InsurEXPO24

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September 19 to 20, 2024 Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem

About Speakers Schedule Registration Exhibitor Information Hotel Information FAQs

About the Event

**Online registration is now CLOSED. On-site registration will be available at the event for anyone who still wants to attend.

Join us in downtown Winston-Salem on September 19-20 for the premier gathering of North Carolina's dynamic independent insurance agent community! Get ready to ignite ideas, expand your network, elevate your expertise, and embrace innovation at InsurEXPO24, the largest industry conference and trade show in the state.

InsurEXPO24 promises a can't-miss experience, boasting a vibrant trade show featuring 125+ leading companies and vendors. Whether you're seeking to strengthen existing carrier partnerships, uncover new markets, or dive into cutting-edge agency technology, InsurEXPO24 is the ultimate annual conference for all agency roles. Best of all, it's FREE* for IIANC member agents!

Don't let this opportunity pass you by—mark your calendars and secure your spot at InsurEXPO24 today!

*All IIANC member agents can attend InsurEXPO24 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 date below to view the full schedule.

Wednesday, September 18

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Exhibitor Setup

*Networking Hall closed*

Thursday, September 19

8:00am - 9:30am

Exhibitor Setup

*Networking Hall closed*

9:30am - 5:30pm

Agent Registration Open

10:00am - 11:30am

Opening General Session - "Never Give Up, Never Quit!"

Speaker: Travis Mills

Be prepared to laugh, cry, laugh some more, and stand up and cheer while listening to Travis Mills share his astonishing story of survival and unending service to his country and his fellow man. One of only five quadruple amputees from the war in Iraq/Afghanistan, Travis is the NY Times Best-Selling Author of ‘Tough As They Come’ and one of the most critically acclaimed inspirational speakers in the world.

A master of the one-liner, Travis’ infectious humor turns his remarkable story of resilience and overcoming adversity into the highlight of any meeting, conference or convention. As the founders of The Travis Mills Foundation, Travis and his wife Kelsey continue to serve hundreds of other injured service men and woman, and their families, each year.

“That bomb took my arms and it took my legs, I can’t change that. But it was up to me to decide if it would also take my spirit. It was up to me to decide to get back up, to never quit…and that is what I choose to do, every day.” – Travis Mills

11:30am - 5:30pm

Networking Hall Open

It's time to officially open the doors of the InsurEXPO24 Networking Hall! This is your chance to visit with the 125+ exhibiting companies and vendors to learn about how their products and services can be a game changer in your agency!

While you're making your way around the Networking Hall, be sure to have your game card stamped so you can be entered to win one of many valuable prizes, including the $1,000 Grand Prize! Each stamp is an entry, so the more exhibitors you visit, the better your chances of winning!

11:30am - 1:00pm

Networking Lunch with Exhibitors

1:15pm - 2:15pm

Optional Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: Managing Your Book in 2025 - What's to Come

Speaker: Kelly Donahue-Piro

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

This session is one you can't miss as we start to think forwards towards the new year. Kelly will set the stage with challenges and opportunities we all face for 2025. Next, she'll present a review and remarketing strategy, focusing on getting ahead, building relationships, re-underwriting, and more. She'll also help you get ready to write new business and focus on opportunities for a profitable 2025. This session is guaranteed to leave you with key takeaways that you can implement in your agency.

#2: Attracting, Recruiting, and Hiring THE BEST (Not the 'Best Available')

Speaker: Mike Stromsoe

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

In a highly competitive and dynamic industry like insurance, the key to an agency's success lies not just in its strategies, but in the strength of its team. This insightful session is designed exclusively for leaders of top independent insurance agencies who strive to transcend the ordinary in team building and leadership.

#3: 2024 Election Updates & Predictions

Speaker: Joe Stewart

3:15pm - 4:15pm

Optional Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: Managing Your Book in 2025 - What's to Come

Speaker: Kelly Donahue-Piro

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

#2: Attracting, Recruiting, and Hiring THE BEST (Not the 'Best Available')

Speaker: Mike Stromsoe

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

#3: The AI Imperative: What Every Agent Needs to Know About Artificial Intelligence

Speaker: Aubie Knight

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

In this session, Aubie will deliver a comprehensive introduction to AI, focusing on essential concepts and their relevance to agency owners. The session will explore various traditional forms of AI, including Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, and Generative AI. Additionally, Aubie will delve into crucial topics such as AI Ethics and Transparency, offering insights into the ethical considerations inherent in AI adoption. Furthermore, attendees will gain valuable perspectives on long-term AI predictions, enabling them to anticipate future developments in the field. The discussion will also spotlight AI's practical applications in the insurance industry today, providing real-world examples to illustrate its impact and potential opportunities for agents.

4:15pm - 5:30pm

Networking Reception with Exhibitors

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

Friday, September 20

7:30am - 8:00am

Breakfast Buffet

8:00am - 9:30am

General Session: Unlocking The Hidden Wealth in Your Agency / IIANC Annual Awards Presentation

Speaker: Mike Stromsoe

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

Maximizing Profits through Effective Retention Strategies: Lessons from America's Top Independent Insurance Agencies That Can Be Quickly Implemented Leveraging Offline and Digital Strategies. This empowering journey will unveil the secrets to unlocking the hidden potential within your insurance agency.

