Small Agency Conference

IIAT Member Community

IIAT Small Agency Conference

 

Sept. 23-24, 2007
Waco Convention Center • Waco, Texas

Program-at-a-Glance | Hotel | Attendees | Exhibitors | 2007 Conference Photos

 

Who should attend?

Agents who write primarily small accounts regardless of staff size or revenues.

Why should you attend?

All this plus an opening reception Sunday and two meals on Monday in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere ONLY $99.

Attention Exhibitors

Registration for companies participating in the Meet With Markets Trade Show is $375 per company. This fee includes one free registration. Because space is limited, preference will be given to companies offering direct or carrier appointments with small agencies. Contact Bill Wade or Cindy Quy for complete details at 800.880.7428.

Vendors, MGAs and IIAT associate members not meeting these requirements are invited to register for the conference.

Program-at-a-glance

Sunday, September 23, 2007

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Registration
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Exhibitor Registration & Setup
1 – 2 p.m.

Impact of HB 7 on Texas Workers' Compensation
1 CE Credit
Are your workers' compensation clients asking you about networks? Are your companies or your competitors offering double digit discounts to employers signing up for networks?

Then you need to attend this valuable session, where you will learn the answers to:
—What is a workers' compensation healthcare network and how do they work?
—What is the impact of networks on the policyholder?
—What are the benefits and responsibilities of an employer?
—What are the benefits and responsibilities of the employee?
—Should your client opt for a network?
—Why is the distinction between network and non-network so important?
—What are your responsibilities as an agent?

You will not want to miss this presentation from Jan Kearbey, CWCP, CIC, CISR, and CPIW of Service Lloyds Insurance Co.
2 – 4 p.m. Industry Update
2 CE Credits
IIAT’s Paul Martin, Jim Gavin and Lee Loftis will bring you up to date on what you need to know about regulatory, legislative and topical information. Topics include: new financial responsibility limits; new verification of auto insurance requirements; fire department charges to your clients; other legislative matters affecting your business and much more.
4 – 7:15 p.m. Meet with Markets Trade Show & Welcome Reception

 

Monday, September 24, 2007

7:30 a.m. – Noon Registration
7:30 – 9 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8 – 8:45 a.m. Using the Trusted Choice Brand
No CE Credit
IIAT’s Bill Roof and David VanDelinder lead a discussion on how to capitalize and differentiate your agency as a Trusted Choice agency. Tips on marketing and promoting the Trusted Choice brand will be covered.
9 – 10 a.m. CGL Case Studies–Pushing the Envelope for Coverage
1 CE Credit
Wes Bailey, principal of Bailey Insurance & Risk Management  in Waco and CIC instructor, is guaranteed to wake you up with case studies of the CGL policy. He may cause you to wonder if the courts are even looking at the same CGL policy that we're looking at! Don't miss Wes' session.
Creating Sales and Increasing Revenue With Technology
No CE Credit
Steve Anderson, a leading insurance technology guru and former Texas agency owner, will present numerous ways your agency can grow by using technology tools.
10 – 10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Competing Successfully Against Direct Writers and Captive Agents
No CE Credit
Sharon Steers, Vice President of Marketing,Travelers in Hartford, will provide new ideas on how to increase your retention numbers, more effectively cross sell and attract new customers. She will demonstrate proven methods you can employ when you get back to the office.
Managing Your Future
1 CE Credit
Steve Anderson will offer new insights into how agents can affect their agency's future. If you were to start an agency today, or improve your existing one, what should it look like? This session will help you understand what has changed and how to take advantages of these changes, learn how to deliver services your customers want, access company markets and streamline your marketing and sales process.
11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Luncheon - Mr. Byron Johnson, Executive Director, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum
Don’t miss an entertaining presentation on the history of the storied Texas Rangers (not the baseball team).
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Common Mistakes Agents Make When Insuring Farm Risks
1 CE Credit
Paul Martin, CPCU, IIAT Director of Education, will share what to watch for in insuring farm risks in Texas. Whether you are an experienced farm agent or write only a few a year, don’t miss Paul’s helpful hints.
Selecting an Agency Management System: Four Key Questions to Ask
1 CE Credit
Rick Bondurant, IIAT Director of Agency Management Resources, and Steve Anderson will lead a discussion of what to ask and what to look for in purchasing an agency automation system. This promises to be a lively session since IIAT receives hundreds of inquiries from agents about what system to buy and how to evaluate the many vendors. As a bonus, automation vendors (who are IIAT associate members) will be invited to have promotional materials available for attendees.
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break
2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Keys to Writing Auto Repair and Service Risks
1 CE Credit
Auto repair and service risks are in the top three industry SIC codes for Texas, yet many insurance agents pass on targeting this class due to the unique nature of the exposures. Position yourself as a knowledgeable professional and write this business. Patrick Deem, one of IIAT’s most popular instructors, will explain the unique characteristics of these businesses and how to improve your hit ratio and increase agency revenue.
Establishing an Agency Web Site
No CE Credit
Don’t have a web site yet or looking for ways to upgrade your web site look? Steve Anderson will provide ideas on how to set up a site and improve the one you have. He will share numerous resources and highlight some of the best sites currently being hosted by insurance agents.

Thanks to our sponsors:
The Republic Group, Service Lloyds Insurance Co., Travelers, Texas Mutual Insurance Co., Specialty Insurance Managers, Inc., Insurors Indemnity, South & Western and Travelers Agribusiness, and Nexcaliber.

Online registration is now closed. Please register on site.

Hotel

To make your room reservations call the Hilton Hotel Waco, 113 South University Park Dr., Waco, at 800.234.5244 or Courtyard by Marriott, 101 Washington Ave., Waco at 254.752.8686 prior to Aug. 22 and ask for the special IIAT Small Agency Conference rate of $119 single or double. Rooms are based on availability. The hotel will confirm your reservation.