Welcome to Texas! The management team, volunteers, and staff of IASA have created a conference experience for you that truly will help you live this year's theme, "Think Big!"
By the way, before I touch on some of the major highlights of the 2010 IASA Annual Educational Conference and Business Show, I just want to point out it is perfectly acceptable to use the term y'all in Texas. I'm not sure, but there may be a state law that requires its use. In fact, I've been told it even is acceptable to use the plural of y'all-- all y'all. In this spirit, y'all are in for an unbelievable conference.
I mentioned earlier the 2010 conference really embraces the "Think Big" theme, but I want to expand on that just a bit. For IASA, it's not enough to say, "Think Big," and not follow through, and when you take a look at the outstanding docket of speakers lined up to challenge the way you think about our industry and your career through innovation, inspiration, and as an individual over the next few days, I think you will agree. Additionally, this year's conference offers attendees the opportunity to earn up to 20 CPE credits. That's a fantastic benefit found at an event I guarantee has the biggest return possible on your education dollars.
You've probably noticed the explosion of social media in the world today, and this year we have done our best to start using social media, incorporating it into the IASA conference not only as a way of sharing information and education but also as a way of improving and expanding upon your conference experience. Additionally, you may have noticed IASA has streamlined the format of the conference. Now there are more opportunities to network with your peers in the insurance industry than we ever have offered before.
We have a new initiative that will be unveiled today, and as always, the hard work put into the business show by everyone involved will blow your mind once you reach the Exhibit Hall. This year's show really is "big" beyond what I can tell you in this small space; in fact, even attendees who have come for many years may want to keep an agenda handy--or risk getting lost. \
All of the progress I have described here and this year's "Think Big" theme stay true to the IASA's core principle of sharing knowledge. This basic concept, "Progress Through Sharing Knowledge," and the fact the association never loses sight of that concept are what make IASA a truly great organization.
I urge you to get into the spirit of sharing knowledge while you are here in Texas at the show. IASA's first small steps into social media allow attendees to "follow" on Twitter during the conference. We will be sending "tweets" throughout the event to provide valuable information and make your experience at the conference far better.
That said, I personally won't be responsible for any of the tweets. While I believe I'm pretty savvy to texting and tweeting, the laughter of my 16-yearold sons says otherwise.
So, on behalf of the IASA management team, staff, and all the volunteers who made this conference possible--all y'all have a fantastic conference!
