Education & Events | Convention Archives

SEPTEMBER 11 - 13, 2023 | EMBASSY SUITES, LA VISTA

Join Big "I" Nebraska at our 116th Annual Convention, where we will "Rise to the Challenge" and equip independent insurance agencies with invaluable knowledge and actionable insights to navigate today's hard market. Our exceptional lineup of industry experts, thought leaders, and seasoned professionals will delve into the pressing issues and emerging trends that are reshaping the insurance landscape. From strategies to adapt to evolving customer expectations, to innovative approaches for risk management, the IIAN Annual Convention will empower you with the tools and techniques to rise and thrive in these challenging times.

AGENTS - REGISTER NOW

Agent registration pricing will increase $25 after August 23.

CANCELLATION POLICY: No refunds will be issued for cancellations received on or after August 31, 2023.

2021 Annual Convention

OCTOBER 27 - 29 | EMBASSY SUITES, LINCOLN

You're invited to the 114th IIAN Annual Convention in downtown Lincoln! Join our community of independent insurance agents
as you reconnect with one another, further your insurance knowledge and discover emerging technology.
Learn tools and tactics from keynote speaker Ryan Hanley and network with more than 50 exhibitors at the trade fair.

IIAN is planning useful and timely CE opportunities, an awards luncheon, industry night, scavenger hunt, golf simulator and more.

Registration is NOW OPEN for IIAN members and partners. Multiple attendee discounts and special young agent pricing.
You won't want to miss it!

REGISTER HERE

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THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Embassy Suites, Lincoln

1040 P Street

Lincoln, NE 68508

IIAN group rate at the Embassy Suites is $164/night plus tax

Group rate may not be available after October 6, 2021

402.474.1111 Identify with IIAN, or click below

RESERVE YOUR ROOM

Alternate Accommodations:

If you are not able to book your room at the Embassy for October 27 or 28, please consider booking with the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. You may make reservations online at www.marriott.com/lnkfs OR call 402-474-7474.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS AT IIAN'S TRADE SHOW!

We're excited to see you in-person at the show, where you can inform our growing membership all about the products and services your company can provide!
The event is set for Thursday October 28, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites in Lincoln.

There'll be refreshments, a scavenger hunt to bring agents to your booth, live music by Rascal Martinez, a golf simulator and contests - it'll be a great time!

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH

Click the link on each session and speaker to view course descriptions and biographies!

Wednesday, October 27

1:00 p.m. Guided Walking Tour in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket

Meet Tour Guide in Embassy Suites Lobby at 12:45 p.m.

2:30 p.m. Haunted Haymarket "Spirits" Tour

Meet at the From Nebraska Gift Shop at 2:15 p.m.

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Happy Hour in the Atrium

Thursday, October 28

7:00 a.m. Registration Opens

7:15 – 7:45 a.m. Leadership Breakfast - Annual Member Meeting & Elections

Concurrent Mini-Sessions

8:00 – 8:50 a.m.    Flood Update and Risk Rating 2.0 (1 CEU)
                                     Chris Greene, Flood Insurance Guru
        Litigation and The Claims Cycle  (1 CEU)
Nic Norton, Jacobsen Orr Law Firm

9:15 – 10:45 a.m. Keynote Presentation & Mimosa Bar

"Human-Optimized: How to Make Every Mistake Launching Your Agency and Thrive"
Ryan Hanley, Rogue Risk

  If COVID has taught us anything about growing an independent insurance agency in the
          modern age, it's that best practices no longer apply. We must reimagine the value proposition
  our industry delivers to the customers we serve. In this keynote, Ryan Hanley will explain the
"Human-Optimized" agency model and what you can learn from his 10 biggest mistakes
  launching Rogue Risk. COME WITH QUESTIONS!!

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Grow Your Agency Like Amazon - The Bezos Letters

Steve Anderson, Catalyit

  Join risk and growth expert, Steve Anderson, as he unlocks the key lessons, mindset,
principles, and steps Jeff Bezos used, and continues to use, to make Amazon the
  massive success it is today. Steve will provide insight on how to apply Bezos' same practices
  - and watch your business become more efficient, productive, and successful – fast!

