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Young Agent Forum Young agent leadership development Big “I” conference targets young insurance professionals By Ashley Brady This coming fall, sunny Southern California will be “the place” for young agents to gather. Specifically, San Diego is “the city” for the 2007 Young Agents Leadership Institute, September 28-30, sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). The conference will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in conjunction with the Big “I” Executive Committee and National Board of State Directors meetings, as well as the Education Convocation. The Young Agents Leadership Institute provides valuable educational and networking opportunities for young agents and brokers from across the country. “Last year was the first time that the conference had been held apart from the Big ‘I’ annual convention (which is now part of the National Legislative Conference & Convention),” explains IIABA Young Agents Program Manager Katie Cosgrove. “We changed the structure of the conference somewhat, adding specific tracks to target the needs of various levels of experience. We got a lot of positive feedback about the program, so we’re improving on the same topics as well as adding a technology panel to the program,” she says. “This panel includes representatives from Applied Systems, Artizan Internet Services and ACORD. This informative panel discussion will provide important insight on advances in agency automation. “Our goal is to develop individual leadership skills that will prepare young agents of today to be insurance leaders of tomorrow,” Katie continues. To that end, the Institute features breakout sessions on membership development, communications, and political involvement with practical information that attendees can take back to their state associations to improve their young agents committees—or start one. There will also be networking opportunities with Big “I” leadership and company partners during the various events. The Young Agent Leadership Institute has something for everyone—novice young agents and brokers who want to expand their technical knowledge and gain leadership skills as well as more experienced agents who hold a leadership position on a state young agent committee. One of the highlights of this annual conference is the honoring of outstanding state committees. The National Young Agents Committee is currently accepting submissions for awards in the following categories: Membership Development, Political Involvement, Young Agents Meeting, Communications, and State Committee Project. These awards as well as the most coveted awards—the Young Agent Committee of the Year and the Young Agent Committee of the Year Runner-Up—will be announced during the conference at the awards reception on Friday, September 28. For more information about the criteria for each category, visit the Young Agents link at www.independentagent.com. Submissions need to be received by Katie Cosgrove, National Young Agents program manager, by July 1, 2007. One of the National Young Agents Committee’s goals is to offer fun events to help young agents get to know each other, Big “I” representatives and company leaders. In addition to the awards reception on Friday, an outstanding event with a San Diego flair is planned for Saturday, September 30. Make your plans now to attend the 2007 Young Agents Leadership Institute! Visit www.independentagent.com for more details about the Young Agents Leadership Institute conference, including registration form and a link to the Manchester Grand Hyatt (www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com) in sunny San Diego, California. *
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