Get Out of the Office!
It’s here—convention season, that is. From now until the end of November, there will be plenty of opportunities for agents in the South Central states to get out of the office and go mingle with friends and business acquaintances at conferences and conventions.
In June alone, there’s the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas 107th annual convention in Dallas; the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana convention in Destin, Fla.; the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas 103rd annual convention in Biloxi, Miss.; and the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma conference and exhibition in San Antonio.
I’ll be attending the IIAT meeting and the IIABL get-together. But from a purely personal point of view, I have to say that the Big “I” state organizations in Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma should really check with each other before booking their conventions. As they all take place this year during all or parts of the dates June 16 – 20, I had to choose which one I would go to. I’m going to Destin to meet Louisiana agents this year, but hopefully during the 2005 convention season I’ll be able to visit with agents from Arkansas and Oklahoma, too.
The IIAT’s “Get Ready for the New Texas” blowout in Dallas will be held at the swanky Wydham Anatole. You can find out about the association’s plans for that event on page 49 of this issue of IJ. Visit the IIAT Web site at www.iiat.org, or call (800) 880-7428 to register.
Sure to be discussed at the IIABL’s “Big ‘I’ of the Tiger” beach bash in Destin are the reforms that have been taking place in Louisiana’s insurance environment. You can read about the effects of last year’s reforms and what’s on this year’s legislative plate on page 40. To find out more about the IIABL meeting, visit their Web site at www.iiabl.com or call (225) 819-8007.
The IIAOK’s “Fiesta de la Indepencia” in San Antonio sold out one hotel, the Hyatt Regency, so the group secured additional rooms down the River Walk at the gorgeous La Mansion del Rio. For more information about the “Fiesta” visit the association’s Web site at www.iiaok.com, or call (405) 840-4426.
The IIA of Arkansas’ “Catch the Wave” convention at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi is sure to be fun. After all, there will be gambling, the Gulf of Mexico, spa facilities, exciting theater shows and an appearance by Patti LaBelle, what more could you want? Educational and networking opportunities? Of course there will be lots of those, too. For more information, visit the IIA of Arkansas Web site at www.iiaar.org or call (800) 221-3132.
Visit Insurance Journal‘s Web site at www.insurancejournal.com and click on “Events” for more information about more conferences taking place this summer and fall. There’s sure to be one you won’t want to miss.
Until next time, happy reading!