Impressions from the Front Lines

The first Big “I” combined National Legislative Conference & Convention is now history (see “A Monumental Event” page 58). I thought I would throw out some personal observations that might encourage you to attend the event next year.

First, allow me to say a few words about Washington, D.C. What an incredible place. It never stops changing. I have never seen so many construction cranes spread over a rather small area. Many of the new buildings are condominiums. People are moving back into the city. It certainly makes sense to be able to walk or take the Metro to work if you earn your keep in one of the massive government buildings. Flying into Washington is also an eye-opening experience as you see the extent of the megalopolis that stretches from Virginia into Maryland and Delaware. Incredible! No wonder the city has massive traffic problems. But for visitors, getting around in the city is fairly easy. The Metro subway system is easy to understand; it is clean and safe. Due to the spike in gas prices, the Metro had its largest ridership while we were in the city. And there is always plenty to do with all the museums and monuments. The eclectic selection of restaurants is very impressive. You can count on a great dining experience at any place you choose. It sounds like I work for the D.C. Visitors Bureau, but it really is a great city for a convention.

More than 1,650 agents attended the National Legislative Conference, our largest showing ever. The national Capitol Hill staff did a great job briefing our group on the issues currently in Congress affecting our business. We hosted a jam-packed reception in the Cannon House office building that many members of Congress and their staffs attended. The next day it was a rousing sight to see all the Big “I” name badges in the halls of the House and Senate. We got our message across! No other insurance organization comes close to the impact that the Big “I” has in Washington!

The convention program itself was terrific with our CEO, Bob Rusbuldt, moderating a very interesting panel of company executives. Their discussion covering everything from technology to natural disasters to regulation of our industry was excellent. Of course, my speech was the highlight of the gathering—nine minutes and 38 seconds of scintillating observations. Colin Powell spoke to a packed house. What a great American. Truly inspiring—I don’t know how we follow his act.

The exhibit hall was located at the Washington Convention Center. Visiting the exhibit hall was a steady stream of the more than 2,000 agents who attended the convention. The exhibit hall was very interesting, containing the usual exhibitors plus some new faces such as Sam’s Club and DHL. It made for good discussions and introductions. It was a great meeting, especially since it was our first in a combined setting. The national staff did an incredible job.

Other milestones emerged from the meeting. Trusted Choice® signed up several new members, pushing its total to 6,027 member agency locations. My goal of 6,000 was reached four months early! Congratulations to Jeff Myers and his team. Ron Smith has been an inspiration as the volunteer leader of Trusted Choice® and his board of volunteers and company representatives has been incredible. Now on to 7,000!

There is a reason for this meandering, stream of consciousness column. Mark your calendars now to attend the 2007 Big “I” National Legislative Conference & Convention. The event will be held in Washington, D.C. April 25 through 27, 2007. But we will be moving to the Marriott-Wardman Park Hotel. This impressive hotel, which has been through a renovation, is located near the National Zoo. The entire event will be held in the hotel. No long walks to the Convention Center! The exhibit area and meeting rooms are readily accessible. There is a Metro stop right by the hotel, which will provide convenient transportation to Capitol Hill and other D.C. destinations.

The National Legislative Conference & Convention provides agency principals and producers with valuable insight into how others are doing business across the country. I urge you to attend the meeting next year. See you there!

Bill Stiglitz
President