12:00 - 1:20 p.m. IIAN Awards Luncheon & Officer Installation

Mike McBride, IIABA Vice Chairman

Peggy McDonald, IIAN President

Zak Morken, IIAN Annual Convention Chairman

Agency of the Future: Mini-Sessions

1:30 – 2:20 p.m.   Agency of the Future
                                                    Ryan Hanley
2:30 – 3:20 p.m.           Your Agency's Tech Stack- Good, Better & Best
  Steve Anderson
3:30 – 4:20 p.m.   Video and Content Marketing
                                                        Chris Greene

  Property/Casualty Hot Topics: Mini-Sessions (1 CEU Each)
1:30 – 2:20 p.m.                    Cannabis – Past, Present and Future
                                                        Darrick Cole, Skyfront Insurance
2:30 – 3:20 p.m.           Workers Compensation and COVID
                                                        Julie Richt, Method Insurance
3:30 – 4:20 p.m.                     Cyber Events – Risk Management and Insurance
                                                    Madison Mooney, Coalition Inc.

4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Industry Night Reception/Trade Fair

Scavenger Hunt – Beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres on us!
The 19th Hole Golf Simulator – Contests and PGA Professional

Live Entertainment – Rascal Martinez

Friday, October 29

8:30 – 11:30 a.m. E&O – Personal Lines (3 Ethics CEUs pending approval from NDOI)
Kent E. Anthony, CIC, CFP, CMFC, RFC
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CISR Hold Advanced Seminar (7 CEUs, IA and NE Approved)
Writing Small Commercial Accounts; Personal Lines: Non‐Owned Auto Exposures

Sam Bennett, CIC, AFIS,CRIS, CPIA
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Education Luncheon – CISR Conferment

Courses eligible for CE have been approved by the Nebraska Department of Insurance.

2018 Annual Convention

See Convention Photos

Convention Highlights Video
Awards Video.mp4

2018 IIAN AWARDS

Big Red Homecoming

111th Annual Convention Features "Big Red Tailgate", "Caddyshack" Mock E&O Trial, Sales & P/C Mini-Sessions, 64 Exhibitors, Great Networking & CE

Just over 400 IIAN members, company representatives, and industry leaders attended IIAN's 111^th annual convention held at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, October 10-12. "It was great to see so many IIAN members from all across the state at the convention especially over 40 young agents and 37 first-timers," commented Sandra Ryks of La Vista, who was elected and installed as IIAN's new president during the convention. "Thanks to Annual Convention committee co-chairs Joanie Bogers and April Walker, and all of our Convention committee members, for putting together such a fun and educational event."
Convention Committee: Elliot Bassett, Katie Bohrer,Brian Bradley, Debi Dodson, Mndy Haag, Julie Richt, Riley Tonkin.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10

The convention started on October 10 with a chilly (but fun) golf fundraiser at Woodland Hills near Eagle, along with a concurrent CISR CE session Dynamics of Service presented by veteran instructor Sam Bennett. The day was capped off with Happy Hour at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, hosted by the Convention committee. In spite of a chilly, damp Nebraska fall day, 128 golfers showed up and made the best of it at the 23^rd Annual IIAN Foundation golf tournament in memory of Jay Jacupke. The tournament players, 34 hole sponsors, and 14 event sponsors raised over $22,000 to support the Big I" Talent Network program and scholarships.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11
CE sessions were hopping on October 11 with three tracks for conventioneers to choose from. One-hour mini-sessions featuring Sales Strategies and Coverage updates on Pollution & Contractors, Flood, and Cyber Exposures featured industry experts Ken Smith, Brian Dreyer, Larry Palmer, and Marshall Ford, ran concurrently with morning and afternoon sessions presented by Sam Bennett: Filling Insurance Gaps and Personal Lines Claims.

IMT VP of Marketing Rich Naumann accepts the 5-Star Company of the Year award

During the Leadership Luncheon and Annual Meeting, outgoing IIAN president Greg Zimmer of Lincoln presented IIAN's annual awards for outstanding dedication and service, to IIAN members and company representatives, and IIAN Foundation president Dee Sykora presented distinguished service awards to two Foundation Board members. Zimmer also recognized six IIAN member agencies for their 50 years of membership and support.

