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Schedule


 2024 SPRING CONFERENCE  SCHEDULE 

Join us March 20-21, 2024 for another great conference!

Course Handouts are available to download now! See link next to each course.

Printed handouts will not be provided except as noted below.

AGENTS - REGISTER NOW


Customize your experience by choosing classes with a Farm/Agriculture Focus, a Management/Leadership Focus, or a mix of both!

All classes taught by Cheryl Koch are approved for AFIS update, including the E&O!


Tuesday, MARCH 19, 2024


6:00pm - 8:00pm

Pre-Conference Social at Fyre Modern Grill

Join us at Fyre Modern Grill (onsite at the Crowne Plaza) for a delightful pre-conference gathering that promises a perfect blend of good company, delectable bites, and a relaxed atmosphere! This informal social event is specially curated for conference participants like you, providing an excellent opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow attendees before the main event kicks off. While the first round of appetizers is complimentary, please note that beverages and additional food will be available for your purchase at the venue, allowing you to choose and pay for what you fancy. 


Wednesday, March 20, 2024


Registration (open 7:30am - 5:30pm)

Visit our All-Day Conference Registration and Information Hub to get the support and information you need to make the most of this exciting event! Whether you're a first-time attendee or a conference veteran, our friendly staff is here to provide personalized assistance, making your experience enjoyable and stress-free.

7:30am - 8:00am 

Wednesday Breakfast

Start your conference day on a delicious note with our Continental Style 'Breakfast On-the-Go. It's designed for busy conference attendees who want a delightful and convenient start before diving into a day of classes and networking.

8:00am - 4:30pm  ALL DAY

Printed Learning Guide Provided at Conference

CISR - Insuring Commercial Property - ALL DAY CLASS w/optional exam  (7 CEUs approved in all states)

SPEAKER:  Kent Anthony CIC, CFP, CMFC, RFC

Gain a grasp of the types of commercial property, be able to identify parties with an insurable interest, and understand the difference between direct and indirect loss. Topics addressed include: Fundamentals of Commercial Property Insurance Building and Personal Property Coverage Form Causes of Loss Forms Basics of Time Element Insurance Basics of Commercial Inland Marine Insurance (State CE credit is approved in all states.)   Open to all registered attendees.  Must attend ALL DAY to receive CE credit and/or designation credit.  A printed  CISR Learning Guide Workbook will be provided  for you in the classroom at conference.

8:00am - 10:00am      
 Ag Focus

Billion Dollar Disasters (2 CEUs* & AFIS credit approved)

SPEAKER:  Cheryl Koch CPCU, CIC, ARM, AAI, AAM, AIM

For the first time in a long time, the property insurance market has been a major contributor to today’s hard market conditions
 
  • WHAT is driving it and what will it take to turn things around?  
  • WHY are convective storms increasing ?  Can you spell derecho?
  • HOW do we navigate soaring property values?  - underinsurance is a “thing"! 
  • WHAT are other property insurance considerations that every agent and broker should be aware of ?
  • HOW do we mitigate loss ...Risk Management in action!
  • WHAT steps must we take as an industry to better serve our clients’ property insurance needs?  
Attend this class for those answers and more! 
8:00am - 10:00am     
 Leader Focus 

No Handout 

Exploring The Employee Retention Tax Credit program and How It Can Help Your Agency (No CE)

SPEAKER:  Skip Coomber - JD

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the Employee Retention Tax Credit program successfully. Empower your agency with the knowledge to leverage ERTC as a financial tool for enhancing stability and growth. Join us for an insightful exploration that can positively impact your agency's financial outlook and employee retention strategies.
10:00am - 12:00pm
Ag Focus


New-Fangled Farming (2 CEUs* & AFIS credit approved)

SPEAKER:  Cheryl Koch CPCU, CIC, ARM, AAI, AAM, AIM    

Explore the cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing agriculture today. In this course, we'll dive into the realm of mechanized farming, robotics, precision agriculture, and the integration of AI and cyber technologies into modern farming practices. Additionally, we'll shine a spotlight on sustainable energy sources like wind, solar, and alternative energy, recognizing farmers as the original environmentalists.
10:00am - 12:00pm
 Leader Focus 


Navigating Global Reinsurors: Challenges and Strategies (No CE)

SPEAKER:  Casey Gibbs, PFMM  - Director of Reinsurance Marketing at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by Global Reinsurers and their impact on the insurance landscape. Learn how to strategically navigate reinsurance challenges, enabling companies and agents to thrive in a competitive global market. Elevate your professional expertise by staying informed about the latest trends and challenges in the dynamic world of reinsurance.

