Convention Agenda

2026 Big I Michigan Convention & Trade Show

February 16–18 • Kalamazoo, Michigan

Join industry leaders for education, networking, and innovation that’s built to last.

About Our Presenters TQA Designation Sessions

Agenda

Big I Michigan Convention & Trade Show · February 16–18, 2026

Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Monday, February 16
7:30 – 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Location: Meadows, Lower Level
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration
Location: Registration Concourse · Outside of Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
8:30 – 11:30 AM
E&O Policy Analysis – Reading, Interpreting and Understanding Insurance Contracts
Instructor: Dave Walker · Location: Prairies (4–6), Lower Level
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of how insurance policies are constructed, interpreted, and applied in real-world scenarios. Participants will begin with the essential foundations of contract law and the general laws of insurance, gaining a clear understanding of the legal principles that govern all insurance agreements. Through detailed discussion and practical guidance, attendees will gain confidence in reading and interpreting policy language accurately. The course concludes with general tips and a summary to reinforce best practices and support practical application. This course is ideal for insurance professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of policy interpretation, strengthen their technical skills, and enhance their ability to serve clients and navigate coverage questions with clarity and confidence.
CE
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Keynote Lunch
Creating Motivation That Lasts When You’re Never Done, with Jess Ekstrom · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
In an industry where the finish line is always moving, staying motivated without burning out is a real challenge. In this engaging session, Jess Ekstrom explores how independent agencies can shift from short-term, external rewards to intrinsic motivation that fuels long-term growth, creativity, and fulfillment. Attendees will learn how to wire themselves and their teams for motivation that comes from within—leading to stronger problem-solving, deeper engagement, and a more meaningful connection to their work. Through real-world stories and research-backed insights, this session offers practical, everyday ways to inspire innovation, reinforce purpose, and sustain momentum even when goals keep evolving and “what’s next?” never goes away.
1:30 – 2:00 PM
MAIA Annual Meeting
Member-agents only · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Ethics with Accident Fund: Lead with Integrity. Learn with Purpose
Instructors: Joe Elliott & Katie Janik (Accident Fund) · Location: Prairies (4–6), Lower Level
Join AF Group’s engaging Ethics course to explore what it means to be an ethical insurance professional. Discover how your values shape your decisions, learn to recognize ethical hazards, and understand your role in preventing insurance fraud. This session is designed to inspire reflection, elevate your professionalism, and empower you to lead with integrity.
CE
2:00 – 3:00 PM
3:00 – 4:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM
AI Customization and Integration
Instructor: Daniel Metcalf · Location: Stone Theater, Lower Level
Explore how to harness modern AI tools and integrate them into the daily workflow of an independent insurance agency. Daniel Metcalf will walk attendees through customizing AI solutions to tasks like client outreach, data analysis, and workflow enhancements helping small teams scale up efficiency without sacrificing personal touch. Leave with practical, actionable ideas to modernize your office operations.
TQA
Business Branding
Instructor: Don Shampine · Location: Glens 1 & 2, Lower Level
Your agency brand is the reputation of the business. Your personal brand is the trust people place in you. In today’s insurance world, clients, referral partners, and even team members choose people before they choose logos. This session focuses on understanding the difference between agency branding and personal branding, why personal brand matters more than ever, and how to intentionally build credibility, trust, and influence without becoming salesy. Whether you are an owner, producer, or service professional, your brand already exists. This class helps you shape it on purpose.