Nebraska Insurance Director Bruce Ramge spoke to members about the Nebraska Insurance Department's quality improvement project, along with how the Department is addressing emerging new risks, such as driverless vehicles, rapidly evolving technologies in insurance, and cyber threats.

Then the Big Red Tailgate" fun began with the trade fair, where members visited with 64 exhibitors, filled their bags with swag, and enjoyed tailgate munchies.

Paul Davis' tailgate theme was voted the best-decorated booth, and four lucky members who visited all 64 booths each won $100.

The bidding competition got a little rowdy during the Tailgate reception and live auction!

Following the trade fair, conventioneers moved to the Tailgate Dinner reception and perused items up for auction to benefit Big I" advocacy. With dinner entertainer Sam Glenn unable to get to Omaha due to massive flight cancellations caused by Hurricane Michael, the live auction turned out to be the entertainment of the evening followed by a Kansas City Barbeque buffet feast.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

On October 10, Bushwood Country Club vs. Danny Noonan's No Risk Insurance Agency", based on characters from the comedy film classic Caddyshack", stole the CE show. The mock E&O trial starred the Big I" Repertory players: John Deadorff, Brian Bradley, April Walker, Brenda Kaiser, Elliot Bassett, Peggy McDonald, Katie Bohrer, and Julie Richts with real-life attorneys Sean Minahan and Pat Vipond for the prosecution and defense, and IIAN's Jim Cavanaugh as the judge. Veteran E&O expert Casey Roberts served as narrator, and the audience formed four separate juries" two juries found for the prosecution, and two found for the defense. Roberts presented an additional E&O loss control class in the afternoon.

IIABA Chairman-Elect Jon Jensen administers the Oath of Office to new IIAN officers: President Sandra Ryks,
Vice President Todd Anderson, and Secretary-Treasurer Peggy McDonald

After the mock trial, IIABA Chairman-Elect Jon Jensen installed IIAN's new officers during the President's Luncheon; and new President Sandra Ryks presented outgoing President Greg Zimmer with a plaque in appreciation of his service to IIAN during the past year. Jensen spoke to members about how IIABA is working to provide Big I" members a sustainable competitive advantage, and Ryks wrapped up the convention with her vision for the association in the coming year and beyond.
And finally, Jensen drew the lucky winner of the raffle to support Big "I" PAC'S Mark Fritson, General Service Agency, Holdredge, won the Green Bay v. Arizona Cardinals football weekend package raffle prize lifting the total raised during the convention for Big I" Advocacy and InsurPac to $12,500!

2017 Annual Convention

Just over 400 IIAN members, company representatives, and industry leaders attended IIAN's 110^th annual convention held at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln, October 11-13. "It was great to see so many IIAN members from all across the state at the convention especially over 80 young agents and 36 first-timers," commented Greg Zimmer of Lincoln, who was elected and installed as IIAN's new president during the convention. "Thanks to Annual Convention committee chairperson Michael Luna, AIP, and all of our Convention committee members, for putting together such a fun and educational event." Committee members are Benjamin Anderson, AIP; Brian Bradley; Mindy Haag; Jon Hongsermeier, AIP; Machell Naylor; Julie Richt, CIC; Riley Tonkin, CPCU, CIC; and Mark Weidner.

The convention started with a bang on October 11 with a record-breaking golf fundraiser at Woodland Hills near Eagle, along with a concurrent CISR CE session Elements of Risk Management presented by veteran instructor Chuck Hembree. The day was capped off with Happy Hour at iconic Husker bar Barry's in the Lincoln Haymarket. The 22^nd Annual IIAN Foundation golf tournament in memory of Jay Jacupke, was packed with 144 golfers, 34 hole sponsors, and 13 event sponsors and raised over $22,000 to support the Big "I" Talent Network program and scholarships.

