Big “I” Convention Features Industry’s Largest Exhibit Hall
Agents and Brokers Can Network with Leading Companies and Vendors
ALEXANDRIA, VA, Sept. 23 – Independent agents and brokers can network with leading insurance company representatives and a wide array of vendors, as well as learn about new products and services in the industry’s largest exhibit hall during the 2004 Big “I” Convention, announces Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) Vice President of Special Events Jeffrey A. Etzkin.
The convention, the showcase event of the Big “I,” will take place Oct. 9 through 12 in Orlando, Fla., at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.
The Big “I” Convention Exhibit Hall will feature more than 120 exhibitors representing the industry’s leading insurance companies, automation providers, other technology firms and related insurance services providers including:
- Afni Insurance Services
- AFLAC
- AMS Services, Inc.
- Applied Systems, Inc.
- Chubb Group of Insurance Companies
- Encompass/Allstate/Deerbrook/Allstate Workplace Division
- Farmers Insurance
- Fireman’s Fund
- GE Insurance Solutions
- Kemper Auto and Home
- MetLife Auto & Home
- Ohio Casualty Group Member Companies
- Safeco Insurance
- Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
- St. Paul Travelers
“This year’s exhibit hall is value-laden for agents looking to improve their current operations or to move a step up in what they offer their customers,” says Etzkin. “The exhibitors know how savvy Big ‘I’ members are and would not be there unless they thought that their particular products or services measured up to their high standards.”
A highlight of the exhibit hall is the many networking opportunities that agents, brokers and insurance company representatives and other exhibitors can avail themselves of during the three days of the exposition, says Etzkin. “The exhibit hall alone is worth the price of attending the Big ‘I’ Convention,” says Etzkin. “In the past, many business relationships were struck in our exhibits area and more will be forged in Orlando. It will be a productive time for Big ‘I’ members and company representatives alike.”
The exhibit hall will be open Oct. 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the convention opening party; Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Big “I” Convention will bring thousands of independent insurance agents and brokers, company representatives, and industry leaders to central Florida for a variety of nationally recognized business speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, and insightful continuing-education and educational workshops designed to improve agency and brokerage performance by providing Big “I” members tools to take their businesses to the next level.
Additionally, young agents and brokers from across the country will gather immediately before the Big “I” Convention—Oct. 8-10—for the Young Agent Sales & Leadership Conference. This event is designed to promote the importance of building sales and leadership skills and establishing networking contacts. Young agents and brokers from across the country, who comprise the future of the independent agency system, will gather for three days of educational training designed to mold the agency system leaders of tomorrow.
Because the meeting falls on the three-day Columbus Day holiday weekend, the Big “I” Convention will give agents and brokers with pre-school and school-age children the opportunity to mix a little business with a fantastic mini-vacation that provides children of all ages exciting opportunities, family fun and relaxation. The convention hotel is located on the Disney World property and is minutes from Epcot Center, the Magic Kingdom, Disney golf courses and many other fabulous family attractions.
For more information about the exhibit hall and to register for the Big “I” Convention, Best Practices Business Symposium and the Young Agents Sales & Leadership Conference, please go to www.independentagent.com and select “Events and Conferences.”
Founded in 1896, IIABA is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address:
www.independentagent.com.
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