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

9:45am - 11:15am

General Session: White Glove Service and Why It’s the ONLY Way to Serve! / 101 Weston Labs Demo Day

Speaker: Steve Heroux

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

In today's competitive marketplace, providing exceptional service isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. This dynamic talk will explore the concept of "White Glove Service" and why it's the only way to serve your clients effectively.

You'll learn how to become a world-class communicator, essential for understanding and addressing your clients' needs. We'll delve into the importance of following a structured process to ensure consistency and reliability in your service delivery. Discover how getting personal with your clients can build stronger, more loyal relationships.

And if time permits, we'll uncover the immense power of referrals and how they can drive your business to new heights. Join us to transform your service approach and exceed your clients' expectations every time.

11:15am - 11:30am

Break

11:30am - 12:30pm

Breakout Sessions (choose one)

#1: Road to 96% Retention Rates

Speaker: Kelly Donahue-Piro

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

We all know the challenges we face regarding the insurance industry and retention. Kelly will share her 12 core beliefs around agency retention and the secrets on how to achieve 96% retention in your agency. She'll focus on the importance of client nurturing, cross-selling, referrals, renewal reviews, and more. You'll leave this session ready to achieve record retention rates in your agency!

#2: How to Quickly Build Trust in a Virtual World

Speaker: Steve Heroux

*Approved for 1 Hour GEN CE Credit

Most salespeople and business professionals agree that making genuine connections over platforms like Zoom or Teams is more challenging than in-person interactions. While we'd all prefer face-to-face meetings, we must focus on the resources available to us instead of dwelling on what's out of our control.

In this engaging and timely workshop, you will learn specific strategies to build better connections, enhance engagement with your prospects, and leave your clients feeling as if they met you in person.

The belief that building trust is harder virtually is just that—a belief. There are simple, effective methods to gain trust quickly, and I'm excited to share them with you. Join us to transform your virtual interactions into meaningful, trust-building experiences.

#3: Play to Your Team's Strengths (KOLBE)

Speakers: Jason Sabo

In a breakout session focused on "Playing to Your Team's Strengths," we'll explore strategies to identify and leverage the unique talents within your team to boost performance and client satisfaction. By aligning roles with individual strengths, we can foster a more cohesive and motivated team, ultimately driving success in a competitive insurance market. Join us to learn how to transform your team's potential into powerful results.

Registration

**Online registration is now CLOSED. On-site registration will be available at the event for anyone who still wants to attend.
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	FREE*	$250
Thursday Day Pass	FREE*	$150
Friday Day Pass	FREE*	$150

Pricing (Company Representatives):

	PARTNERS	Non-PARTNERS
Networking Pass	$450 ($475 after 8/23; $500 after 9/11)	$900 ($950 after 8/23; $1000 after 9/11)
Additional Company Rep.	$275 ($300 after 8/23; $325 after 9/11)	$550 ($600 after 8/23; $650 after 9/11)
Exhibit Booth	SOLD OUT	SOLD OUT

Cancellation Policy

Notice of cancellation for individual 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.

Exhibitor Information

Click here to see who's exhibiting

Exhibit booths are SOLD OUT as of 9/3/24. Contact Allyson Knott at aknott@iianc.com to be placed on a wait list.

IIANC's InsurEXPO is the state's largest insurance industry event and features one of the southeast's largest industry trade shows with 125+ insurance companies and vendors showcasing their latest products and services. Exhibiting at InsurEXPO24 will help connect your company with 400+ IIANC member agents from across the state - more than any other industry event in North Carolina. Even if your company isn't actively searching for agencies to appoint, exhibiting is a great way to visit with your current clients, strengthen those relationships, and show your support for them and the independent agency system.

In addition to exhibit booths in our Networking Hall, IIANC also offers Networking Passes for company representatives as another way to connect with our agent attendees. If your company is not exhibiting, you must purchase a Networking Pass in order to attend the event (any subsequent attendees from your company can register as "additional company representatives" at a reduced rate).

Click here to learn more information about becoming an IIANC PARTNER and receiving priority booth selection, significant registration fee discounts, access to IIANC's online member directory, and much more!

How to Purchase and Reserve a Booth

Exhibit booths are SOLD OUT as of 9/3/24. Contact Allyson Knott at aknott@iianc.com to be placed on a wait list.

About the Networking Hall

Booth assignments are based on receipt of registration with payment and will be assigned based on availability of preferred space. IIANC will make every effort to assign companies to one of their preferred choices, but we reserve the right to make assignments or reassignments as necessary. Companies participating in the 2024 IIANC PARTNERS Program receive priority placement and the opportunity to select space before general registration opens to the public. Click here to see who is currently exhibiting.