Thurs lunch 4 cropped.jpg CE sessions were packed on October 12 with national insurance experts Jerry Kennedy presenting the Personal Lines Hot Topics, and Angie Heavener presenting Falling Through The CGL Cracks D&O/Fiduciary/EPL/E&O/Cyber Liability. Nebraska Insurance Director Bruce Ramge and State Senator Mark Kolterman of Seward were the featured speakers at the Leadership Luncheon and Annual Meeting, along with IIABA Chairman Vaughn Graham from Tulsa, Oklahoma giving members an update on agent legislative issues in Nebraska and Washington, D.C. And IIAN's "nextgen" Young Agents sponsored two sessions Boost Your Online Marketing presented by Sydney Roe, and Increase Your Marketing ROI 8-10x presented by Steve Maly, followed by a "nextgen" networking reception and fun wine bottle ring toss to raise funds for IIAN's political action committee.

Then the "Oktoberfest" fun really began with the trade fair, where members visited with 58 exhibitors, filled their bags with swag and munched on pretzels, German sausage and potato skins. Employers' Halloween theme was voted the best-decorated booth, and four lucky members who visited all 58 booths each won $100. TradeFair Entrycropped.jpg

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Following the trade fair, conventioneers filled the "Oktoberfest" hall, and enjoyed tasting beers from three Lincoln breweries, and a buffet feast featuring schnitzel, sauerbraten, dumplings, and German chocolate cake, while IIAN's annual award winners and professional designation achievers were recognized. A live auction to benefit Big "I" advocacy capped off the evening, raising just under $5,000.

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IIAN Past Presidents line up for recognition at the Oktoberfest Awards Dinner.

PAC Winner.jpg The new Big "I" loss control seminar presented by Heavener - "E&O: Roadmap to Policy Analysis" - dominated the CE program on October 13, while another "nextgen" sponsored program "Your Agency In 2030 The World Is Changing" was presented by agency management guru Mary Eisenhart Belka. IIABA Chairman Vaughn Graham installed IIAN's new officers during the President's Luncheon on October; and new President Greg Zimmer presented outgoing President Krae Dutoit with a plaque in appreciation of his service to IIAN during the past year. Graham and Zimmer wrapped up the convention with heart-felt presentations about their visions for the association in the coming year and beyond.

And finally, Graham drew the lucky winner of the raffle to support Big "I" PAC'S Vincent Christensen, IIAN's Nebraska PAC chairman, won the Green Bay v. Tampa Bay football weekend package raffle prize lifting the total raised during the convention to $10,880!

Photo: Vincent Christensen is the "Big Cheese" PAC Raffle Winner!

Below: Jim Cavanaugh, Vaughn Graham, Sen. John Lowe, Carol McClelland, Greg Zimmer, and Krae Dutoit - lining up for the President's luncheon.

2016 Annual Convention

October 25-27, 2016

It was a "Spooktacular" event!

View Photos from the Event on our Shutterfly site by clicking here.

2016 Exhibitor and Attendee Directory.pdf

2016_Annual_Convention_Program.pdf

Just over 400 IIAN members and company representatives attended IIAN's 109^th annual convention held at the Younes Convention Center in Kearney, October 25-27. "It was great to see so many IIAN members from 'greater Nebraska' at the convention especially over 110 young agents and 68 first-timers," commented Krae Dutoit of Grand Island, who was elected and installed as IIAN's new president during the convention. "Thanks to Annual Convention committee chairperson Peggy McDonald, CIC and all of our Convention committee members, for putting together such a fun and educational event."

The convention started with a special appearance by U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith, who met privately with IIAN Circle of Eagles members, and then addressed members on national issues and upcoming elections during lunch on October 25.

After sessions on digital marketing, customer service, sales, and professional development for young professionals presented by top agency experts Mary Belka, Sydney Roe, and Paula Skartland - members joined area Make-A-Wish kids decked out in their Halloween costumes at the trade fair, visited with 60 exhibitors, and filled their bags with swag and treats. Method Insurance's "scary clown cave" was voted the best-decorated booth, and four lucky members who visited all 60 booths each won $100.

CE sessions were packed on October 26 with national insurance gurus Keith Wilts presenting the Top 10 Personal Lines & Commercial Lines issues, and Catherine Trischan presenting Cyber Liability and Certificates of Insurance. Then the Halloween fun really began with a unique beer and wine tasting event, live auction to benefit Big "I" advocacy, and Awards Dinner - all capped off by a "spirited" costume contest judged by Peggy McDonald, John Deardorff, and Mark Weidner. Machell Naylor's amazing "Trusted Choice Eagle" was the grand prize winner, with Roxie Roth as a scary Red Riding Hood taking second, and Julie Richt and Rob Hynek coming in third as traffic cops.