TQA
Recreational Lines
Instructors: Eric Duren & Bill Schmidt (Progressive) · Location: Glens 3, Lower Level
This course will cover the opportunities that Boats and RV’s can provide by diving into the demographics and characteristics of the typical owner, and the misunderstood coverage options and gaps. It will detail the size and types of boats and RV’s customers are currently buying, how many are uninsured and what the market looks like countrywide and in Michigan. The course will wrap up with an in-depth discussion on different coverage options for Boats & RV’s and how specialized policy compare to Home or Auto policy endorsements.
CE
5:30 – 11:00 PM
Shuttle Transportation
Pick up Location: Hotel Lobby Entrance· Drop-off Location: Air Zoo
Buses run every 30 minutes between the Radisson Hotel & Suites and the Air Zoo Event
6:00 – 11:00 PM
Dress to Impress at the Air Zoo
Blue carpet arrival + professional photographer capturing guest arrivals
Visit our dedicated Awards Ceremony webpage for additional details on the Awards Banquet Dinner, including dress code.
Event
6:00 PM President’s Welcome Reception
Location: Air Zoo, Kalamazoo
Kick off Convention at the iconic Air Zoo with a “Big I Michigan Blue Carpet” arrival experience, photos, hors d’oeuvres, complimentary cocktails, and networking among historic aircraft. It’s not just a reception. It’s an entrance.
6:30 PM Flight Deck Conversation
Angela Ripley (IIABA National Chair) · Hosted by Jared Burkhart
An engaging on-stage conversation about national initiatives, the evolving independent agency landscape, and what it takes to lead through change.
7:30 PM Big I Michigan Awards Banquet
Dinner + awards celebration
Following the conversation, we’ll celebrate excellence across Michigan and recognize leaders whose impact continues to strengthen the independent agency community.
9:00 PM NextGen Nightcap Afterparty
DJ, dancing, flight simulator, and drinks to close out the night
Keep the energy going with music, cocktails, and access to select exhibits, flight simulators, and indoor attractions. Built for connection, conversation, and unforgettable moments among the aircraft.
Tuesday, February 17
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Yoga
Presented by Premco · Location: West Michigan Room, Lobby Level
7:30 – 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Location: Meadows
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Registration
Location: Registration Concourse, Lobby Level outside of Arcadia Ballroom
9:00 – 12:00 PM
Mock Trial
Instructor: Rick Pitts · Location: Arcadia Ballroom
Step into the role of a juror in this interactive CE session led by attorney Rick Pitts. Attendees evaluate evidence from a real-world coverage dispute involving certificates of insurance and additional insured status, deliberate on the outcome, and compare their verdicts to the actual court decision.
CE
9:00 – 10:00 AM
10:00 – 11:00 AM
11:00 – 12:00 PM
Automating Your Office
Instructor: Daniel Metcalf · Location: Stone Theater, Lower Level
Let Daniel show you how to streamline internal processes, from administrative tasks to customer service workflows, using automation tools. He’ll cover practical automation setups that reduce manual effort, minimize human error, and free up your team’s time so you can focus on growth, client relationships and strategic initiatives.
TQA
You Can’t Automate Chaos
Instructor: Casey Nelson · Location: Glens 1&2, Lower Level
Automation and technology can be powerful tools—but only when the right foundations are in place. In this professional development session, Casey Nelson of Catalyit explores why agencies often struggle with technology adoption and how unclear processes, inconsistent workflows, and unmanaged data can derail even the best tools. Attendees will learn how to identify operational “chaos,” prioritize improvements, and approach automation strategically so technology enhances efficiency, service, and growth instead of adding complexity.
TQA
12:00– 3:00 PM
Trade Show & Lunch
Location: Lower Level (K-Zoo Ballroom, Prairies, Fields & Hallways)

