Hall of Fame QB Terry Bradshaw Keynote Speaker for Big “I” Annual Convention in Orlando

April 13, 2004

Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw will be the keynote speaker for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (IIABA) upcoming Big “I” Convention in Orlando, Fla. this October.

With his considerable insight and characteristic humor, Bradshaw will address the topics of mental toughness and peak performance with convention attendees. More than 2,000 independent agents, brokers and other insurance professionals are expected to attend this year’s convention.

The Big “I” annual event will be held Oct. 9-12 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, located on the Walt Disney World property near Orlando. Bradshaw will speak during the closing session on Oct. 11.

Born in Shreveport, La., Bradshaw attended Louisiana Tech University, where has named an All-American as a senior in 1970. Bradshaw went on to become the first player chosen in the 1970 NFL draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time with the Steelers, Bradshaw led his team to four Super Bowl titles in 1975, 1976, 1979 and 1980. Bradshaw still holds several Super Bowl and post-season records. He was inducted into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

“There are similarities between what it takes to succeed in football and what it takes to succeed in a challenging insurance marketplace,” said IIABA CEO Robert Rusbuldt. “As a proven leader, Bradshaw will provide Big ‘I’ Convention attendees with a wealth of inspiration and business advice that will help them become more focused on achieving peak performance.”

Bradshaw is currently a co-host and analyst on “FOX NFL Sunday.” Prior to joining FOX, Bradshaw worked at CBS Sports as an NFL game analyst beginning in 1984 and then became a studio analyst on “The NFL Today” for four seasons beginning in 1990. Prior to his full-time work for the network, he served as a guest commentator for CBS Sports’ NFC postseason broadcasts from 1980 to 1982. He also appeared as a contributor on “The Super Bowl Today” programs for Super Bowls XVI, XXIV and XXVI on CBS.

In addition to Bradshaw, the Big “I” Convention will feature an array of nationally recognized business speakers, industry-leading panelists and workshops. The Big “I” Convention also will offer attendees the largest trade show in the insurance industry and numerous networking opportunities for agents and brokers as well as the many insurance company and industry representatives who will be attending the event.

Additionally, industry professionals and business partners can enhance their sales and management skills during the Best Practices Business Symposium to be held Oct. 10 and 11.

The symposium is an intensive program of group events, networking opportunities and workshops designed to give agency owners and their management staff the tools and expertise to reach their agency’s business and sales goals. The workshops will cover a variety of topics including Best Practices agency branding, mergers and acquisitions, and perpetuation issues.

Young agents and brokers from across the country will gather immediately before the Big “I” Convention—Oct. 8 through 10—for the Young Agent Sales & Leadership Conference. During this event, young producers will learn the skills that will prepare them to assume leadership of their agencies and the independent agency system.

Because the meeting falls on the three-day Columbus Day holiday weekend, the Big “I” Convention will give agents and brokers with pre-school and school-age children the opportunity to mix a little business with a fantastic mini-vacation that provides children of all ages exciting opportunities for family fun and relaxation. The convention hotel is located on the Disney World property and is minutes from Epcot Center, the Magic Kingdom, Disney golf courses and many other fabulous family attractions.

Register online for the Big “I” Convention or download registration materials by visiting www.independentagent.com and clicking on the “Events and Conferences” link. For more information about the convention, contact the Big “I” Meetings Department at (800) 221-7917. For more information about the Young Agents Leadership Conference, contact Leslie Mularski at (800) 221-7917.