12:00pm - 1:30pm

Wednesday Lunch Program (1 CEU* approved)

Indulge in a delectable luncheon experience during our conference as you gather with your colleagues and immerse yourself in the timely programming provided by Director Eric Dunning and the Nebraska Department of Insurance..

1:30pm - 4:30 pm
Ag Focus

Fun on the Farm! (3 CEUs* & AFIS credit approved)

SPEAKER:  Cheryl Koch CPCU, CIC, ARM, AAI, AAM, AIM,

Welcome to 'Fun on the Farm!' – an engaging and informative class that explores the fascinating intersection of agriculture, entertainment, and legal considerations. In this class, participants will delve into three key aspects that make the farm not just a place of work, but also a hub for recreational enjoyment. • Learn about the concept of Agritainment – the unique blend of agriculture and entertainment. • Dive into recreational use laws and farm liability. • Gain insights into the distinction between the ISO Farm Program and Commercial Lines insurance.

1:30pm - 4:30 pm
 Leader Focus 

Mary Unplugged: Agency Operations – No Limits! (NO CE)

SPEAKER:  Mary Belka CPCU, ARM, ARe, RPLU, CIC, CPI - Owner/CEO at Eisenhart Consulting Group

Join Mary Belka for a unique session tailored to your individual needs. The open discussion will center around your specific agency situation and distinctive needs. This 'open mic' forum features an in-depth question-and-answer format woven from the specific operational issues and challenges the participants identify both before and during the session. This unique, personalized approach includes relevant solutions to real-life operational challenges all agencies struggle to address. Potential topics run the operational gamut including remarketing & other addictions, perpetuation, technology, enhancing productivity, compensation, COI insights, business models built for growth/success, recruiting, and more!

4:30pm - 6:30pm

Big I Nebraska Trade Show

Networking is the backbone of career growth, and our event provides the perfect platform to connect with like-minded professionals and forge meaningful relationships! Join your fellow agents in meeting with 50 industry partners during our IIAN Spring Conference Trade Show while you enjoy a delicious variety of hors d'oeuvres.

8:00pm - 11:00 pm

Nextgen Hospitality Suite

Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking and fun at the Nextgen Hospitality Suite! After a day filled with enriching discussions and valuable insights at the conference, we invite you to unwind and connect in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. The Nextgen Hospitality Suite is the perfect setting to forge new connections, share ideas, and build lasting relationships with fellow conference attendees.



tHURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

Registration (open All Day 7:30am - 3:30pm)

Visit our All-Day Conference Registration and Information Hub to get the support and information you need to make the most of this exciting event! Whether you're a first-time attendee or a conference veteran, our friendly staff is here to provide personalized assistance, making your experience enjoyable and stress-free.

7:30am - 8:30am

Thursday Breakfast

A hearty breakfast is the key to a productive day. Our warm sit-down buffet ensures you start your conference sessions with the energy and focus you need.  Chat with friends or join us for our first WIN - Women in Insurance in Nebraska informal gathering.

8:00am to 8:25am

WIN - Women in Insurance in Nebraska Breakfast "Coffee Chat"

Join us for an informal breakfast 'coffee chat' as we kick off WIN - Women in Insurance in Nebraska, a collaborative group committed to fostering success and camaraderie among women in the insurance industry. This inaugural gathering is a crucial step towards building a supportive community where women can thrive, share insights, and elevate their professional journeys. Your voice matters and will shape the direction and success of this collective endeavor. We look forward to hearing your ideas and working together to make WIN a dynamic and empowering network for women in the insurance industry.

