2025 Agency Leaders Executive Retreat

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March 16 to 19, 2025 Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
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About the Event

Step away from the day-to-day grind and into the serene luxury of the iconic Omni Grove Park Inn for the 2025 Agency Leaders Executive Retreat—an exclusive experience tailored for agency owners, principals, and rising leaders ready to shape the future of their organizations.

Immerse yourself in powerful insights from industry-leading experts as they tackle the most pressing issues facing agency leaders today. Connect with like-minded peers from across North Carolina in an intimate, collaborative environment designed to inspire growth, innovation, and fresh perspectives.

In addition to engaging sessions, you'll have ample time to relax, recharge, and rediscover Asheville’s charm. Whether you’re soaking up the views, indulging in the spa, or exploring the culinary delights, this retreat promises to balance professional development with personal renewal.

This year, your participation carries added significance as we come together to support the resilient communities of Western North Carolina, all while showcasing the strength of our industry and community. Following the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Asheville is open for business, vibrant as ever, and eager to welcome visitors back. Be part of the recovery story by enjoying all the beauty, culture, and hospitality this region has to offer.

We can’t wait to see you there!

For Vendors and Industry Partners
This is your chance to build meaningful relationships with agency decision-makers in a setting that fosters genuine connection. While there’s no trade show, this unique gathering offers unparalleled opportunities to network in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

Contact Information

Allyson Knott, CMP

aknott@iianc.com

Event Speakers

Schedule

Expand the date below to view the schedule/agenda. 
Sunday, March 16
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Welcome Networking Reception

6:00pm
Dinner on Your Own

Monday, March 17
7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast

8:30am - 9:45am
General Session - "Becoming Elite: A Playbook for Building a High Performance Team"
Speaker: Angus Reid
 
In both sports and business, talent and strategy are never enough. It’s the culture that is built and the daily habits that are enforced and repeated that separate elite groups from the rest. Having played on multiple Championship teams, Angus Reid knows what it takes to not just win, but to be elite. Speaking from real life experiences, Angus will walk you through the playbook of building an elite culture, the bedrock to creating a group that achieves at their maximum capacity. In this high-energy session, Angus will outline the following: 

  • Why be elite? The difference between winning and being elite
  • The 4 characteristics of an elite team
  • Clarifying and individually owning your team’s principles, purpose and mission
  • Intentionally building measurable trust
  • Improving communication for performance
  • Creating an environment where the best want to be and work together as effectively as possible

10:00am - 11:00am
Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: Family, Multiples, & Earnouts, Oh My!
Speaker: Carey Wallace

In this session we will provide an overview of the different structures for agency sales.  While many believe that you can apply a one-size-fits-all strategy to selling an agency the reality is that there is a vast difference between selling you agency internally, externally to another agency, or to a PE backed buyer. In this session, we will highlight the differences and help you know what to expect in each scenario.  We will provide examples of common sales structures, define the terms used in M&A deals and break down the components to consider in each type of sale.  The reality is every business owner will eventually sell or transition the ownership of their agency to another person, so it is important to understand the different options that are available to you in order to best position your agency, maximize your options, and plan for the future. 

#2: Navigating the Post-Election Landscape
Speaker: Joe Stewart

Join us for an in-depth analysis of the repercussions from recent federal and state elections. This session will explore key legislative and regulatory changes, shifts in policy priorities, and their broader impact on our industry. Gain valuable insights to help you navigate the evolving political landscape and prepare for what’s ahead.

#3: Productive Leadership: Strategies to Make the Noise Go Away
Speaker: Larry Linne

Leadership isn’t a solo act—it’s about building a structure that amplifies productivity and focus. In this hands-on workshop, leadership expert and author Larry Linne dives into the transformative strategies outlined in his book, Make the Noise Go Away – The Power of an Effective Second in Command. Discover how empowering a skilled second in command can eliminate distractions, enhance decision-making, and create a seamless leadership dynamic. Designed specifically for agency leaders, this session will help you identify the key traits of an effective second in command, delegate with confidence, and focus on driving your agency or book of business to new heights. Unlock the full potential of your leadership team and ensure your agency’s success!

11:15am - 12:15pm
General Session: Stacking Your Deck: Leveraging Culture, Creativity, and Innovation to Lead in a Complex World
Speaker: Wade Eyerly

In this engaging and thought-provoking session, Wade Eyerly, a dynamic innovator and entrepreneur, shares how unconventional strategies and signaling can propel you and your agency ahead in today’s competitive landscape. Discover why embracing misfits and outliers can be a game-changer, how cultivating the right culture is the key to sustainable success, and how to drive innovation even in the most heavily regulated industries. Packed with actionable insights and fresh perspectives, this session will inspire agency leaders to think differently, adapt boldly, and lead with purpose in an ever-evolving industry.

 

12:15pm
Lunch on Your Own / Optional Activities
Tuesday, March 18
8:00am - 9:00am
Breakfast

9:00am - 10:30am
General Session: Leading Performance: Unlocking the Potential of the Modern Workforce
Speaker: Larry Linne

Performance can’t be managed—it must be led. In this inspiring keynote, Larry Linne, renowned leadership expert and author of Leading Performance Because it Can’t be Managed – How to Lead the Modern Workforce, will challenge traditional approaches to performance management and offer a fresh perspective on how to lead effectively in today’s dynamic work environment. Larry will share proven strategies for fostering engagement, empowering teams, and driving exceptional results by focusing on leadership over control. This session will leave you with actionable insights to transform your approach to leadership and inspire your team to reach new levels of performance.

