Combined Event Means Double the Benefits

You’ve got to love March. In like a lion, out like a lamb and all that good stuff. Some days we can actually fit in a little golf in Kentucky! And March Madness is the best basketball in the world. College hoops are great even if your teams don’t make the tournament. Of course, there also are the first signs of buds on trees. But put all that aside this month to plan your trip to the Big “I” National Legislative Conference & Convention, April 26 through 29, in Washington, D.C. Note that the convention is moving to April to coincide with the popular legislative conference.

Big “I” members have an incredible opportunity to learn about the issues affecting us as agents that will be in front of Congress during this session and in the future. Attendees visit congressmen and senators on Capitol Hill and spend time with them in a social setting at a Capitol Hill reception. On Wednesday, April 26, plan on attending an issues briefing and the reception. Thursday, April 27, opens with an informative breakfast featuring an influential member of Congress. Agents then hit the hill for meetings with representatives. Check with your state executive for an appointment schedule.

The convention kicks off Thursday night with an opening party held in the exhibit hall. Friday’s schedule begins bright and early, with a workshop led by ACT Chairman Robert Slocum and ACT Executive Director Jeff Yates on 2006’s key technology and workflow issues.

Later that day, join David Maurstad, acting FEMA director and head of the National Flood Insurance Program, at the workshop “Bridge Over Troubled Waters: How to Sell and Service Flood Insurance.” Maurstad will discuss the new NFIP education program and answer questions about reforming the flood program. Also during the session, Larry Palmer will review the new Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 CE educational training requirements and will walk you through program statistics, market potential, policy provisions, coverage, definitions and E&O concerns.

In the afternoon, Big “I” CEO Robert Rusbuldt hosts the ever-popular CEO Panel, featuring CEOs from several top independent agent carriers. Following the CEO Panel is the highlight of the National Legislative Conference & Convention, my talk on the state of the IIABA. Next up is former Gen. Colin Powell, USA (Ret.), who has the unpleasant duty of following my inspiring speech. We are privileged that he will address our group.

Saturday, join Karen Rutherford and the Best Practices team to learn how to protect your agency in the face of a disaster. Did you know that 85% of companies who do not have a recovery plan fail after a crisis interrupts their businesses? Your agency may have excellent business interruption insurance, but with no disaster recovery plan, it is nearly impossible to climb back on top.

Now here is the great thing: You get all this, the National Big “I” Legislative Conference & Convention, for the low registration fee of $269. A one-day pass also is available for $129. For more details, go to www.independent agent.com.

Why attend? First, you will feel how vibrant and alive our business is. You will meet and network with exhibitors, company representatives and fellow agents, face to face! Second, it’s a great excuse to visit the nation’s capitol. Extend your visit through the weekend and see the sights of Washington in the springtime. Third, what you learn will enable you to run your agency more efficiently and plan for the future.

This is the first Big “I” Convention that will be held in conjunction with the NLC in Washington in the spring. We designed it so that you have very little time out of your office. Every year, we hear how much attendees enjoy both the convention and NLC—and how much they get out of attending the events. We need participation from agency owners, producers and other employees. Why not give away a trip to the convention as a reward or incentive to your employees? Their experiences, and the knowledge they gain, are well worth your investment.

Please join your fellow Big “I” members as we celebrate the 102nd year of representing agents. There is no substitute for face-to-face interaction and observation. I look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C.

Bill Stiglitz
President