Not even a still-fragile economy can keep members of Florida's insurance associations from their annual gatherings. Despite the continuing agency and carrier challenges of diluted premiums and reduced books of businesses, some association executives expect better attendance than ever this year. Agents clearly relish the opportunity to support each other, hear the wisdom of invited speakers, bone up on best practices — and eat well and party.

Sponsors apparently have not run for the hills either (tough to do in Florida), and hotels have come through with discounted room prices that won't empty corporate or personal pocketbooks. In a cautionary move, Event Cancellation insurance or Force Majeure clauses in venue contracts were both popular this year.

Here is an overview of what the major agent and industry organizations have planned:

PIA of Florida and PIA Western Alliance

Agent Expo 2010 – Innovation in Insurance

April 19-21; Caribe Royale, Orlando

Contact information: holly@mcraimeetings.com
800-823-8300 or 850-893-8245;
www.agentexpo.org.

PIA of Florida CEO Mark O'Connell said that with today's challenging marketplace, the goal of this conference is to create a realistic vision of the most important aspects agents need to focus on. To that end, the sponsors are bringing in nationally recognized marketing experts who will help agents better understand the digital revolution. Agent Expo 2010 will target the new marketing needs of the agent: Internet marketing, social networking, and creating an experience that stays with the customer.

This new venture by PIA of Florida and PIA Western Alliance offers quality networking opportunities with agents and exhibitors from across the country. The goal is to help agents determine which technologies are dying and which are suitable for innovating their businesses. Today, customers are talking about brands more than ever before, and for an agent, one of the most important goals is being able to control and participate in that dialogue.

Florida Association of Health Underwriters

Symposium and Expo

May 5-7; Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee

Contact information: Executive Director Dave Sherrill, 321-244-0427; www.fahu.org

Expecting an increase in attendance to more than 300 for this event, FAHU has themed the meeting on the geographic diversity of Florida. Proud of its growing reputation in providing leading-edge educational sessions for its members, this year's focus is on sales and marketing training.

“Every producer or marketer will come away with something that will help them make more money,” Executive Director Dave Sherrill promised. “And everyone will get to hear every speaker; no breakout sessions.”

Keynote speakers include Russ Childers, the president of the national association; Assurant Health CEO Don Hamm; and Vice President for Marketing of Norvax Jeremiah Desmarais.

Why go this year? Sherrill said that with passage of the health-care reform package, it is more important than ever to get together and receive updates about where the industry stands.

Given where they are meeting, the theme parks will be a big lure. Discounted Disney tickets are being offered.

Specialty Agents of Florida

19th Annual Convention and Trade Fair

May 13-15, Doubletree Hotel (Universal), Orlando

Contact: Susan Grace, 888-290-8436;
www.specialtyinsuranceagents.org

The annual Specialty Agents' gathering routinely attracts more than 500 participants, and the complementary trade fair is complimentary. Opportunities abound for members, agencies, companies, and industry service providers to network with peers, learn about the latest market trends, and gain access to industry leaders and policy makers.

With a focus this year on making agents' work more efficient and productive, innovative practices and business resources will be highlighted, along with discussions and information sharing on a wide range of industry and professional development issues.

The 2010 conclave will feature a panel discussion on legislative policy issues and a chance to network with political officials and Florida congressional leaders. Continuing education courses and an annual golf tournament also are offered.

Florida Insurance Council

2010 Summer Insurance Symposium

June 6-9, Hyatt Regency,
Clearwater Beach

Contact information: Dianne Rowe at drowe@flains.org; 850-386-6668, ext. 225; www.flains.org

FIC members look forward to this gathering each year soon after the Florida Legislature finishes its session. They take time for some R&R, to elect their officers, and to spend relaxed time together discussing industry issues and concerns while working for solutions agreeable to the group.

Attendance has been lighter the past couple of years, and is expected to repeat this summer, as member companies face challenges. The group typically numbers around 120. FIC foregoes exhibitors and a trade show, preferring to offer what most suits the group. Like all meeting planners, FIC's Dianne Rowe works to hold down costs.

