Not even a still-fragile economy can keep members of Florida'sinsurance associations from their annual gatherings. Despite thecontinuing agency and carrier challenges of diluted premiums andreduced books of businesses, some association executives expectbetter attendance than ever this year. Agents clearly relish theopportunity to support each other, hear the wisdom of invitedspeakers, bone up on best practices — and eat well and party.

Sponsors apparently have not run for the hills either (tough todo in Florida), and hotels have come through with discounted roomprices that won't empty corporate or personal pocketbooks. In acautionary move, Event Cancellation insurance or Force Majeureclauses in venue contracts were both popular this year.

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

PIA of Florida and PIA Western Alliance

Agent Expo 2010 – Innovation in Insurance

April 19-21; Caribe Royale, Orlando

Contact information: [email protected]
800-823-8300 or 850-893-8245;
www.agentexpo.org.

PIA of Florida CEO Mark O'Connell said that with today'schallenging marketplace, the goal of this conference is to create arealistic vision of the most important aspects agents need to focuson. To that end, the sponsors are bringing in nationally recognizedmarketing experts who will help agents better understand thedigital revolution. Agent Expo 2010 will target the new marketingneeds of the agent: Internet marketing, social networking, andcreating an experience that stays with the customer.

This new venture by PIA of Florida and PIA Western Allianceoffers quality networking opportunities with agents and exhibitorsfrom across the country. The goal is to help agents determine whichtechnologies are dying and which are suitable for innovating theirbusinesses. Today, customers are talking about brands more thanever before, and for an agent, one of the most important goals isbeing 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 thisevent, FAHU has themed the meeting on the geographic diversity ofFlorida. Proud of its growing reputation in providing leading-edgeeducational sessions for its members, this year's focus is on salesand marketing training.

“Every producer or marketer will come away with something thatwill help them make more money,” Executive Director Dave Sherrillpromised. “And everyone will get to hear every speaker; no breakoutsessions.”

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

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

Given where they are meeting, the theme parks will be a biglure. 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 morethan 500 participants, and the complementary trade fair iscomplimentary. Opportunities abound for members, agencies,companies, and industry service providers to network with peers,learn about the latest market trends, and gain access to industryleaders and policy makers.

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

The 2010 conclave will feature a panel discussion on legislativepolicy issues and a chance to network with political officials andFlorida congressional leaders. Continuing education courses and anannual golf tournament also are offered.

Florida Insurance Council

2010 Summer Insurance Symposium

June 6-9, Hyatt Regency,
Clearwater Beach

Contact information: Dianne Rowe at [email protected];850-386-6668, ext. 225; www.flains.org

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

Attendance has been lighter the past couple of years, and isexpected to repeat this summer, as member companies facechallenges. The group typically numbers around 120. FIC foregoesexhibitors and a trade show, preferring to offer what most suitsthe group. Like all meeting planners, FIC's Dianne Rowe works tohold down costs.

There will be plenty of opportunities for leisure-timeactivities 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 beingselected as this was written.

Rowe said that program content and the location of the annualevent get the most appreciation from members. Since they aremeeting at one of the state's most popular beaches, critiques thisyear 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 thename given to this year's meeting. Guest speaker will be BobWoodward, the well-known journalist, author, and reporter for ABCNews.

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

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

Traditions and popular events include using door prize ticketsin the general session to encourage attendees to get there early,and row prizes to get attendees to sit up front. A complimentarylunch in the exhibit hall and various on-site entertainments keepthe 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 thelist of vendors in the exhibit hall keeps growing and growing.Important reasons to attend also do not change: The opportunity tocomplete continuing education obligations, engage in one-on-onetalks 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;
[email protected]; www.laiaa.com

LAAIA will celebrate “4 Decades of Fun” as members and friendscome together for the introduction of new officers, networking,education, and speakers offering insight on a variety of currenttopics. For fun, there will be hospitality suites, dancing, goodmusic, great food, a Monte Carlo Casino night, a golf tournament, amasquerade party — even a dominoes tournament. Last year nearly1,500 shared the excitement.

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

Florida Association of Self Insureds

41st Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show

July 18-21, Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Contact: Executive Director Bill Kautter, CAE,[email protected], and Meeting Planner Jessie Laux [email protected]; www.fasi-fl.org.

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

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

While attendance has remained steady over the past severalyears, a small drop in attendance from last year's 175 isanticipated. A few families come along to enjoy the beautifulbeach, swimming pool, golf, spa and more. The number of exhibitorsremains about the same every year, according to Executive DirectorBill Kautter, CAE. He noted that the convention committee workshard to keep convention fees as low as possible, and pointed outthat networking will be even more important for this year'sattendees.

National Association of Insurance & FinancialAdvisors-Florida

78th Annual Career Advancement
Conference and Tradeshow

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

Contact: www.faifa.org or
[email protected].

Despite the poor economy, last year's NAIFA-Florida Expo setrecords for vendor participation and member attendance. Dubbed oneof the “premier insurance and financial services industry tradeshows in Florida,” the exhibition hall's hours will be expandedthis year to provide more contact time. A repeat sell-out isexpected.

The conference will address sales motivation and offer apolitical roundtable. Communications Director Bob Lotane expects400 participants, up some from last year's attendance. He said afew families also attend. Holding costs down is a priority, andthis year room rates at this beach hotel are $139, (good for beforeand after convention dates). Add a golf tournament and freecontinuing education classes, an incredible resort, food, andentertainment, and Lotane sees a good meeting at a great price.

Elections will be held during the meeting, with twodirector-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;
[email protected];

www.floridasurpluslinesassociation.com

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

Executive Director Roger Gobler said attendance has been aboutthe same for years, and sponsorships from company and agencymembers continue to be generous. On the fun list: Two receptions, abanquet, 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) thatprovides breakfast and dinner as part of the room rate helps holddown costs.

Why should agents stretch and come to a convention this year?Gobler said, “With many changes in the industry, it is importantfor our members to come to our convention so they can be made awareof 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 bringtheir spouses and families, pushing attendance over 600. Sponsorsand exhibitors hold steady, according to Risk Manager MikeBenishek, veteran conference coordinator. Conference cost to RIMSmembers is only $150 for the entire week (not including hotel), andincludes a number of meals. The group has locked-in room ratesthrough 2014, holding increases to $5 each year.

One very popular event occurs on Wednesday afternoon: Instead ofholding an expo, vendors are encouraged to contribute prizes for afun networking raffle.

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

Speakers were being signed up as this was written. Eventcancellation insurance is provided by RIMS headquarters in NewYork, Benishek reported.

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

National Association of Insurance Women – Florida Council

Florida Council Meeting

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

Contact: [email protected]

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

Griffin pointed out that, “Florida has one of the largestcouncil meetings of the seven councils that make up Region III. Wehave a full day of continuing education classes included inregistration, as well as several one- to three-hour classes andworkshops. This is our opportunity to award members who haveexcelled in their field by announcing the Insurance Professional ofthe Year, Rookie of the Year, Claims Professional of the Year, theAAMGA Award, and other honors. We also award scholarships at themeeting.”

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

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

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