"Bushwood Country Club vs. Danny Noonan's No Risk Insurance Agency", based on characters from the comedy film classic "Caddyshack", dominated the CE program on October 27. The mock E&O trial starred The Big "I" Thespians John Deardorff, Tom Greco, Mindy Haag, Brenda Kaiser, Michael Luna, Peggy McDonald, Machell Naylor, and Mark Weidner with real-life attorneys Sean Minahan and Cathy Trent-Vilim for the prosecution and defense, and IIAN's Jim Cavanaugh as the judge. IIAN's Jeremiah Gudding served as narrator, and the audience was the "jury". Unfortunately, in this case the jury found for the prosecution, and against the insurance agency. Conventioneers also attended CE sessions on Time Element and Drones presented by top instructor Jay Williams.

Past IIAN president Tom Greco, CPCU, CIC, second from left, installed IIAN's new officers during the President's Luncheon on October 27 - Sandra Ryks, left, Secretary-Treasurer; Greg Zimmer, second from right, Vice President; and Krae Dutoit, far right, President. (They look happy, don't they?!) New President Dutoit presented outgoing President Michael E. Jones, CIC with a plaque in appreciation of his service to IIAN during the past year.

Officers and Greco.jpg

IIABA's Vice President of Federal Government Affairs Jen McPhillips was the keynote speaker, and addressed top national agent legislative issues, including the new U.S. Department of Labor overtime rules set to go into effect on December 1. McPhillips drew the lucky winner of the raffle to support Big "I" PAC'S Jim Cavanaugh, IIAN's own legislative representative, won the Samsung curved 4k Ultra HD TV with HDR!

2015 Annual Convention

Over 425 IIAN members and company representatives attended IIANs 108th annual convention held at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, October 13-15. "It was great to see IIAN members from the Omaha area and all over the state at the convention especially all of the young agents and 50 first-timers," commented Mike Jones, CIC of David City, who was elected and installed as IIANs new president during the convention.

"Thanks to Annual Convention committee chairperson Lori Ruzicka, CISR, AAI, CIC from Omaha for putting together a successful new program format, and the Young Agents of Omaha, who manned the Young Agents booth throughout the convention. Selfies were posted throughout the convention on IIANs Facebook page, including one of the entire Awards Dinner crowd taken during IIABA Chairman-Elect Spencer Houldins presentation.

Following three days of great sessions featuring managing generational issues, online marketing strategies, and CE (including a live risk management tour of the hotel), the convention ended on a high note when IIAN past president Jim Peterson, CIC, of Eagle presented IIANs Spirit of Nebraska award to Ashland native Jeff Raikes, former Microsoft Business Division president and head of the Gates Foundation, in recognition of the Raikes Foundations work to improve educational opportunities for children at risk.

On Tuesday, October 13, over 110 golfers, along with 24 hole sponsors, enjoyed a perfect Nebraska fall day for the 20^th Annual Jay Jacupke Memorial Golf Tournament at Eagle Hills golf course, chaired by past IIAN presidents Mike Glaser and Tom Greco. The tournament along with a fun Bucket Raffle raised $14,000 to support the Foundations scholarship programs for Nebraska college students

At the convention President's Luncheon on October 15, President Jones talked to IIAN members about his vision for the association and members in the coming year, tied together by one theme: "Influence" - with consumers, the media, our company partners, insurance regulators, and elected officials. He introduced IIAN's new initiative to build member awareness and involvement in Big "I" government affairs - the Legislative Advisory Council/Ambassadors programs, and introduced Nebraska Senator Bob Krist (Dist. 10), who wrapped up the luncheon with thoughts on why effective grassroots advocacy is so important to good government, and how IIAN members can be involved. Sen. Krist drew the lucky winner of the raffle to support Big "I" PAC'S - Dan Keller with Doran Post & Associates, Lexington, won the Samsung curved UltraHD TV

Exhibitor_And_Attendee_Directory.pdf