Florida’s 2011 Associations’ Gatherings: Supportive, Fun, and Educational

With the 2011 convention season fast upon us, here is a look at the quality experiences that await those who take part.

The Professional Insurance Agents of Florida gave its members a head start on the meeting circuit with its Agent Expo 2011 March 30-April 1 at the Caribe Royale Hotel and Resort in Orlando.

Working off the theme "Power Up Your Agency," the group offered what it claimed was "Florida's First Appointment Show," which gave agents an opportunity for one-on-one private meetings with sponsoring companies. The chance to make specific relationship connections and to further career options in this way was said to be unique this convention season. www.piafl.org. Specialty Agents of Florida
22nd Convention and Trade Fair
May 19-22, Hilton Daytona Beach Resort, Daytona Beach.
Contact: Susan Graves, 888-290-8436
www.specialtyinsuranceagents.org

Promising a "sand-sational" time at this year's gathering, Specialty Agents of Florida looks forward to welcoming more than 1,000 attendees as its annual trade fair continues a two-year growth spurt. To hold down attendee costs, both the trade fair and continuing education (CE) offerings are free. Topics include the commercial insurance program at Citizen's Property Insurance Corp. and overviews of various systems and applications for both agents and staff.

Volleyball on the beach will highlight leisure time, along with plenty of networking time for making new contacts, sharing ideas, and renewing friendships. Organizers of the 2011 meeting pledge to "help independent agents survive and be heard."

Florida Association of Insurance Agents        
107th Anniversary Convention and Education Symposium
June 9-11, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando 
Contact information: Cindy Molnar, CMP
850-893-4155, ext. 352
www.faia.com

Coming together much earlier in the summer this year, FAIA's convention—the largest in the state with an expected 1,700 attendees—aims to chart the "Road to Recovery." More sponsors are expected and the exhibition hall continues to expand. Featured speakers include the president and CEO of Florida Baptist Healthcare Al Stubblefield and football standout Warrick Dunn.

The usual fun spots around the meeting hotel will please the many families that accompany agents to this annual gathering. The Rosen Shingle Creek has an on-site golf course and several pools.

An always-popular event is the opening night party, and agents traditionally praise the numerous settings for networking, plus the volume and choices of CE sessions.

Meeting planner Cindy Molnar reported that FAIA has not increased registration fees in many years. The CEs provided meet a full year's requirements and are included in the registration fee. Florida Insurance Council
2011 Summer Insurance Symposium
June 26-28, The Shores,
Daytona Beach Shores
Contact information: Meeting Planner Dianne Rowe, drowe@flains.org
850-386-6668, ext. 225
www.flains.org

Results from the 2011 session of the Florida Legislature will be high on the agenda when Florida Insurance Council members gather to evaluate bills passed and failed and actions taken by the new governor. A sizable increase in attendance is expected over last year's 75 participants.

"We are rebounding from the recession and our attendance is expected to be a four- to five-year high," reported organizer Dianne Rowe. 

Of course, time will be set aside for fun and relaxation with colleagues and friends. Officers also will be elected. Slotted to begin one-year terms are Chair Peter Corrigan of Florida Family Life; Chair-Elect Marianne Eterno of Guarantee Trust Life; and Treasurer William Geiger of AEGON Insurance Group.

Rowe said members appreciate being able to foster good business relationships with colleagues and share strategies and ideas in a relaxed atmosphere for a few days.

Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies
41st Annual Convention
July 13-17, Westin Diplomat Hotel, Hollywood
Contact information: Maribel Ramirez, maribel@cor-events.com; info@laaia.com
www.laaia.com

These folks know how to throw a party —and how to work in serious insurance topics as well. Maribel Ramirez, who is coordinating the popular convention, expects nearly 1,500 registrations, up 300 from last year.

In line with the slogan of "Recipes for Success," she explained, "Our theme has allowed us to change the environment of the convention floor plan. All the exhibitors have chosen a specific country of the world and it will be a global party where the event will be more colorful, with the different tastes of the world."

Amidst the festivities, the abiding focus —"true opportunities for the agent base to grow their businesses"—will always be maintained, she said.

A special panel discussing fraud issues in Florida is expected to be a significant draw.

For fun, there will be various social events, hospitality suites, dancing, plenty of good music and food—all with a Latin flair showcasing the traditions of the many Latin attendees.

In the interest of holding down costs the group eliminated its full-package registration option, allowing members to choose specific events and classes.
National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors-Florida
79th Annual Career Advancement Conference and Trade Show
July 18-20, Four Seasons Hotel, Palm Beach
Contact: NAIFA-Florida
850-422-1701, www.faifa.org

Attendees will be "Learning in Luxury 2011" as they live the theme of this year's NAIFA-Florida gathering in Palm Beach, "Refuse to Participate in the Recession!"

Mixed in will be the serious updating and instruction that agents need to navigate the changes and challenges in this economy and state government. As usual, a featured speaker will be the group's lobbyist, Tim Meenan, who will share his 30 years of Tallahassee experience, including commentary on the results of the 2011 session of the Florida Legislature.

Other scheduled speakers are D. Scott Brennan, a 25-year Million-Dollar Round Table member and officer with a Top-of-the-Table and six Court-of-the-Table qualifications, and John F. Nichols, CLU, DIA, a nationally recognized disability consultant, expert witness, and disability administration systems entrepreneur.

