more chances to network.

Sunday, September 11 begins with the Big I Opening General Session featuring a CEO panel moderated by Big I CEO Bob Rusbuldt. Then it’s on to the Young Agents luncheon where you’ll hear from more speakers regarding the top products and services available to help you get ahead of the competition. And we’ll conclude the afternoon at a Big I education workshop. The Sales & Leadership Conference will wrap up with Sunday evening’s closing cocktail reception. Here’s one final opportunity to exchange business cards with the contacts you’ve made during the event.

And although the Young Agents events conclude Sunday evening, make plans to stick around for more of the Big I Convention. On Monday, you’ll have the chance to participate in education workshops and earn CE, spend more time with vendors in the exhibit hall, and cap off the evening during the Closing General Session featuring keynote speaker Rudy Giuliani.

The National YAC Sales & Leadership Conference not only builds your business skills, it provides you with the opportunity to make contacts that will benefit you for the rest of your career. And registration to the Big I Convention at no additional cost is an opportunity you just can’t afford to pass up. Visit the Young Agents link at www.independentagent.com and register online.

New York. If you can make it here, we’ll help you make it anywhere. It’s up to you.… *

The author
Ken White, CIC, is the commercial lines producer and branch manager for F.A. Peabody Company’s Hampden, Maine, office. His involve-ment in the Maine Insurance Agents Association (MIAA) includes serving as chairperson of the Maine Young Agents Committee in 2000. In 2001, Ken was named the Swett & Crawford Young Agent of the Year. Since 2002, he has served as chairperson of the MIAA’s Education Committee. Active in his community, Ken is currently on the Hampden Water District Board of Trustees and is a member of the Hampden Juvenile Resolution Team, the Hampden Business Association, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, and the TDS Telephone Community Advisory Board. He has also been a volunteer at the summer and winter Special Olympics.