InsurEXPO25

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September 25 to 26, 2025 Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem
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About Speakers Schedule Registration Exhibitor Information Hotel Information FAQs

About the Event

Get ready for the can't-miss event of the year for North Carolina's independent insurance community — InsurEXPO25 is back September 25-26 in downtown Winston-Salem.

This is where the industry shows up. Over two action-packed days, you'll connect with 125+ leading carriers, vendors, and industry partners, explore the latest innovations transforming insurance, and gain insights to help you and your team level up.

Whether you're looking to discover new markets, strengthen carrier relationships, streamline your tech stack, or pick up practical strategies to grow your agency — InsurEXPO25 delivers it all.

💥 Big energy. Big opportunities. All in one place.
And the best part? It's FREE* for IIANC member agents!

Make it a priority — mark your calendar, rally your team, and get registered for InsurEXPO25 today!

*All IIANC member agents can attend InsurEXPO25 for FREE! Members will be charged a nominal fee of $50 upon registering. After attending the event, you will receive a $50 Amazon gift card to offset the cost of registration (sent via email approximately 2-3 weeks following the event). This is being done in an effort to reduce the number of "no shows" at the event - if you register and do not show up or do not cancel at least 10 business days before the event, you will forfeit the $50 fee that was initially paid. Offer applies to IIANC member agents only.
Contact Information

Allyson Knott, CMP

aknott@iianc.com

Event Speakers

Schedule

Expand each day below to explore the schedule. 
Thursday, September 25
9:00am
Registration Open


9:00am - 10:00am
The Morning Mingle: Coffee & Connections

Join us bright and early for Coffee & Connections—the official warm-up to InsurEXPO25. Grab your badge, enjoy some morning refreshments, and mingle with fellow attendees before the opening keynote. Whether you're here to reconnect or meet someone new, this is the place to start building energy, buzz, and relationships that last beyond the day. Don’t just arrive—arrive ready.


10:00am - 11:30am
Opening General Session - "Harnessing Headwinds: Sometimes You Have to Yield to Overcome"
Speaker: Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Retired)

What do you do when life grounds your plans? In this inspiring presentation, trailblazing fighter pilot and leadership expert Nicole Malachowski shares her deeply personal story of ambition, sudden illness, and resilience. She reminds us that failure, change, and even being broken are headwinds we all face — but they don’t have to stop us.

Nicole’s powerful insights will challenge you to turn into your own headwinds, find strength in yielding when necessary, and emerge stronger and more adaptable than ever. Get ready to rethink how you face obstacles and lead through life’s toughest challenges.
 

11:30am - 5:30pm
Networking Hall Open

🎉 The wait is over — the InsurEXPO25 Networking Hall is officially open for business (and fun)! 🎉

Get ready to explore a buzzing hub of 125+ exhibitors, each with tools, tech, and services that could be total game changers for your agency. Whether you’re scouting for fresh ideas, cool innovations, or just some good ol’ inspiration, this is the place to be.

And don’t forget to grab your game card! Every time you visit a booth and get a stamp, you’re one step closer to scoring one of our awesome prizes — including the $1,000 Grand Prize! More stamps = more chances to win, so get out there and start collecting!

Let the networking (and prize hunting) begin!


11:30am - 1:00pm
Networking Lunch with Exhibitors

Take a break, grab a plate, and keep the conversations going! This is your chance to refuel with fellow attendees and connect with exhibitors over a relaxed lunch featuring a taste of North Carolina’s signature BBQ.

Whether you're wrapping up a great morning or gearing up for a busy afternoon, this midday gathering is all about making meaningful connections in a casual setting. Find a seat, strike up a conversation, and enjoy good food and even better company.


1:15pm - 2:15pm
Optional Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: How Technology Impacts the Value of Your Agency
Speaker: Carey Wallace

Technology is changing the insurance landscape — but how is it changing the value of your agency? Join Carey Wallace for a candid look at the digital tools, data insights, and operational efficiencies that can drive (or drain) your agency’s worth. Learn what today’s buyers look for, how to make smart tech investments, and practical ways to align your technology strategy with your long-term goals. Walk away ready to leverage tech to build a stronger, more valuable agency.
Recommended for: Agency Owners/Principals
 

#2: Crafting a Winning Submission to Secure Competitive Quotes 
Speakers: Mari Fridenmaker and Josh Ammons