There will be plenty of opportunities for leisure-time activities on Clearwater Beach and around the Tampa Bay area. Fishing, golf, and shopping are always popular.

Topical speakers are a big draw, and they were still being selected as this was written.

Rowe said that program content and the location of the annual event get the most appreciation from members. Since they are meeting at one of the state's most popular beaches, critiques this year should be very positive.

Florida Association of Insurance Agents

106th Anniversary Convention and Education Symposium

June 24-26, Orlando World Center Marriott

Contact information: Meeting Planner Cindy Molnar, 850-893-4155, ext. 352.; www.faia.com

“FAIA Bootcamp: Building Leaders in Challenging Times,” is the name given to this year's meeting. Guest speaker will be Bob Woodward, the well-known journalist, author, and reporter for ABC News.

The largest of the association gatherings, last year's attendance of 1,600 is expected to stay at that level. Guests often have to spill over into nearby hotels, especially with all the families that typically attend. The Marriott has a popular pool and a golf course on site; DisneyWorld and Sea World are close by.

“We continue to grow every year because we consistently offer our attendees a full year's worth of continuing education credits, great speakers, entertainment, networking opportunities, and the largest insurance trade show in the country,” reported Cindy Molnar, FAIA's long-time meeting planner.

Traditions and popular events include using door prize tickets in the general session to encourage attendees to get there early, and row prizes to get attendees to sit up front. A complimentary lunch in the exhibit hall and various on-site entertainments keep the place hopping. Thursday's Opening Night Party always features “great” entertainment, according to Molnar.

Molnar said things do not change much year-to-year, although the list of vendors in the exhibit hall keeps growing and growing. Important reasons to attend also do not change: The opportunity to complete continuing education obligations, engage in one-on-one talks with company partners, establish relationships with vendors, and network with peers.

Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies

40th Annual Convention – Unveil the Possibilities

July 14-18, Westin Diplomat Hotel, Hollywood

Contact information: 305-477-1442;
info@laaia.com; www.laiaa.com

LAAIA will celebrate “4 Decades of Fun” as members and friends come together for the introduction of new officers, networking, education, and speakers offering insight on a variety of current topics. For fun, there will be hospitality suites, dancing, good music, great food, a Monte Carlo Casino night, a golf tournament, a masquerade party — even a dominoes tournament. Last year nearly 1,500 shared the excitement.

Exhibitors have patronized this convention with great loyalty in the past, and the association expects similar participation this year.

Florida Association of Self Insureds

41st Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show

July 18-21, Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Contact: Executive Director Bill Kautter, CAE, bkautter@kmgnet.com, and Meeting Planner Jessie Laux at jlaux@kmgnet.com; www.fasi-fl.org.

Since last year's gathering, this group has modified its name a bit and is looking forward to another quality education program, plenty of networking, and a return to the Ritz-Carlton, where they have been meeting for more than 16 years.

CFO Alex Sink will give the keynote address. Other speakers include Judge David Langham of the Office of Judges of Workers' Compensation Claims, and Judge Ellen Lorenzen, Judge of Compensation Claims.

While attendance has remained steady over the past several years, a small drop in attendance from last year's 175 is anticipated. A few families come along to enjoy the beautiful beach, swimming pool, golf, spa and more. The number of exhibitors remains about the same every year, according to Executive Director Bill Kautter, CAE. He noted that the convention committee works hard to keep convention fees as low as possible, and pointed out that networking will be even more important for this year's attendees.

National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors-Florida

78th Annual Career Advancement
Conference and Tradeshow

July 19-21, Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach

Contact: www.faifa.org or
shimansky@faifa.org.

Despite the poor economy, last year's NAIFA-Florida Expo set records for vendor participation and member attendance. Dubbed one of the “premier insurance and financial services industry trade shows in Florida,” the exhibition hall's hours will be expanded this year to provide more contact time. A repeat sell-out is expected.

