The Florida Association of Insurance Agents will hold their 102nd Anniversary Convention & Education Symposium June 15-17 at the Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort in Orlando. Long established as the premier annual event for agents, the conference allows agents the opportunity to explore a number of topics including the latest in errors and omissions' policies and how to place a value on an agency. This year's conference is also lining up to be one of the most important in years as agents try to absorb the many changes in the homeowners' market due to the latest set of reforms enacted by the legislature. And, of course, no convention would be complete without the many exhibitors who will fill the exhibition hall offering agents the latest products and services.
Prior to heading off to what he says will be the largest convention ever for his association, President and CEO Jeff Grady talked about what makes this annual gathering a must-attend event for so many.
Q. Communications have changed dramatically in the past decade. Faxes, e-mail, and the Internet are all accepted ways for business people to "talk" to one another. Yet, FAIA continues to successfully hold annual gatherings. What do you see as your most compelling reason for bringing agents together — and for the agents to continue showing up?
A. At a time when attendance at many association conventions is headed in the wrong direction, FAIA's continues to climb. We are anticipating a record crowd — one that exceeds those of the last two years. It's hard to pinpoint the exact reason without using terms like "value" and "momentum." It's obvious that agents and industry associates believe the event meets or exceeds their value proposition, and as more people attend, it creates a curiosity and word-of-mouth dynamic that attracts others.
Q. Your convention slogan this year is "Vision, Voice, Value." What programs, events, sessions, or speakers are on the agenda that will turn those words from a slogan into a truism?
A. Our industry is certainly not without it challenges. From Florida's property insurance market turmoil and agent compensation issues to agency personnel shortages, there are a lot of bright minds among the association's membership that continue to work on these complex problems. Our program highlights several of these subjects not only with education, but also with opinions that will hopefully inspire greater awareness and more thoughtful solutions.
Q. You have strongly supported the rejuvenation of the Young Agents Council. What are your hopes for them at this convention?
A. I hope they come away with a clear understanding of the large shoes they must fill and a greater sense of urgency in doing so. FAIA's strength and influence over the years has stemmed from an incredible cast of dedicated volunteers who have carried the water for so many in this industry. Many of these folks are now on the backside of their career. The challenge for young agents is, first, to recognize the tremendous asset they are bound to inherit and commit themselves to furthering the legacy left by their predecessors.
Q. FAIA conventions draw huge numbers of people. Tell us how you approach this setting from the standpoint of learning what is really happening at the "trench" level of the association. How does FAIA make meaningful, personal contacts with the agent from the small town, the veteran who could share some wisdom, and the emerging leader in that busy scene?
A. Much of this is done before we get to convention. Our board members very much serve as FAIA's host committee. They are tasked with reaching out to new members and making themselves or other veterans of the business available to those new agents that need the counsel of time and experience. At the convention itself, we have a meet-and-greet for all of our new members with our board and senior staff. The convention serves as a showcase of the association's resources, but we conduct many other forms of outreach throughout the year to assure that agents take advantage of everything FAIA has to offer.
Q. What do you most want your association members to go home with this year regarding how FAIA plans to assist them during what experts predict will be a difficult weather cycle?
A. A feeling of confidence that FAIA will provide any assistance they need, either pre- or post disaster. This is not just talking the talk. We have learned from experience and have invested time and capital in providing effective disaster relief to agencies and their clients. The most visible sign of this commitment will be seen in our exhibit hall, as we unveil FAIA's new Trusted Choice catastrophe response vehicle equipped with all the tools and latest technology to assist our members.
Q. If an "outsider" could attend your convention, what do you think he or she would learn about the Florida insurance industry?
A. That it is not without its challenges, but challenges make for opportunity. As an industry, we are not doing a good job of speaking in a collective, coherent manner on what it will take to make Florida's voluntary property insurance market return. We do an even worse job of making the consumer understand the dynamics of pricing and the benefits of greater competition. We have an opportunity to do much better and FAIA will once again try to spearhead this effort in the coming year.
Q. From your long memory of past conventions, what is your favorite story?
A. Discretion probably doesn't allow me to share my favorite story of past conventions. However, I definitely have an indelible moment in my mind. It occurred during our 100th Anniversary Convention in 2004. FAIA's EVP Scott Johnson had just authored the book From Cartels to Competition that depicted the evolution of Florida's insurance marketplace and the role that independent agents have played throughout it. Scott had a part during the general session where he provided an oratory of this history and recounted the selfless deeds of many FAIA chairmen. He was joined on stage by over two dozen past FAIA chairmen, as well as his dad, Tom Johnson, who served as FAIA's president from 1948-1986. The historical culmination of such tremendous leadership, influence, and commitment to the agency system was a rare moment and one that I am thankful for having witnessed.
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