Join Mari Fridenmaker (IIANC) and Josh Ammons (Amwins) as they guide you through the essentials of compiling and presenting commercial risk submissions. This session covers essential topics such as gathering business and risk information, financial details, insurance history, and other specialized requirements based on the industry.  Mari and Josh will also emphasize the importance of providing a detailed narrative or "cover letter" with all pertinent information, and the critical role of communication and follow-up between the agent and broker or underwriter. Attend this session to enhance your skills and secure competitive quotes for your clients.
Recommended for: Account Managers and CSRs

#3: Hot Topics 
Speaker: Joe Stewart

Join IIANC Vice President of Governmental Affairs Joe Stewart for an interactive, fast-paced discussion on the most pressing issues facing the insurance industry today. From the evolving landscape of roof coverage and repair, to post-hurricane recovery efforts in Western NC, to increasing flood insurance adoption—Joe will break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could impact your agency. Plus, get the latest insights into shifts in the healthcare and health insurance marketplace. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and shape the conversation in real time—because when it comes to policy and politics, staying informed is everything.
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs

3:15pm - 4:15pm 
Optional Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: The Power of Networking 
Speaker: Mari Fridenmaker

Unlock the true potential of your professional connections in this engaging session designed to boost your networking confidence. You'll explore how networking can fuel career growth, learn where to find the best opportunities to connect, and discover strategies for building genuine relationships both inside and outside your agency. Plus, pick up practical tips for starting conversations, following up, and staying top-of-mind — without the awkwardness.
Recommended for: Account Managers and CSRs

#2: Becoming the Mayor of Your Town
Speaker: Heath Shearon

Want to stand out in a crowded market? In this dynamic session, Heath Shearon — the voice behind the popular Insurance Town Podcast — shares how to build a personal brand that makes you the go-to agent in your community. Discover practical tips to boost your visibility, grow trust, and become the “mayor” your clients turn to for all things insurance. Elevate your reputation, expand your reach, and watch your book of business thrive!
Recommended for: Producers


#3: SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
Speaker: Thomas Mann


4:15pm - 5:30pm
Networking Reception with Exhibitors

It’s your last chance to mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections before the Networking Hall closes its doors! Join us for a high-energy reception where great conversations and final visits with our 125+ exhibitors come together over light bites and drinks. Whether you're wrapping up new partnerships, collecting those last few game card stamps, or simply enjoying some downtime with peers, this closing reception is the perfect send-off to a productive and fun exhibit experience.


5:30pm
Networking Hall Closed / Exhibitor Teardown


5:30pm – 7:30pm
iPAC, IIANC Action Fund & InsurPac Contributor Reception (by invitation only)
Location: Foothills Brewery (634 West 4th St, Winston-Salem)

Invited to attend are all current contributors to iPAC, IIANC Action Fund, and InsurPAC for a reception with our six IIANC member state legislators at Foothills Brewery, just a short walk from the Benton Convention Center. Not an iPAC, IIANC Action Fund or InsurPAC contributor? Click HERE to make your
contribution!


6:00pm
Dinner on Your Own

After a full day of learning and networking, enjoy Winston-Salem’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene at your own pace. Gather with new connections or unwind solo — the city has plenty to offer just steps from the Expo venue.

Local Recommendations:

  • The Katharine Brasserie & Bar — Upscale French-American fare in the historic R.J. Reynolds building.
  • Foothills Brewpub — A local favorite for craft beer and casual bites.
  • Sixth & Vine — Relaxed wine bar with tapas and outdoor seating.
  • Mellow Mushroom — Funky, laid-back pizza spot great for groups.
  • Roar — A lively multi-level venue with food, bars, and duckpin bowling.
  • Incendiary Brewing — Craft beer and an outdoor courtyard in the cool Bailey Power Plant district.
  • Wise Man Brewing — Another excellent local brewery with a fun atmosphere.

Friday, September 26
7:30am - 8:30am
Networking Breakfast

Fuel up for another day of InsurEXPO with a hearty breakfast and even better company. This is your chance to swap ideas, share insights from yesterday, and make new connections before diving back into all the action. Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and keep the conversations — and opportunities — going strong!


8:30am - 9:00am
IIANC Annual Awards Celebration

Join us as we honor excellence across North Carolina’s independent insurance community. IIANC’s annual awards presentations celebrate the standout individuals and agencies who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service in our industry.


