IIAT’s 108th Conference & Trade Show Set for June 16-17 in Austin

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The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas will hold its 108th Conference & Trade Show on Thursday and Friday, June 16-17, 2005, at the downtown Austin Hilton. IIAT said the state’s premier gathering of independent agents promises a jam-packed two days of continuing education workshops, one-on-one consultation sessions, open discussions, golf tournament, networking opportunities and the largest independent agent trade show in the nation.

Paul Burka, senior executive editor of Texas Monthly magazine will be the keynote speaker at the annual Wade F. Spilman Political Action Luncheon on Friday. Burka joined Texas Monthly‘s staff one year after its founding in 1973. A lifelong Texan, he was born in Galveston, graduated from Rice University with a B.A. in history, and received a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

The luncheon honors the memory of longtime IIAT counsel Wade Spilman. Of equal importance, this year’s luncheon will also feature presentation of the Drex Foreman Award, the highest honor available to IIAT member agents.

“This prestigious award, the association’s highest honor, recognizes exceptional contributions to the independent agency system, the Texas insurance industry and local community,” said Bill Harrison Jr., IIAT president. The award is named for Drex Foreman, who served as IIAT’s executive director for 30 years.

Thursday’s events
The activities on June 16 include:

2004 CGL and Friends. Paul Martin and Jim Gavin introduce some of the most important changes to CGL in a decade. (1 CE credit)

Saving Time and Money With IIAT Services. IIAT staff will offer an onscreen presentation and discussion of ways you can save money and time by effectively using the variety of services available to members.

Finding Markets: A Coaching Session for New Agents — Panel.Agents will share experiences in building a new business and finding new marketing partners.

Servicing Multicultural Markets. Brian Atchinson, executive director of the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association, will discuss strategies for meeting the needs of a diversifying population. (1 CE credit)

Open discussion: Organizing Internally to Serve Customers.

The Awards Luncheon, which begins at 11:30 a.m., will feature two presentations–one for Young Agent of the Year and one for ACSR of the Year. The luncheon will also include remarks by Alex Soto, vice president of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and chairman of the task force that created Trusted Choice.

The afternoon sessions include:

Marketing Across the Generations with Cam Marston, one of the nation’s leading experts in understanding generational differences. Because of his unique knowledge, he’s called upon regularly to work with companies on recruiting, retention, hiring, and management challenges that surface when four generations of employees mix in the workplace.

CSR Workshop: Finding and Keeping Great Customers. Tom Britton, a CEO who took a Houston bank and turned it around from the brink of disaster to a top-rated profitable operation, will demonstrate his motivational techniques and talent as a magician, when he discusses how to sense the need for change and then manage it for optimum results. (1 CE credit)

Open discussion: Structuring a Staff Bonus Plan.

Best Practices for Managing Markets — Panel. Discussion is built around IIAT’s newest study of agency and company best practices for developing and maintaining agency/company relationships. Participants will receive a free copy of the best practices study. (1 CE credit)

You Are the Product.Popular sales trainer and educator Ed Lamont returns with an inspirational sales session full of practical advice on building sales.

IIAT-MarketConnection Round Tables.Learn all you need to know about these markets including Comp Connection, Mexico Travel Auto, Personal Lines Connection, and more. Plus, meet with carriers seeking agency plants, several of whom are new to Texas

Open discussion: Making Trusted Choice Work for Your Agency.

Friday’s events
After either the prayer breakfast or a continental breakfast, Friday gets underway with the annual business meeting, which this year includes the installation of officers with IIABA Vice President Alex Soto officiating.

The keynote speaker at Friday morning’s gathering is Lowell Catlett, Regents professor at New Mexico State University and a recipient of the university’s highest award to a professor, the Westhafer Award. His high-energy presentation will focus on economic and social trends that may have a substantial impact on business. (1 CE credit)

The tradeshow opens at 10 a.m. and Ask-the-Experts consulting sessions will run from 9 to 11 a.m.

This year, the Wade F. Spilman Political Action Luncheon and the Drex Foreman Award are combined into a single event, which begins at 11:45 am.

Following the luncheon, afternoon workshops run from 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. and from 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. They include:

Personal Lines Marketing Strategies – Panel. Agencies across Texas are exploring new opportunities in personal lines production. See what these panelists have to say about their experiences.

What Now? Results of the 79th Legislative Session – Panel.<@$p> Bo Gilbert, IIAT director of governmental affairs and a panel of experts, will discuss how the changes made by the legislature may affect the state’s insurance business. (1 CE credit)

Open discussion:<@$p> Balancing Work and Family

Understanding Non-Subscription Products – Panel<@$p>. Non-subscription specialists will discuss key elements of these complex products including offerings and vendor information. (1 CE credit)

Using Industry Data to Beat Your Competition<@$p>. Michael Lichman, a marketing consultant and principal with Advisen, will discuss how salespeople can leverage industry data to differentiate the agency and prevail in the marketplace.

Open discussion: Surviving the Office Move Without Losing Your Mind or Your Customers.

Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes will crank up hits from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s Friday evening following cocktails and dinner (jackets not required) beginning at 6 p.m. Topping off the evening is a drawing for the grand prize where one lucky agent will win a design-your-own trip for two.

Further highlights
The Ask the Experts sessions that take place on Thursday and Friday are always among the conference’s most popular events. Agents can consult with an industry expert in a free 20-minute session.

Experts include:

Advertising and Marketing. Amy Wick, Amy Wick Marketing and Communications

Hiring and Training New Employees. Rick Bondurant, IIAT director of Agency Management Resources.

Sales and Sales Management. Ed Lamont, instructor at the National Alliance School for Producer Development

NOTE: Because space is limited, “Ask the Experts” is open only to agents who registered for the full conference by May 1.

How to register
IIAT member agencies registering for the entire conference pay only $250. Additional attendees from the same agency pay only $205 each. Non-member agents may register for $350.

Registration for the IIAT golf tournament is an additional $79. Daily registration and company representative rates are also available.

The fastest way to register and see all the details is online at www.iiat.org. Click on the Conference banner in the right column. For further information, call IIAT’s member services hotline at (800) 880-7428.

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