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Annual Convention

IIAN's Annual Convention is held in October and rotates between Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. It has a long standing tradition of an over 55-exhibitor trade fair, timely insurance education approved for Nebraska CEU credits, outstanding sales and management sessions, 350+ agents and company attendees, and fun networking opportunities.

Future Dates:

2018 - October 10-12 - Embassy Suites, LaVista, NE
2019 - October 9-11 - Younes Conference Center, Kearney, NE

2018 Annual Convention

Sponsor/Exhibitor Registration Open - Click Here

Individual/Agent Registration Open - Click Here

Big Red Homecoming

111th Annual Convention

October 10-12, 2018

Embassy Suites, La Vista

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10

10:00 AM - Registration IIAN Foundation Golf Tournament
11:00 AM - Shotgun Start Woodland Hills Golf Course, Eagle

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Dynamics of Service– 7 PC CEUs NE/IA

Speaker: Sam Bennett, CIC

12:00 PM—1:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Dynamics of Service—CONTINUED

6:00 PM—8:00PM Happy Hour Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Filling Insurance Gaps & Adding Value (3 PC CEUs*)
Speaker: Sam Bennett, CIC

                                         Risik Management: One-Hour Mini-Sessions (1 PC CEU Each*)
     8:30 AM – 9:30 AM     Pollution & Contractors   Speaker: Brian Dreyer, ARM, ASLI
    9:30 AM – 10:30 AM    Flood Insurance Basics   Speaker: Larry Palmer, Seattle Specialty
    10:30 AM – 11:30 AM  Cyber Exposures                Speaker: Marshall Ford, Five Nines

                                          Professional Development: One-Hour Mini-Sessions (1 CEU Each **)
  8:30 AM – 9:30 AM       Stop Selling Insurance
  9:30 AM – 10:30 AM     The Power of the Sales Process
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM     Tell Them Again
                                           Speaker: Ken Smith (All Sessions)

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM IIAN Leadership Luncheon/Annual Meeting & Awards

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1:30PM– 4:30 PM Personal Lines Claim Scenarios (3 PC CEUs*)
Speaker: Sam Bennett, CIC

Risk Management: One-Hour Mini-Sessions (1 PC CEU Each*) -- Morning Sessions Repeat

Professional Development Track: Selling Like A Human (3 CEUs**)
Speaker: Greg Chambers Sponsored by Nextgen

1:00 PM—4:00 PM        Exhibitor Set-up
4:00 PM– 6:30 PM         Trade Fair/Industry Night Reception
                                          Nextgen Wine Bottle Ring Toss/Networking

6:30 PM—7:15 PM Reception/InsurPac Auction
7:15 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner & Performance featuring Funny Artist Sam Glenn

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

8:30 – 11:30 AM E&O Risk Management: Mock Trial – (3 Ethics CEUs*)
Featuring The Nebraska Big “I" Repertory

11:30 – 12:30 PM President's Luncheon

12:30PM– 3:30 PM E&O Risk Management: Meeting the Challenge of Change (3 Ethics CEUs*)
Speaker: Casey Roberts

* Pending Approval By Nebraska Department of Insurance.
**Qualifies For New Assn. Participation CE Credt

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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.

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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!

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2015 Annual Convention

Over 425 IIAN members and company representatives attended IIAN’s 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 IIAN’s 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 IIAN’s Facebook page, including one of the entire Awards Dinner crowd taken during IIABA Chairman-Elect Spencer Houldin’s 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 IIAN’s “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 Foundation’s 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 Foundation’s 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