9:00am - 9:45am
101 Weston Labs Demo Day: The Future of Insurance Starts Here

Get a front-row seat to the future of insurance! The 101 Weston Labs Demo Day showcases the next generation of insurtech startups revolutionizing how agencies operate, connect, and grow. From AI-powered solutions to game-changing platforms, these hand-selected innovators are ready to pitch their breakthroughs live. Come discover what’s next—and leave inspired, informed, and fired up for what’s possible.
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs


10:00am - 11:00am
General Session: Out of Service! How Servant Leadership Fuels Agency Growth
Speaker: Heath Shearon

Join Heath Shearon, “The Mayor of Insurance Town,” for a high-energy keynote that flips the script on traditional sales-driven growth. Through personal stories, actionable strategies, and the proven power of servant leadership, Heath reveals how showing up for your clients, team, and community can drive real results. Learn how to build lasting relationships, add meaningful value, and lead proactively—because the best sales come out of service, not the other way around.
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs

PLUS - we'll be giving away the $1,000 Networking Hall Grand Prize during this session to one lucky agent, as well as several other fantastic prizes to random agents. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN


11:15am - 12:15pm
Breakout Sessions (choose one)

#1: From Overwhelmed to Organized
Speaker: Mari Fridenmaker

In today’s fast-paced world, staying on top of it all can feel impossible. This practical, empowering session will help you build daily routines that reduce stress, implement simple systems to boost productivity, and prioritize what matters most. You’ll also learn when and how to ask for help—so you can collaborate more effectively and stop carrying the weight alone.
Recommended for: Account Managers and CSRs

 

#2: Medicare Is Not Free
Speaker: Tammie D'Allura
 
Think Medicare is free? Think again. This course helps agents understand the true cost of Medicare and avoid costly surprises. We will break down what is covered—and what is not—across Parts A, B, D, and Medicare Advantage plans.
You will learn about:
• Monthly premiums and annual deductibles
• Copayments and coinsurance
• Late enrollment penalties
• Supplemental (Medigap) and prescription drug costs
• Common gaps in coverage and budgeting tips


#3: SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON
Speaker: TBD

 

Registration

Click here to register

Pricing (Independent Agents):

 

Agents are classified as those who are employed by independent insurance agencies in the state of North Carolina. Company representatives, vendors, and exhibitors are not eligible to register for these functions/pricing (even if they are licensed agents). 

 IIANC Member Agents   Non-Member Agents
Full Conference Registration         FREE*   $250
Thursday Day PassFREE*N/A
Friday Day PassFREE*N/A

 

*All IIANC member agents can attend InsurEXPO25 for FREE! Members will be charged a nominal fee of $50 upon registering. After attending the event, you will receive a $50 Amazon gift card to offset the cost of registration (sent via email approximately 2-3 weeks following the event). This is being done in an effort to reduce the number of "no shows" at the event - if you register and do not show up or do not cancel at least 10 business days before the event, you will forfeit the $50 fee that was initially paid. Offer applies to IIANC member agents only.

 

 

Pricing (Company Representatives):

 PARTNERSNon-PARTNERS
Networking Pass$450 ($475 after 8/22; $500 after 9/12)     $900 ($950 after 8/22; $1000 after 9/12)
Additional Company Rep.         $275 ($300 after 8/22; $325 after 9/12)$550 ($600 after 8/22; $650 after 9/12)

Exhibit Booth 

$1,000$2,000

 

Click here to purchase an exhibit booth space

 

Cancellation Policy

Notice of cancellation for individual attendee registrations for IIANC's InsurEXPO event must be submitted in writing to acruickshank@iianc.com. Refunds will only be given to cancellation requests received by close of business 10 business days prior to the event. Substitutions of attendees may be made in writing until five business days prior to the event. Any changes (including substitutions) made to an existing registration will incur a $25 processing fee. This cancellation policy will remain in effect in cases of inclement weather as long as the event/conference is not cancelled.

Exhibit booth cancellations received in writing by August 15, 2025 will be refunded minus a 50% processing fee. No refunds will be issued after this date. Send requests to aknott@iianc.com.

Exhibitor Information

IIANC’s InsurEXPO25 is the can’t-miss event for anyone looking to connect with independent agents across North Carolina. As the state’s largest insurance industry event—and one of the Southeast’s most dynamic trade shows—it features 125+ exhibitors and draws 400+ independent agents from across the region, with total attendance reaching over 800 industry professionals.

Whether your goal is to generate new leads, connect with current clients, or increase your company’s visibility, InsurEXPO25 puts your brand front and center. Even if you're not actively appointing new agencies, exhibiting is a powerful way to support and stay top-of-mind with the agents you already serve.

