Texas State Senator Shapiro to Speak at IIAT’s 107th Annual Convention

The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas’ 107th Annual Convention, which takes place June 10-12, 2004 at the Wyndham Anatole in Dallas, promises to be a jam-packed two and a half days of continuing education workshops, one-on-one consultation sessions, annual golf tournament, networking opportunities and the largest independent agent trade show in the nation.

The keynote speaker at the June 11 Wade F. Spilman Political Action Luncheon is Texas State Senator Florence Shapiro. Known as a champion of education, children’s issues and transportation, Sen. Shapiro, R-Plano, will discuss the Senate’s role in issues of school financing, workers’ compensation and 2005 Texas Legislative session. She has been named co-chair of a select committee charged with drafting an education reform measure for legislative consideration in a second special session anticipated for later this summer.

IIAT’s new officers for 2004-2005 will be installed at the luncheon, which honors the memory of longtime IIAT counsel Wade Spilman.

Workshops and more
On Thursday, June 10, the line up features seven continuing education workshops:

• “Personal Lines Coverages in the New Texas”: IIAT staff experts will share insider information about what to expect and how you can keep your staff current when dealing with various carriers’ forms. (1.5 CE credits)
• “Saving Time and Money With IIAT Services”: IIAT staff will discuss ways to save money and time by effectively using the variety of services available to members.
• “Are You Good Enough to Get Better?” Sales and customer-relationship expert Jim Pancero has helped thousands of salespeople improve their abilities to get the sale. He will identify customer buying cycles and show how to leverage relationships to out-position competitors. (1.5 CE credits)
• IIAT-Sponsored Markets Round Tables: Learn all you need to know about these markets, including Comp Connection, Mexico travel auto, personal lines connection and more.
• “What Tort Reform Means to You and Your Clients”: Gary Schumann an Austin attorney, shares his expertise as he discusses sweeping changes in tort laws. He answers the question: What do the changes really mean to agents and their customers? (1.5 CE credits)
• “CRM: High Touch in a High-Tech World – Panel Discussion”: New communication tools make it easy to stay in touch with clients, but how often? Participants: Tim Thompson, Brown & Brown Insurance Services of San Antonio; Teri Martin, Roach Howard Smith & Hunter, Austin; André Juneau, Frost insurance Agency, Austin and Moderator Paul Martin, IIAT Director of Education. (1.5 CE credits)
• “Long Term Care Insurance: Is It Right for You – Panel Discussion”: LTC is one of the fastest growing coverages. Panelists talk about benefits and cost and how you can include this line in your portfolio. Participants: Warren Blumberg, Kelsey National Corp., Los Angeles and Florie Leddel, GE Financial-LTC Division, Los Angeles. (1.5 CE credits)

Thursday also includes a focus on young agents. The Young Agent of the Year award will highlight the Young Agents Award Luncheon, and young agents will want to attend Thursday’s reception for young agents and first-timers before the Exhibit Hall Welcome Party. Afterward, they can round out their evening with an informal gathering at the Green Room, Rooftop.

No let up on Friday
The convention continues on Friday, June 11 with non-stop activities, including the IIAT business meeting, the Wade F. Spilman Political Action Luncheon, the CSR Luncheon and more workshops, such as:

• “Life Would Be Easy if It Weren’t for Other People”: Connie Podesta’s fast-paced, entertaining presentation explores how personal life choices can impact professional successes. She will also talk about how to build better relationships with sometimes difficult people, both at home and at work. Spouses are
welcome.
• “Sensible Automation for the Small Agency”: Ed Higgins runs a small agency in upstate New York that uses automation. He will share his secrets for holding down costs and delivering impressive service. (1.5 CE credits)
• “Financing Agency Purchases”: Mike Herlihy president of InsurBanc will explain the options for financing acquisitions. (1.5 CE credits)
• “ZOOM! BANG! Getting the Most From Your Advertising Dollar”: ZOOM co-author Peter van Aartrijk will focus on the agency advertising budget including what media is best and getting the most bang for your ad buck. (1.5 CE credits)
• “Workers’ Comp: Is the System Sick Again?” Panel Discussion: Panel of experts from the insurance and medical fields will discuss solutions to the state’s high workers’ comp costs. Participants: Rep. Burt Solomons, R-TX District 65; David Teuscher, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Beaumont; Lee Ann Alexander, Liberty Mutual, Austin; Richard Levy, Texas AFL-CIO, Austin; Ron Luke, JD, PhD, research and planning consultant, Austin; and Moderator Bo Gilbert, IIAT director of Governmental Affairs. (1.5 CE credits)
• “Saving Time and Money With IIAT Services”: Bill Wade, IIAT director of Sponsored Programs will discuss ways you can save money and time by effectively using the variety of services available to members.

Friday is also CSR Day. Starting at 9:45 am, CSRs can visit the convention’s exhibit hall and trade show, where they can meet with more than 140 industry vendors. CSRs will have a special luncheon featuring guest speaker Peggy Morrow of Peggy Morrow and Associates, Houston. In her presentation, “Take This Job and Love It,” Morrow will help CSRs find the keys to their internal motivators and show them how to use them to stay excited about their jobs.

The event concludes Saturday following a special morning Recruiting Clinic Panel Discussion (9-11 am). (2 CE credits)

Other convention highlights include:

• The IIAT golf tournament at The Tribute, a Scottish-themed course that pays homage to the birthplace of golf.
• The Drex Foreman Dinner & Dance, at which the prestigious Drex Foreman Award will be presented. The award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contributions to the industry and community.
• The annual grand prize drawing. One lucky agent will win a design-your-own trip for two.

IIAT member agents registering for the entire convention pay only $250. Additional attendees from the same agency pay only $205 each. Nonmember agents may register for $350. Daily registration and company representative rates are also available. For more information, visit the IIAT Web site at www.iiat.org and click on the Convention banner. Or call (800) 880-7428.