While it's nothing new to see the leaders as well as rank and file members from the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America march up Capitol Hill each spring to press the association's legislative agenda in Congress, there will be one major new twist to the group's annual trip to Washington, D.C. this time around.

For the first time, the IIABA is combining its legislative conference with its annual convention–normally held in the fall–just a short commuter train ride away from the group's Alexandria, Va., headquarters. The joint event will take place April 23-29 at the Grand Hyatt Washington and the Washington Convention Center.

As in the past, the gathering will feature guest speakers, panel discussions on important issues and workshops.

Among the speakers, Friday's closing general session will feature former Secretary of State and retired four-star General Colin L. Powell. Other speakers include House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark.–both scheduled to address agents during a breakfast session of the National Legislative Conference on Thursday, April 27.

Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-La., is scheduled to address young agents during the InsurPac-Young Agents luncheon on Wednesday, April 26. On Monday, April 24, House Financial Services Chairman Mike Oxley, R-Ohio, will address agents prior to the beginning of the conference and convention.

On Friday, in addition to Colin Powell's address, the day will feature two panel discussions–the IIABA's presidents panel for young agents in the morning, and a CEO panel during the general convention in the late afternoon.

The presidents panel, to be held during the Young Agents' Breakfast, will feature William G. Stiglitz III, IIABA's president, as moderator. Scheduled to appear are:

o Tony Pavia, president, AIG Agency Auto.

o Cynthia Hardy Young, president, Encompass Insurance.

o John Ammendola, senior vice president, Safeco.

o Robert V. James, senior managing director, president and CEO, Balboa Insurance Group.

The CEO panel discussion, scheduled for the convention's closing general session, which starts at 4:30 p.m., will be moderated by Robert A. Rusbuldt, IIABA's CEO. Scheduled to appear are:

o Edward M. Liddy, chairman and CEO, Allstate.

o Ramani Ayer, chairman and CEO, The Hartford Financial Services Group.

o Paula Rosput Reynolds, president and CEO, Safeco.

o Gary R. Gregg, president and CEO, Liberty Mutual Agency Markets.

o Michael Browne, president and CEO, Harleysville Insurance.

Agents and brokers will have several opportunities on Friday to attend a number of workshops throughout the day. The workshops will include “Bridge Over Troubled Waters–How to Sell & Service Flood Insurance” and “Agency Survival Strategies.”

For those seeking additional education, on Saturday, April 30, Karen Reutherford will lead a workshop in “Critical Elements of Disaster Planning and Recovery.” An additional fee and registration are required for this session.

The Washington Convention Center will house the many vendors attending this year's conference.

New to this year's exhibitor program will be the Internet Office Caf?, offering exhibitors the opportunity to meet with agents and other business partners in a private, glass-enclosed office space. The facilities will offer seating, WiFi stations with Internet access, phones, signage, printers, copiers and fax stations, as well as coffee and beverage service. Exhibitors will rent the space on either a part-day or full-day basis, for Friday only.

Adjacent to the exhibit area will be the “Trusted Choice Experience,” set up for Trusted Choice agent members and their company partners.

Jeffrey A. Myers, executive director of Trusted Choice, said the “experience” will consist of 10 booths for company partner representatives and association-related programs. Company representatives will have the opportunity to talk with select agent partners and also discuss business with perspective agency partners.

“This is a way to put the spotlight on the Trusted Choice branding movement and our company partners,” noted Mr. Myers.

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Big I Combines Capitol Hill Visit With Annual Convention For First Time

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