The Big I Michigan Trade Show returns in 2026 with a record number of exhibitors, offering attendees more opportunities than ever to connect with industry partners, explore new solutions, and discover tools to support agency growth. Located on the lower level in the Kalamazoo Room, Prairies 4–6 and throughout the surrounding hallways, the Trade Show is designed for easy flow and meaningful conversation.

Attendees are encouraged to spend time engaging with exhibitors, learning about emerging products and services, and strengthening relationships with valued partners. Lunch will be provided on the lower level in the Meadows Room, making it easy to network, recharge, and continue conversations throughout the afternoon.

A professional photographer will also be on site during the Trade Show to offer complimentary headshots. This is a great opportunity for attendees to update their professional photo for websites and marketing materials—no appointment required.

Trade Show
Lunch
Location: Meadows, Lower Level
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Real AI, Today & Tomorrow: What’s Real, What Works, What’s Next
Instructor: Jerry Fetty · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
AI is moving fast—but not every tool or platform is right for independent agencies. In this practical session, Jerry breaks down recent AI developments impacting insurance, compares AI deployment options from a security and compliance standpoint, and demonstrates real-world workflows that reduce manual work and improve efficiency. Attendees will also learn how to get better results from AI through effective prompting techniques and explore insurance-specific use cases such as document handling and email triage. The session concludes with a forward-looking discussion on how AI is likely to evolve and what that means for agency strategy, staffing, and client expectations.
CETQA
Emotional Magnetism
Instructor: Sandy Gerber · Location: Glens 1&2, Lower Level
Sandy dives into the human side of business: how cultivating charisma, empathy, and emotional intelligence can transform your client relationships and internal culture. This session shows how emotional awareness and authenticity build trust — an especially important differentiator for independent agents competing against larger firms.
3:00 – 4:00 PM
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Submission Mastery
Instructor: Trina Moulder · Location: Stone Theater, Lower Level
In this practical session, Trina walks attendees through the essentials of building strong, complete submissions—especially for distressed and E&S risks. Participants will learn how to identify key risk components, prepare clear claims write-ups, and understand the importance of accurate ACORDs and detailed information. The session also covers core coverage concepts, including general liability and property considerations, valuation methods, coinsurance, and the differences between umbrella and excess liability. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the submission process from binding through renewal and how strong submissions lead to better outcomes.
CETQA
Tough Conversations
Instructors: Barbara Walker & Larry Michael · Location: Glens 3, Lower Level
A more informal, discussion-style session where seasoned industry voices Barbara Walker and Larry Michael share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned across years of agency leadership. Attendees will get valuable perspective on challenges and opportunities in the independent insurance landscape, plus practical advice you can apply in your own agency.
5:00 – 6:00 PM
PAC Reception
Location: West MI Room, 2nd Level · Invite Only- 
Event
6:00 PM
Company Night Out | Night On Your Own
Meet up with partners, fellow agents, or old friends with this designated “on your own” time.
Wednesday, February 18
all sessions will be held in the Arcadia Ballroom on Wednesday
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration
Location: Registration Concourse, Lobby Level
Starting at 7:30 AM
Breakfast 
Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
8:30 – 10:30 AM
The Art of Listening Between the Lines in a Virtual World
Instructor: Regina Carey & Bobby Hoffman · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Regina & Bobby will present a session on advanced listening and communication skills: understanding what clients aren’t saying overtly, reading between the lines, and responding with empathy and clarity. A strong fit for agents who want to deepen client relationships, improve sales conversations, and build long-term trust.
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Turn Calls into Opportunities
Instructor: Kyle Kemp · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Turn every contact into a potential win in this practical session with Kyle Kemp, a seasoned independent agency consultant focused on helping agencies grow smarter and operate better. Kyle will show how agency leaders and producers can move beyond guesswork to intentionally leverage customer and prospect calls as real opportunities to deepen relationships, close business, and strengthen retention. Attendees will explore proven communication strategies, real-world techniques for coaching from recorded calls, and how a strategic mindset around conversations can fuel growth and competitive advantage. Walk away with actionable ways to transform routine calls into measurable outcomes for your agency.
TQA
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Keynote: Built to Last
Instructor: Sandy Gerber · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
In this session, Sandy will explore strategies for building an agency, or career, with longevity: strong foundations, resilient culture, and sustainable growth practices. Whether you’re a solo agent or leading a team, expect tips to make your business future-proof and enduring.
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Managing Mayhem
Instructor: Lori Rummelt · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Insurance service professionals face constant pressure from clients, carriers, and co-workers. This class teaches proven strategies for maintaining composure, communication quality, and workflow efficiency under high stress. Participants will explore through an interactive class how personal behavior, team synergy, and agency processes interact to create—or relieve—service stress. The session emphasizes risk reduction, E&O awareness, and professional conduct.
CETQA
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Making Tech Work For You
Instructor: Dan Conner · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Dan will demystify technology for independent insurance agents, showing how to choose and implement practical tools (software, CRM, automation, etc.) that actually support your workflow without overcomplicating your day. The focus will be on real-world usefulness, not hype: practical tech adoption to help your agency run smoother.
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Closing Connections & Convention Wrap-Up
A final chance to connect, swap takeaways, and leave with new ideas (and new contacts) before heading home. 
Event