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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!

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!