8:30am - 9:30am
Ag Focus

Livestock Coverage Strategies (1 CEU* & AFIS credit approved)

SPEAKER:  Cheryl Koch CPCU, CIC, ARM, AAI, AAM, AIM

Unlock the secrets behind Livestock Coverage Forms within the farm program and unravel the complexities of animal morbidity and mortality coverage. Learn how to effectively manage and mitigate risks associated with livestock ownership through tailored insurance solutions.

8:30am - 9:30am
 Leader Focus 


It's Baaaaack – Taming the Hard Market Beast (NO CE)

SPEAKER:   Mary Belka CPCU, ARM, ARe, RPLU, CIC, CPI

Now that it’s finally here, how do you avoid pitfalls and leverage the opportunities? Becoming proactive after nearly three decades of a sustained soft market is no easy task – adjustment needed! • Messaging – become the Source of Truth. • Don’t let others – including clients – define your role. • Death by remarketing – it doesn’t have to be that way! • A thousand cuts – old soft market habits die hard – but they still need to die! The top profit-killers and how to end their dominance – make it stop. • Business model challenges – doing more with fewer, more talented players. • What’s next – keeping your edge as the market cools. Learn the lessons, and don’t let up!

9:30am - 11:30am
Ag Focus


Vertical Farming – Is it Agriculture or a Tech Venture? ( 2 CEUs* & AFIS credit approved)

SPEAKER:   Cheryl Koch CPCU, CIC, ARM, AAI, AAM, AIM

Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving landscape of agriculture with our captivating class, 'Vertical Farming – Is it Agriculture or a Tech Venture?' Challenge preconceptions about the reach of vertical farming and explore how it is already influencing the agricultural landscape in the Midwest. Delve into the intriguing intersection of hydroponics and organics within the realm of vertical farming. Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the implications of vertical farming on the future of agriculture and technology.

9:30am - 11:30am
 Leader Focus 


Remote Doesn’t Have to Mean Disconnected (NO CE)

SPEAKER:  Mary Belka CPCU, ARM, ARe, RPLU, CIC, CPI

Examining the ramifications of the past 3 years, and what they mean for agency operations going forward. A new workforce approach primed by a combination of COVID, hard market conditions, the mass exit of Boomer wisdom, and technology. • Evolution & current trends, including hybrid approaches for best results, as well as potential negatives for workers – and more. • Training & education challenges – formal, mandatory Educational Career Path. • Recruitment. • Revenues handled per employee – what is possible? Under what circumstances? • Addition by subtraction – both with regard to employees and clients. • Alignment and connection – some examples that work.

11:30am - 12:30pm

Thursday Lunch Program

Don't miss this unique opportunity to savor exquisite cuisine while staying informed about the critical issues shaping the agricultural landscape. Join us for a lunch program that satisfies both your appetite and your curiosity. Stay ahead of the curve with an exclusive update on the current status of The Farm Bill and Crop Insurance. Our expert speakers will provide insights into the latest information, potential impacts on the agricultural sector, and what it means for farmers and stakeholders.  Plus, gain insights from Trusted Choice representatives on how Trusted Choice Resources can bolster you and your agency amidst current challenges, empowering you to continue to provide superior service and protection to your customers.  Don't forget to download the materials!

12:30pm - 3:30pm
Ag Focus - with Ethics

Old MacDonald Has a Farm – E&O, E&O, E&O (3 Ethics CEUs* & AFIS credit approved)

NOTE: This class does NOT qualify for Swiss Re discount

SPEAKERS:   Cheryl Koch CPCU, CIC, ARM, AAI, AAM, AIM  and  Mary Belka CPCU, ARM, ARe, RPLU, CIC, CPI

Arm yourself with practical strategies and best practices to proactively prevent errors and omissions in the farm insurance sector. From policy drafting to claims handling, discover effective measures to minimize risks and foster strong client relationships. Unearth real-life stories from the Errors and Omissions crypt, shedding light on actual cases involving insurance pitfalls within the agricultural domain. Learn from these experiences to navigate potential pitfalls and enhance your risk management skills.

Please note that the schedule may be modified as necessary.

*Courses eligible for CE are  approved by the Nebraska Department of Insurance only for Nebraska resident licensees. 

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