Reserve Your Exhibit Booth Now!
Exhibit booths for InsurEXPO25 are now available—but space is limited and expected to sell out. Don’t wait!

 

Questions? Contact Allyson Knott at aknott@iianc.com.


What’s Included With Your Booth
Each 8’x10’ exhibit space includes:

  • 8’ high back wall and 3’ side divider drape
  • Skirted 6’ table, two chairs, and wastebasket
  • 7"x44" booth identification sign
  • Registration for one company representative (additional reps must register separately)
  • Attendee roster (sent ~2 weeks before the event; contains name, agency/company, postal mailing address - DOES NOT contain email address or phone number)
Note: All materials must stay within the dimensions of your booth space unless pre-approved.

Additional Ways to Participate
Not exhibiting? You can still attend! Networking Passes are available for company reps to connect with agents and participate in the event. Additional attendees from your company can register at a reduced “Additional Company Representative” rate.

▶️ Click here to learn more about becoming an IIANC PARTNER and gain priority booth selection, discounted rates, access to the IIANC member directory, and more!

Networking Hall Schedule
Wednesday, September 24
• 2:00–5:00pm: Exhibitor Move-In Only

Thursday, September 25
• 8:00–9:30am: Final Set-Up
• 11:30am–5:30pm: Exhibit Hall Open
• 5:30pm: Booth teardown

⚠️ Please note: Early teardown without prior approval may affect eligibility for future IIANC events.

 

 

Exhibitor Essentials

Service Contractor
HOLLINS Exposition Services is the official contractor for InsurEXPO25. The exhibitor kit will be posted here soon for shipping, move-in/move-out info, and booth services.

Security
Exhibitors are responsible for the safety of their materials and property. IIANC and the Benton Convention Center are not liable for theft or damage.

Hospitality & Offsite Promotion
Hosting a hospitality suite or planning offsite promotions? These must be pre-approved by IIANC. Events may not conflict with official conference hours. For requests, contact aknott@iianc.com.

Cancellations
Cancellations received in writing by August 15, 2025 will be refunded minus a 50% processing fee. No refunds will be issued after this date. Send requests to aknott@iianc.com.

 


Hotel Information

Marriott Winston-Salem
425 N Cherry St. 
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

 

Our discounted group rate at the Marriott is $174/night. The rate will be available until August 25 or when the block fills, whichever occurs first.

Click here to make your reservation at the Marriott

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where and when is InsurEXPO25 being held?
A: InsurEXPO25 will take place September 25-25, 2025, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

Q: Who should attend InsurEXPO?
A: InsurEXPO is designed to benefit all agency roles. There is something for everyone at InsurEXPO - educational opportunities on a variety of topics, hours of networking time with 125+ companies and vendors, the chance to meet and share ideas with your peers from across the state, and so much more. 

Q: I am an IIANC member, but it is charging me $50 to register. I thought it was free?
A: All IIANC member agents can attend InsurEXPO25 for FREE! Members will be charged a nominal fee of $50 upon registering. After attending the event, you will receive a $50 Amazon gift card to offset the cost of registration (sent via email approximately 2-3 weeks following the event). This is being done in an effort to reduce the number of "no shows" at the event - if you register and do not show up or do not cancel at least 10 business days before the event, you will forfeit the $50 fee that was initially paid. Offer applies to IIANC member agents only.

Q: How do I reserve an exhibit booth?
A: Booths are available now but space is limited! Visit the Exhibitor Information page for details and to reserve your booth.

Q: I’m not exhibiting. Can I still attend as an industry representative?
A: Yes! If your company is not exhibiting, you may purchase a Networking Pass to attend. This gives you access to the exhibit hall and networking opportunities with attendees. Additional company representatives can register at a reduced rate.

Q: Which companies/vendors are exhibiting in the Networking Hall?
A: Click here to tour the exhibit hall map and learn more about the 125+ exhibiting companies and vendors.

Q: What is the dress code for InsurEXPO25?
A: Business casual attire is recommended for all conference activities. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater, as meeting room temperatures can vary.

Q: Where should I park for the event?
A: Parking is available in the Cherry-Marshall Parking Deck directly across from the Benton Convention Center (connected via covered walkway). Additional nearby decks and street parking are also available throughout downtown Winston-Salem. Standard hourly rates apply. Be sure to allow extra time for parking, especially during peak arrival hours.

Q: What meals are included with my registration?
A: The following meals are included:
Thursday: lunch, breaks (light refreshments and drinks), and a closing reception (appetizers and drinks)
Friday: breakfast, breaks