Exhibit space (8'x10') will include:

- 8' high back wall drape

- 3' high side divider drape

- One 6' skirted table

- One 7"x44" booth identification sign

- Two chairs

- One wastebasket

- Preliminary attendee roster sent approximately two weeks prior to the event containing names, agency/company names, and mailing addresses

- Registration for one representative (paid registrations are required for all additional company representatives, regardless of how much or little of the event they plan to attend)

Restrictions:

- All materials must be displayed within the space outlined above (no oversized booths will be permitted unless purchasing multiple spaces and/or arranged in advance).

Trade Show Hours:

The Networking Hall will be open during the following timeframes. For security purposes, the Networking Hall will be CLOSED at all other times not explicitly listed below.

Wednesday, September 18

2:00pm-5:00pm - EXHIBITOR SETUP ONLY

Thursday, September 19

8:00am-9:30am - EXHIBITOR SETUP ONLY

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

5:30pm - EXHIBITOR TEARDOWN (note that all exhibitors at booths F1-F20 MUST tear down during this time)

Friday, September 20

7:30am-9:00am - EXHIBITOR TEARDOWN

Additional Important Details:

COVID-19 Disclaimer

By attending this meeting, I acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any place where people are present. I voluntarily assume all risk of exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold IIANC liable for any illness or injury.

Service Contractor / Shipping

HOLLINS Exposition Services is pleased to have been selected as the Official Service Contractor for the InsurEXPO. We recognize that your participation in this event is a vital part of your firm’s marketing program. Be assured we will do everything possible to insure a profitable and rewarding experience. Click here to access the Exhibitor Kit which contains important information about your booth, move-in and move-out schedule, shipping of booth materials, and much more.

Set-Up and Breakdown

Exhibitor move-in will be from 2:00pm - 5:00pm on Wednesday, September 18 and 8:00am - 9:30am on Thursday, September 19. You may not enter the exhibit hall before this time to begin setting up your booth. Breakdown begins after the Networking Hall officially closes at 5:30pm on Thursday, September 19. All exhibitors must be torn down and cleared out by 10:00am on Friday, September 20. Note that all exhibitors at booths F1-F20 must tear down on Thursday afternoon after 5:30pm. Any exhibitor who tears down their booth before the listed time without pre-approval from IIANC may not be approved to attend future IIANC events.

Security

Insurance of booth contents and personnel is recommended. IIANC does not insure exhibitor property. Neither IIANC nor the Benton Convention Center will be responsible for the safety of exhibits from theft, fire damage, or other causes. Exhibitors are responsible for their own equipment at all times, including when the Networking Lounge is closed.

Outside Exhibits / Hospitality Suites

Exhibitor/Company is prohibited, without express written approval from IIANC, from displaying products/services and/or other advertising material in areas outside its booth space such as, but not limited to, parking lots, hotel lobbies, lounges, corridors, sleeping rooms, etc. Exhibitor/Company also agrees not to operate hospitality suites or host any hospitality functions during official conference hours or when any IIANC-sponsored activities are being held. Hospitality functions are permitted only upon payment by the Exhibitor/Company of all fees due hereunder, in addition to participation in IIANC’s PARTNERS Program. All requests for a hospitality suite or public function space must be made through Allyson Knott/IIANC. If Exhibitor/Company cancels or fails to occupy the exhibit space during official show hours, IIANC reserves the right to notify the hotel to cancel any hospitality space and/or hotel guest rooms under Exhibitor’s/Company's name. Exhibitor/Company shall remain liable for the payments made to the hotel.

Restrictions

IIANC reserves the right to decline and prohibit any company's participation, exhibit or any part of an exhibit which, in its opinion, is not proper. This reservation extends to company, persons, conduct, printed matter, souvenirs, or anything which, at the sole discretion of management, may adversely affect the character of the event.

Cancellations

Exhibitors may cancel, in writing, up to the close of business on August 16, 2024 and receive a refund of their payment minus a 50 percent processing fee, after which date fees are non-refundable. All cancellation requests must be emailed to Allyson Knott at aknott@iianc.com.

Hotel Information

Our discounted group block at the Marriott is SOLD OUT as of 8/21/24. However, there are several great hotels within walking distance of the Benton Convention Center. Note - we do not have group rates at these hotels, so you will need to check with each to find out the rates they are currently offering.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Winston Salem or (336) 724-2300
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel or (336) 724-1009
Hotel Indigo Winston Salem or (336) 722-0720

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend InsurEXPO?

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.

I am an IIANC member, but it is charging me $50 to register. I thought it was free?

All IIANC member agents can attend InsurEXPO24 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.

What meals are included with my registration?

The following meals are included:

Thursday: lunch, breaks (light refreshments and drinks), and a closing reception (appetizers and drinks)

Friday: breakfast, breaks

How many CE hours can I earn from attending?

You can earn up to five (5) hours of general CE credit by attending the educational sessions at InsurEXPO24 (two hours on Thursday and three hours on Friday). Please take a look at the schedule to see which sessions have been approved.

Which companies/vendors are exhibiting in the Networking Hall?

Click here to tour the exhibit hall map and learn more about the 125+ exhibiting companies and vendors.

How do I reserve an exhibit booth?

Click the "Exhibitor Information" tab towards the top of the page to learn more about becoming an exhibitor and to register online.