Florida Association of Self Insureds   
42nd Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show
July 24-27, Ritz-Carlton, Naples 
Contact: Meeting Planner Jessie Laux, jlaux@kmgnet.com;
407-774-7880
www.fasi-fl.org

Borrowing a theme from the music in Cabaret—"Money Makes the World Go Round"—FASI will focus its CE offerings on improving the bottom line. The annual casino night will display the fun side of that focus. 

Networking time, informative speakers, and a sold-out exhibit showcase will leave attendees feeling more inspired, smarter and technologically updated when they return to work. Agent reviews of past conferences show that networking support is one of the biggest reasons people take part in this summer gathering.

In an attempt to control costs, Meeting Planner Jessie Laux said, "This year we restructured the exhibit and sponsor fees to give more 'bang for your buck' to the exhibitors and sponsors."

She further noted, "It's important to hold FASI's Annual Conference to give as much information as possible to self-insureds to help keep them efficient and effective as self-insureds."  Florida Association of Health Underwriters
Educational Symposium & Expo 
July 27-29; Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando
Contact information: fahu@fahu.org
www.fahu.org

FAHU's 2011 convention organizers anticipate a continuing jump in enrollment, especially with the new mid-summer dates they booked this year (previously the group met in May). Last year's attendance at 250-plus is expected to rise to around 400 this July. An added draw: National Association President Mel Schlesinger will be among the speakers.

Executive Director Dave Sherrill said the group will continue the popular convenience of serving meals in the exhibit hall; a retail area has been set aside outside the exhibit area.

Sherrill said the group room rate at $139 per night includes the resort fee that gives access to the numerous amenities and activities offered by the resort, plus parking.

Remarking on the importance of the symposium, Sherrill said, "Agents need to learn how they can survive in the future as health care reform is implemented." This remains one of the best reasons for FAHU members to attend their summer convention. Thus, FAHU's 2011 theme: "REFORMulating your Future."

Florida Surplus Lines Association
Annual Convention
July 28-30; Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton
Contact information: Executive Director Roger Gobler
rtgobler@myfsla.com
www.floridasurpluslinesassociation.com

Executive Director Roger Gobler expects this summer's attendance to be similar to last year's, with 125-plus agents gathered to hear information critical for Florida's active surplus lines marketplace. Speaking this year will be Cecil Pierce, president of the Florida Insurance Council; Jim Carey, president of Admiral Insurance Company; Gary Pullen, executive director of the Florida Surplus  Lines Service Office; Douglas Mang, Mang Law Firm, P.A.; Jeff Grady, president of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents; and Stephan Stephen, director of governmental relations for the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices.

Sponsorships from company and agency members are generously forthcoming, Gobler reported. This convention does not include exhibitors.

The resort's modified American plan, which provides breakfast and dinner as part of the room rate, helps attendees with costs.

No continuing education will be offered this year (this group provides it every other year). Fun and food will abound with a popular fishing tournament, chef's cooking demonstration and lunch, two receptions, and a banquet.

Gobler consistently hears that agents appreciate the informative business sessions and the opportunity for their regular agency members to get together with the organization's associate company and industry members. Risk and Insurance Management Society Florida Chapters
36th Annual Florida RIMS Educational Conference
Aug. 2-6, Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples
Contact: Mike Benishek,
941-722-3291, ext. 4261
floridarims@yahoo.com
florida.rims.org

Mike Benishek said that this year attendees can choose from among 50 different speakers presenting a number of timely risk-management topics. Speakers include keynoter Scott Clark, national president of the Risk & Insurance Management Society (RIMS).  

With registration currently 10 percent ahead of last year, Benishek expects 700-plus registrants, up slightly from last year. A compelling reason for the early numbers may be the huge discount available for timely registration: $150 for the whole week for members registering by July 17 versus $400 after July 17. A number of RIMS members bring family members who take advantage of daily "Bring the Family" free breakfasts.

The conference fee covers numerous meals and receptions, which substantially holds down costs for attendees. This is the group that was able to secure room rates through 2014, holding increases to $5 each year.

One very popular event—the "World Famous Network Raffle"—historically takes place on Wednesday of convention week. Instead of holding an expo, vendors are encouraged to contribute prizes for a fun networking raffle.

The Naples resort remains the group's choice of venue and affords on-site activities such as "Martinis by the Shore" and other beach-related events.

Risk-management professionals from all over the state renew acquaintances, make new friends and contacts, and have an intensely educational week.

National Association of Insurance Women – Florida Council
Florida Council Meeting 
Sept. 9-10, Don Shula's Hotel & Golf Club, Miami Lakes
Contact: Kim Ficklin
kim.ficklin@teamfocusins.com
www.naiwfl.org

Here's the challenge for Florida Council members this year: Be an NAIW MVP. Given the group's strong support of each other—and its dedication to mentoring younger professionals—members should prove up to the task. They'll be inspired and coached by former National NAIW President Elise Farnham.

CE opportunities include Professional in Insurance Account Management (PIAM) and Certified Professional in Insurance (CPII) classes and a four-hour course on flood insurance.

Attendance holds at around 120. Awards presented at the conference include Insurance Professional of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Claims Professional of the Year, and the AAMGA Award. Scholarships also are awarded at the meeting; officers for 2012-2013 will be elected.

The council meeting is traditionally the venue for the annual public speaking contest, and the winner goes on to compete at the regional level.

Opportunities to network with colleagues from across the state—especially in these high-unemployment times—are valued by participants.