The conference will address sales motivation and offer a political roundtable. Communications Director Bob Lotane expects 400 participants, up some from last year's attendance. He said a few families also attend. Holding costs down is a priority, and this year room rates at this beach hotel are $139, (good for before and after convention dates). Add a golf tournament and free continuing education classes, an incredible resort, food, and entertainment, and Lotane sees a good meeting at a great price.

Elections will be held during the meeting, with two director-at-large positions contested.

Florida Surplus Lines Association

Annual Convention

July 22-24; Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island

Contact information: Executive Director Roger Gobler, 904-631-1322;
rtgobler@myfsla.com;

www.floridasurpluslinesassociation.com

Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) members look forward to fun in the sun and on the water in their island setting. In a real coup, the speakers' list this year is highlighted by Hank Watkins, president of Lloyd's North America, and William Berkley, chairman and CEO of W.R. Berkley, Inc. Also scheduled are panel discussions on current topics, business sessions, educational opportunities, and the always popular opportunity to spend time with agency and company members.

Executive Director Roger Gobler said attendance has been about the same for years, and sponsorships from company and agency members continue to be generous. On the fun list: Two receptions, a banquet, golf tournament, cooking school, tennis, time in the spa, and various water sports. Gobler said not too many children attend, but a number of spouses do. A MAP (Modified American Plan) that provides breakfast and dinner as part of the room rate helps hold down costs.

Why should agents stretch and come to a convention this year? Gobler said, “With many changes in the industry, it is important for our members to come to our convention so they can be made aware of these changes and how they may affect their business.”

Risk and Insurance Management Society Florida Chapters

35thAnnual Florida RIMS Educational Conference

July 26-31, Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples

Contact: Mike Benishek, 941-722-3291; www.florida.rims.org

Another large association gathering, many RIMS members bring their spouses and families, pushing attendance over 600. Sponsors and exhibitors hold steady, according to Risk Manager Mike Benishek, veteran conference coordinator. Conference cost to RIMS members is only $150 for the entire week (not including hotel), and includes a number of meals. The group has locked-in room rates through 2014, holding increases to $5 each year.

One very popular event occurs on Wednesday afternoon: Instead of holding an expo, vendors are encouraged to contribute prizes for a fun networking raffle.

The group consistently meets at the Naples resort and enjoys the beach, pool and golf, along with the many opportunities to socialize at post-session events. No time is devoted to electing and installing officers as this takes place at the RIMS planning meeting in January.

Speakers were being signed up as this was written. Event cancellation insurance is provided by RIMS headquarters in New York, Benishek reported.

He called the meeting a chance for intense networking with brokers and carriers to see new products and benchmark coverage and costs with peers.

National Association of Insurance Women – Florida Council

Florida Council Meeting

Sept. 10-11, The Tradewinds,
St. Pete Beach

Contact: Glenda@herdonnett.com

This group has pegged its theme to its location this year: “Oceans of Opportunity.” According to Florida Council Director Glenda Griffin, AIS, API, CPIW, DAE, PIAM, a 50-person increase in attendance over last year is expected, bringing the number back to around 200. She expects more families to take advantage of the location and accompany their attendees. The hotel offers plenty to keep kids busy, including a pirate show, paddle boats in a canal that flows throughout the property, several pools, and an impressive beach.

Griffin pointed out that, “Florida has one of the largest council meetings of the seven councils that make up Region III. We have a full day of continuing education classes included in registration, as well as several one- to three-hour classes and workshops. This is our opportunity to award members who have excelled in their field by announcing the Insurance Professional of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Claims Professional of the Year, the AAMGA Award, and other honors. We also award scholarships at the meeting.”

A highlight, she said, is the “Confidence While Communicating” speaking competition. The winner goes on to compete at the regional level.

NAIW has benefited from generous sponsors and loyal exhibitors. Including exhibitors in their opening party helps maintain camaraderie, according to Griffin.

Addressing reasons to attend a conference in tough economic times, Griffin pointed out that, “The networking keeps members who have lost their jobs in the loop, and sometimes leads to re-employment. This is also a time we can discuss ways to make our jobs easier, more productive, and energized.”

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