Grey Areas of E&O: Impacts with No-Fault Reform
Dave Walker, AAI, CIC, LIC, ARM, CRM, CAWC and Matt Wesolek

Grey Areas of E&O: Impacts with No-Fault Reform Agency Principal, expert witness and industry instructor Dave Walker will update you on a variety of emerging exposures, along with appropriate agency responses to being sued. Discussion will include the current status and latest definitions of “standard of care” and “special relationship.” Dave will also explain how to answer questions accurately on application and address the growing dichotomy in small business/personal lines. Big I Michigan Chief Operating Officer Matt Wesolek will join the discussion to help apply what you’ve learned to the realm of No-Fault Reform.

Approved for 2 hours Ethics and  1 hour either P/C or L/H CE. Course Codes: 84640; (No-Fault Reform: 84672).

Networking at Rendezvous
Sponsored by the Young Agents

Now a yearly tradition, come down to the Rendezvous Lounge in the Amway Grand for a nightcap and catch up with Michigan's Young Agents and Big I Michigan leadership.

Warning Signs of Fraud
Ron Devers, CIC, CAWC, CPIA

Fraud is an unfortunate reality in our industry. For this reason, industry professionals need to be particularly adept at identifying its key traits. Join Ron Devers for a discussion on insurance-specific types of fraud and those who perpetrate it. Ron will offer real-life examples to illustrate the issue, and cover ways to reduce it.

Approved for 3 hours of Ethics CE credit. Course Code: 84722.

The Inclusive Agency: Driving Business Growth through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Whitnee Dillard

The business case for diversity rests on the principle of fostering an inclusive environment that encourages diversity of thought. This in turn yields increased collaboration, innovation and productivity that positions your agency for an even more competitive advantage and profitability. Learn how to fully leverage a diverse marketplace by building an inclusive culture across your agency.

Approved for 3 hours of either P/C or L/H CE credit. Course Code: 84952.

Proven Strategies for Hiring & Developing Producers
Chris Burand

Looking to level-up your producer hiring, development and management skills? Instructor Chris Burand will share proven training and development strategies, along with an effective producer model and compensation structure.

Approved for 3 hours either P/C or L/H CE. Course Code: 84673.

Rising Up Lunch with Keynote: High Touch in a High Tech World
Frank Somma

National speaker Frank Somma will share the secrets to charismatic communication that help create instant rapport, better relationships, and long term loyalty with customers and coworkers. Frank will also help you better understand how to maximize your use of social media and technology to supplement Person-to-Person (P2P) interactions.

Plus:
TQA Graduate Recognition and Awards

Annual Trade Show at the DeVos Center
With more than 80 exhibit booths, you know our annual trade show at the DeVos Center is the place to be for industry networking, exhibit booth hopping and - of course- those great prize drawings!

Tuesday Evening Reception
A great meeting place for your group after the trade show and before you go out to dinner. Enjoy complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres and some networking before heading out for an evening in Grand Rapids.

Discover Grand Rapids!
Head on out for dinner at one of the amazing restaurants and craft beer establishements Grand Rapids has to offer!

Components of the Sales Gene: Rapport, Trust, Likeability and Long-Term Loyalty
Frank Somma

Building on Tuesday’s Keynote Presentation, Frank Somma will share tools, techniques, and best practices around the guiding principles of Personal Responsibility, Gaining Rapport and Win-Win Interactions.

No CE credit.

Best Practice in Preparing and Issuing Certificates of Insurance
Rob Umstead, CPCU

Learn appropriate ways to prepare and issue Certificates of Insurance to mitigate your agency’s exposure to Errors & Omissions . Participants will apply concepts to a case study.

Approved for 3 hours of either P/C or L/H CE. Course Code: 84627.

Agribusiness & the Hobby Farm
Sam Bennett, CIC, AFIS, CRIS, CPIA

Small and Hobby Farms bring a unique blend of personal and commercial risks to the table. This makes it crucial for insurance professionals to have a good understanding of both arenas in order to meet the needs of these customers. Join presenter Sam Bennett for a special look at the often-used ISO Farm Property and Farm Liability Coverage Forms. Sam will bring particular focus to the structure and coverage intent of this program and how it relates to agribusiness customers.

Approved for 3 hours P/C CE. Course code: 84713

Reaching New Heights Lunch
Remarks by:
DIFS Director Anita Fox
Big I National President Bob Fee
Plus: Awards

Annual Membership Meeting

Emerging Exposures: Home Sharing, Cryptocurrencies, Unique Transportation
Sam Bennett, CIC, AFIS, CRIS, CPIA

As insurance professionals, our ‘go-to’ tool for managing uncertainty is to finance risk with insurance. This can be effective, assuming that the coverage forms used actually provide the protections we and our clients expect. Join Sam Bennett for an overview of the exposures created by cryptocurrencies, home sharing and non-traditional transportation risks, as well as policy applications to these risks.

Approved for 3 hours P/C CE. Course code: 84712

Passing on the Legacy-Leveling Up for the Future
Mary LaPorte, CPCU, CIC, LIC, CPIA

Mary LaPorte guides you on a humorous and nostalgic look at our industry that will instill pride and fine-tune your perspective.   A brief history of insurance is provided with an emphasis on the significant role the industry has played in our country’s economy.  Participants will explore the ethical principles on which the industry rests.  Conveyed by anecdotal narrative designed to kindle passion, enthusiasm and commitment not only in those new to the industry, but in those who are seasoned insurance professionals.

Approved for 2 hours of either P/C or L/H and 1 hour Ethics CE. Course Code: 84628. 

Protect & Perpetuate Your Business
Larry Oxenham

Larry Oxenham is one of America’s top asset protection experts, having helped thousands of professionals achieve financial peace of mind by teaching them how to properly structure their assets for lawsuit protection and tax reduction. Join Larry as he addresses new and evolving exposures continually influenced by factors such as technology, legislative directives, and carrier attitudes/appetite.

Approved for 3 hours of L/H CE credit. Course Code: 84949.

PAC Reception
Invitation Only

Our annual reception to thank all agents and company friends who have donated to AgentPAC (State) and InsurPac (National) in the last year. A great opportunity to visit with legislators who support our interests. Haven't donated yet? There's still time to do so and join us!

Last Call
Hosted by MAIA Insurance Services
Big I Michigan has reserved the largest ballroom at the Amway Grand to host a Last Call event attendees won't soon forget. Join everyone, agents and companies, Wednesday evening in the Ambassador Ballroom for drinks, food, music and networking!