Young Agent Forum
Take a chance
Meeting in Las Vegas, young agents learn how to win big
By John Braut, CIC
Lights! Luck! Leadership! Join fellow Young Agents at the 2008 Young Agents Leadership Institute being held September 12-13, 2008, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Part of the 2008 Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference, this exciting event will be held in conjunction with the Big “I” Executive Committee and National Board of Directors meetings, as well as the Education Convocation.
The National Young Agents Committee is working diligently to bring attendees an outstanding program packed with valuable educational and networking opportunities that will strengthen established Young Agents programs and help programs that are revitalizing. This event is open to young agents holding leadership positions in their respective states and to young agents who want to expand their own leadership skills and knowledge of the insurance industry. We also encourage state association staff liaisons to attend to further build the relationship between the Big “I” staff liaisons and committee chairs.
The feature segment of this event is the “Magnificent Seven”—an interactive panel of the 2008 Young Agents Committee (YAC) award winners. Members of winning Young Agent committees will offer insight into how they implemented thriving membership development, political involvement, meeting, communications and state committee projects.
Other highlights include a Technology Forum where attendees will discuss the changing customer as well as issues and improvements within technology and the insurance industry. The Staff Liaison and State Committee Chairs Roundtable Discussion is a “meeting of the minds” to allow staff liaisons and committee chairs to discuss struggles and successes.
During the weekend, the National Young Agents Committee and National Big “I” staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance to attendees. Also on the schedule is a welcome reception, YAC Awards Reception with Big “I” Leadership, an evening networking event, motivational keynote speaker, and a presentation on a subject that any business owner or manager fears: “Small Business and the Risks of Personal Data Breach.” The Leadership Institute will conclude Saturday evening, September 13, with an evening at Margaritaville.
The National Young Agents Committee is currently accepting submissions for state awards in the following categories: Membership Development, Political Involvement, Young Agents Meeting, Communica-tions, and State Committee Project. These honors as well as the most coveted award—the Young Agent Committee of the Year and the Young Agent Committee of the Year Runner-Up will be announced during the Leadership Institute at the awards reception on Friday, September 12.
For more information about criteria for these awards, go to www.independentagent.com and click on the “Member Resources” tab on the top of the page. Click on “Young Agents,” then on “Resources.” Submissions must be sent to National Young Agents Program Manager Katie Cosgrove by July 1, 2008.
For more information on the 2008 Young Agents Leadership Institute, go to www.independentagent.com and click on “Events” for registration, schedule updates and hotel informa-tion. Don’t let this amazing educational and networking experience pass you by. On behalf of the National Young Agents Committee, we hope to see you in Vegas! *
The author
John Braut represents the Far West Region on the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee. Active in the Independent Insurance Agents of Montana, in 2002 he spearheaded the revitalization of the Montana Young Agents, serving as chairman until 2005. His other industry involvements include serving on the Montana Insurance Education Foundation board. John is with the Wolfe-Daniels Agency, Inc., in Scobey, Montana.
2007-2008 IIABA National Young Agents Committee
Committee Chairman and Mid-America Region Committee Member Far West Region: North Eastern Region: |