Home

MAIA Annual Convention
February 19-21, 2018
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids

Networking

If you’re looking to network with Michigan independent agents, there is no better event than MAIA’s annual Convention. Each year, we host the largest gathering of our industry in the state.

Professional Development

Each year, we bring in a talented group of instructors to present the latest hot industry topics - many of them qualify for continuing education credit.

Trade Show

Our trade show attracts more than 100 exhibitors offering the latest products, services and ideas essential to running a 21^st century agency.

Breakdown of Events by Day

Monday
February 19

2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
STUDIES IN ETHICS: A HIPPOCRATIC OATH FOR INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS
INSTRUCTOR: Rick Pitts
On a daily basis decisions have to be made and it is vital they are made with an ethical foundation. Approved for 3 hours of Michigan Ethics CE, CC: 74034.

8:00 p.m.
NETWORKING EVENT (hosted by Young Agents)
Your warm-up to Convention.

Garden Court Lounge Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids

Garden Court Lounge Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids

Young Agents start convention off right with a Pre-Convention Networking Event at the Rendezvous Lounge (formerly Garden Court Lounge) in the Amway Grand.

Tuesday
February 20

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
E&O MOCK TRIAL
INSTRUCTOR: Mary LaPorte, CPCU, CIC, LIC, CPIA
Don't miss this entertaining cast of characters; judge, jurors, attorneys, and witnesses - with the audience deciding who wins. Learn how daily office practices can create risks and how simple procedures can reduce exposures. Approved for 6 hours CE, 3 of them Ethics credit, CC: 74229. Qualifies for Loss Control Credits with Swiss Re/Westport or Fireman’s Fund.

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
5 WORK COMP ERRORS EVERY AGENT MAKES
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Boggs, CPCU, ARM, ALCM, LPCS, AAI, APA, CWCA, CRIS, AINS
Learn what every agent should be doing. Along with discussing reciprocity, co-op students, and more. Approved for 3 hours of Michigan CE, CC: 73819.

11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
LUNCH, RECOGNITIONS AND RELEVANT UPDATES
NEW: DIFS Director Pat McPharlin to speak

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
CONDO PROBLEMS, VALUATIONS & BANK DEMANDS
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Boggs, CPCU, ARM, ALCM, LPCS, AAI, APA, CWCA, CRIS, AINS
Chris will cover the nuts and bolts about condos; additional insureds, rentals, condo associations, condo laws, etc. Approved for 3 hours of Michigan CE, CC: 73820.

1:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
AGENT OF THE FUTURE
INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Barrett
Sales Track Training from The National Alliance. This action packed session will address changes in insurance distribution, the coming significant reduction of commission, increased competition in small business and personal lines, and how to position you and your organization for a profitable and successful future. No CE.

5:00 p.m.
PAC RECEPTION
(By invitation or at-door contribution)

6:00 p.m.
PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION
Generous hors d’oeuvres

6:45 p.m.
FREE EVENING
Experience Grand Rapids!

Wednesday
February 21

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
INDUSTRY FORUM BREAKFAST

Industry Updates, TQA 2017 Agency Recognitions and inspirational speaker Kevin Brown presenting: The HERO Effect^TM, Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Click here to view agenda.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
STUMP THE EXPERTS

Developing Agency Trends - What Do they Mean? - Will they Redefine us?
EXPERTS: Chris Burand and Mary Eisenhart Belka, CPCU, ARM, ARe, RPLU, CIC, CPIW Chris and Mary will lay the ground work sharing key things agencies/agents should or should not be doing and then open the floor to be challenged by the audience. Approved for 1 hour of Michigan CE, CC: 74376.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
NEW 2018 TAX LAW: WHAT TO KNOW IN FINANCIAL AND RETIREMENT PLANNING
INSTRUCTOR: Jerry Rhinehart, CIC, CLU, ChFC, RHU
The new Tax Law has numerous perks for most individuals, families and businesses. Learn all the ins and outs with Jerry. Approved for 3 hours of Life and Health Michigan CE, CC: 74467.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
AVOIDING THE PRICE DRIVEN SALE
INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Barrett
Sales Track Training from The National Alliance. During this working lunch, participants will learn how to close more sales by becoming the point of comparison placing price as a secondary factor in the client’s decision process. No CE.

12:00 p.m.
BOX LUNCH

2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
TRADE SHOW, FOOD & LATE PM RECEPTION

7:00 p.m.
COMPANY HOSPITALITY SUITES

Accident Fund Insurance Co. of America
Auto-Owners Insurance Company
Citizens Insurance Company
Frankenmuth Insurance
Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
Michigan Insurance Company
State Auto Insurance Company
Wolverine Mutual Insurance Company

About Our Presenters

Tom Barrett brings 40 years of experience to his role as regional president of SIAA MidAmerica, Inc. and The National Alliance, with expertise in a variety of areas. He has worked as an agent and a broker, program developer and manager, public speaker and seminar leader. He is also one of the leading national faculty for the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research’s Dynamics series. His sales training client list includes more than a dozen regional and mutual insurance carriers and 25 of the nation’s top 100 insurance brokers.

Christopher J. Boggs, CPCU, ARM, ALCM, LPCS, AAI, APA, CWCA, CRIS, AINS, is the Executive Director of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (Big "I") Virtual University. He’s involved in researching, writing, and teaching property and casualty insurance coverages and concepts to Big "I" members and others in the insurance industry. During his career, Boggs has authored hundreds of insurance and risk management-related articles, and has written several insurance and risk management books. Boggs is a regular speaker at industry events and earned the 2017 Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) Brian Hey Prize as part of a of professional collaboration with a diverse group of professionals.

Chris Burand is President and owner of Burand & Associates, LLC, and a management consulting firm specializing in the property-casualty insurance industry. Chris is recognized as a leading consultant for agency valuations, producer compensation plans, E&O carrier approved E&O procedure reviews, and agency operation reviews. He also provides the acclaimed Contingency Contract Analysis® service, is a prolific writer of industry articles and publications, and has spoken nationally at hundreds of seminars and educational programs. Chris is a department head for the IIABA’s Virtual University and a vital instructor for MAIA Totally Quality Agency Program. He’s an approved E&O auditor for Utica Mutual and Westport and he’s a certified business appraiser.

Mary Eisenhart Belka, CPCU, ARM, Are, RPLU, CIC, CPIW has spent more than 30 years in the insurance industry, on both the agency and carrier side. In 1996, she became an insurance industry consultant, and is the owner of Eisenhart Consulting Group in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mary has been featured in several insurance industry publications, and has authored a Best Practices tool for IIABA. Shey develops and presents insurance industry management, technical, Best Practices, motivational, and risk management seminars throughout the U.S.

Mary LaPorte, CPCU, CIC, LIC, CPIA is an independently employed insurance consultant in the areas of agency operations, procedures and Errors & Omissions loss control. She serves on the national faculty for the Society of CIC, is an instructor for the Society of CISR and is an active member of the American Association of Insurance Management Consultants. Mary is involved in E&O litigation serving as an expert witness in matters of agent’s standard of care. She also writes a question & answer column titled “E&O Q&A” which is published in several association periodicals.

Richard S. Pitts is Vice-President and General Counsel to Arlington/Roe, an insurance brokerage and general agent in Indianapolis. Additionally, Rick serves as general counsel to the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana, Inc. and speaks annually at the association’s New Laws Seminars. Rick also teaches various seminars on insurance and employment related matters.

About Our Presenters

Our Sponsoring Partners