10:45am - 11:45am
Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: Unlocking Talent Potential with InsurAcademy
Speaker: Rebecca Shigley

Struggling to attract, hire, develop, and retain top talent? Discover how InsurAcademy, an exclusive career development and training benefit of your IIANC membership, can transform your agency’s workforce strategy. This session will showcase InsurAcademy’s innovative approach to building a strong talent pipeline, enhancing employee skills, and fostering long-term retention. Learn how to leverage this powerful resource to elevate your agency’s success and secure your team’s future.

#2: Building an Elite Culture: A Workshop with Angus Reid
Speaker: Angus Reid

Take a deeper dive into the principles of building an elite culture with Angus Reid in this interactive breakout session. Expanding on the foundations introduced in his keynote, Angus will guide participants through hands-on exercises and discussions designed to transform insights into actionable strategies.

This workshop will focus on:
  • Defining your team’s unique principles, purpose, and mission.
  • Developing personalized approaches to foster trust and communication.
  • Crafting a culture where top talent thrives and collaborates at the highest level.
Come prepared to engage, reflect, and leave with a customized playbook to elevate your team’s performance and culture to elite status. This session is perfect for leaders looking to bring Angus’s championship-winning insights to life within their own organizations.

11:45am - 1:15pm
Networking Lunch and General Session: 2025 Outlook  - Inside our Crystal Ball 
Speaker: Carey Wallace

In this session we will take a look at the top trends impacting the insurance industry.  We will look at the trend data to predict how each of these trends will impact the Independent Agency channel as a whole.  There has been a great deal of M&A activity in all areas of the industry including PE backed brokers, networks, Insurtech companies and agencies – what impact is this having on the everyday agency?  Is the independent insurance agency in trouble? What is driving the surge in new agency startups? We will explore what all of these factors mean for the future of the Independent Agency System.  

1:30pm - 2:30pm
Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: Mastering ChatGPT: The Art of Effective Prompt Writing 
Speaker: Aubie Knight

Unlock the full potential of ChatGPT in your professional and personal projects with our comprehensive breakout session on prompt writing. This one-hour session will guide you through the essential techniques for crafting effective prompts, ensuring you get the most accurate and useful responses from ChatGPT.

In this interactive session, we will delve into the art of prompt writing by exploring various strategies, such as asking ChatGPT to assume specific roles, giving precise tasks, and providing the necessary context. You will learn how to offer examples and clarify the expected output, as well as how to refine and modify results to better meet your needs. Whether you are new to ChatGPT or looking to enhance your skills, this session will equip you with practical tips and hands-on experience to become proficient in prompt writing.

#2: Creating Capacity through Technology 
Speaker: Thomas Mann

We all know that agencies are being asked to do more with less, especially in this hard market environment.  In this session we will highlight the ways that current technology solutions are designed to reduce the stress on your staff and create capacity, efficiency and profitability inside your agency. We will walk you through several examples of how technology can reduce the work that needs to be completed by the people in your agency.   We will provide cost, usage and time estimates in each example using real agency examples and demonstrate the powerful impact technology can have on your staff, customer experience and the overall value of your agency. 

#3: Finding the Perfect Fit: Leveraging Assessments in Recruitment
Speaker: Jason Sabo

In this session, Jason will guide you through using tools like the Wonderlic Selection Test and other assessments to streamline your recruitment process and ensure you're hiring the right fit for your agency roles. Learn how to evaluate candidates beyond their resumes, gain insights into their skills and potential, and make data-driven hiring decisions that align with your agency’s needs and culture. Elevate your recruitment strategy and build a team poised for success.


 
6:00pm - 10:00pm
An Evening of Elegance and Entertainment: Dinner with Sean Bott, Mentalist Extraordinaire

Get ready to step out in style for a night of fine dining, laughter, and wonder at this year’s dinner function. Embrace the opportunity to dress to impress and enjoy an elegant evening surrounded by peers and friends.

The highlight of the night? The incomparable Sean Bott, a master mentalist known for his mesmerizing performances and sharp wit. Prepare to be amazed as Sean blends humor, charm, and mind-bending feats that will leave you in awe.

This is your chance to relax, indulge, and enjoy a truly special evening designed to celebrate, entertain, and connect. So put on your best attire and join us for a night to remember!

Registration

Click here to register

Pricing (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$349$699
Spouse / Guest*$249$249

*personal spouse/guest only - cannot be a co-worker or agency employee

 

Pricing (Company Representatives):

PARTNERS          Non-PARTNERS
Networking Pass$549$1099
Spouse / Guest*$249$249
*personal spouse/guest only - cannot be a co-worker or company employee

Cancellation Policy
Notice of cancellation for individual registrations for IIANC's Agency Leaders Executive Retreat 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.
Omni Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Ave.

Asheville, NC 28804

 

Serving guests for over a century, The Omni Grove Park Inn welcomes you with a tradition of southern hospitality amidst the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Relax in the unique subterranean spa with an indoor pool or enjoy a round of championship golf on their Donald Ross-designed course. When it’s time to dine, enjoy one of four locally-sourced restaurants. Then, retreat to stylish 5 star hotel rooms with stunning views and plush bedding. We know you’ll enjoy the classic comfort and modern convenience of this amazing resort.

Our room block at the Omni Grove Park Inn is sold out. There is still some availability outside of the block, but the rates will be higher. Here are some other suggested nearby hotels (you will need to contact each for their current availability and rates):