Session Titles and Descriptions

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Errors & Omissions with Dave Walker (CE)

Enhance your understanding of errors and omissions (E&O) risks and learn practical strategies to mitigate them in this engaging course led by industry expert Dave Walker. Explore real-world scenarios, best practices, and proactive approaches to protect your agency, clients and reduce liability exposure.

12:00 – 2:00 PM

Welcome Luncheon and Awards Presentation, including:

      Secrets to Success: A Restaurateur's Recipe with Matt Gillett

      Building a business can be tough…but with the right people, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about how Matt became an award-winning entrepreneur via his commitment to craft, community, and creating spaces where great food and inspiring stories come together.

      National Fireside Chat with IIABA Chair Todd Jackson 

      Our luncheon fireside chat with National IIABA Chairman Todd Jackson and Big I Michigan CEO Jared Burkhart is the perfect opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our National Association’s initiatives, future goals, and the state of our industry.

2:00 – 2:30 PM

Big I Michigan Annual Membership Meeting (member-agents only)  

CONCURRENT AFTERNOON SESSIONS

3:00 – 5:00 PM

Artificial Intelligence: Moving Forward with Technology with Jerry Fetty and Bryant Caudill (CE & TQA) Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the insurance industry in this forward-thinking session with Smart IT. Explore practical applications, innovative tools, and strategies to leverage AI for enhanced efficiency and customer experience. Stay ahead of the curve and learn how to integrate AI into your agency’s technology road map.

3:00 – 3:50 PM

Perpetuation Round Table with Q&A (TQA)

Join industry professionals at different points of their careers for an interactive round table discussion on agency perpetuation strategies. This session dives into best practices, common challenges, and key considerations for planning your agency’s future. Bring your questions for an engaging Q&A. Perfect for agency owners and leaders preparing for the next generation.

Legislative Update with Alex Houseman (CE)

Stay informed on the latest legislative developments affecting the insurance industry. This session provides valuable insights into current and pending legislation, regulatory updates, and their potential impact on your business. 

4:00 – 4:50 PM

REPEAT SESSIONS:

 • Perpetuation Round Table with Q&A (TQA)

• Legislative Update with Alex Houseman (CE)

Monday Evening Festivities- Dress to Impress, Cocktail Attire Recommended

5:30 – 6:30 PM

President's Welcome Reception, Ambassador Foyer

Mix and mingle with hors d’oeuvres, complimentary custom cocktails, and a bit of magic.     

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Keynote Address from Elliot Eisenberg, Plus Annual Awards, Ambassador Ballroom

Please join us for this exciting Monday evening welcome reception which will feature our keynote address, a sit down dinner and Big I Michigan industry awards presentation.  The US Economy in 2025: Probably Pretty Good During this entertaining and informative session, Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. (The “Bowtie Economist”), will provide a financial overview and outlook for the economic environment in which insurance firms operate. Eisenberg will share his thoughts on how all four parts of the GDP will perform, what changes are in store for the softening labor market, the path of inflation, the thinking of the Federal Reserve, the most likely route of interest rates, and the likelihood of a near-term recession. Eisenberg will also delve into new and existing home, auto and credit card default rates, wage and construction cost inflation, the shape of the yield curve, and much more.    

8:30 – 10:00 PM

NextGen After Party at Rendezvous Lobby Bar

Come one, come all to an after party full of fun & surprises, hosted by the NextGen Committee.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

7:30 AM - 5:30 PM 

Registration Desk Open, Center Concourse

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM  ¦  Breakfast

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM  ¦  Morning Break Service

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM  ¦  Afternoon Break Service

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CONCURRENT MORNING SESSIONS

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Ethics - Don’t leave home without Them with Ron Devers (CE)

Explore the vital role ethics play in the insurance industry with Ron Devers.  This course covers real-world scenarios, ethical decision-making, and the impact of integrity on your professional reputation.

9:00 – 9:50 AM

Staffing & Recruiting in Today’s Insurance Market: Key Strategies for Success with Nolan Duda (TQA)

In today’s insurance realm, finding and retaining top talent is crucial for sustained success. This presentation dives into essential strategies for sourcing, attracting, and keeping top-tier talent in a fiercely competitive market. From innovative recruitment techniques to fostering an enticing company culture, this session explores the pivotal strategies reshaping the way insurance agencies approach staffing.

Grow Your Book!  Getting Back to Basics with Sales Fundamentals

Do you want to double, or even triple, your book of business?  Write more new business than last year?  Focus on bigger goals and acquire new clients?  Sometimes getting back to basics and focusing on fundamentals can help even the most seasoned sales professional achieve unbelievable results.   Join Jen E. Miller for this fast-paced and exciting sales breakout session.  She'll share six powerful ways to focus on new business in 2025 and beyond.  Jen teaches tried and true results and has over a decade of coaching thousands of insurance professionals.

Sage Advice on Errors and Omissions of the Audit Process with Lori Rummelt (CE & TQA)

Gain an in-depth understanding of the errors and omissions (E&O) audit process with expert Lori Rummelt. This course explores key steps in preparing for an audit, identifying common E&O risks, and implementing best practices to protect your agency. Learn how to proactively address potential issues and ensure compliance while enhancing your operational efficiency.

10:00 – 10:50 AM

REPEAT SESSIONS:

• Staffing & Recruiting in Today’s Insurance Market: Key Strategies for Success with Nolan Duda (TQA)

• Grow Your Book!  Getting Back to Basics with Sales Fundamentals

• Sage Advice on Errors and Omissions of the Audit Process with Lori Rummelt (CE & TQA)  

11:00 – 11:50 AM

REPEAT SESSIONS:

• Staffing & Recruiting in Today’s Insurance Market: Key Strategies for Success with Nolan Duda (TQA)

• Grow Your Book!  Getting Back to Basics with Sales Fundamentals

• Sage Advice on Errors and Omissions of the Audit Process with Lori Rummelt (CE & TQA)  

12:00 – 3:00 PM

Big I Michigan Trade Show (includes Lunch)

Head to the Ambassador Ballroom for lunch and our annual Trade Show! 

CONCURRENT AFTERNOON SESSIONS

3:00 – 5:00 PM

MarshBerry's State of the Industry and Emerging Trends with Kyle Hoeft (CE & TQA)

Explore the current state of the insurance industry and uncover emerging trends driving growth and profitability in top-performing agencies. Gain actionable strategies to adapt to market changes, enhance performance, and position your agency for long-term success.

A Sword With Two Edges: How Agencies Must Navigate Artificial  Intelligence and Cybercrime with Tom Wetzel (CE & TQA)

Cybercriminals are weaponizing AI to launch attacks in far greater numbers that are also harder to detect and mitigate. The growing business use of ChatGPT and similar tools can trigger serious intellectual property losses without strong preventative measures. In this session, Tom will explain the cyber threat in practical terms and outline the steps agents must take to use AI tools effectively and securely while protecting their agencies and counseling policyholders to do the same. 

3:00 – 3:50 PM

Microsoft Magic: Automate Your Daily Duties with Randy Dean

Streamline your workflow and boost productivity in this hands-on session. Learn to harness the power of Microsoft tools to automate repetitive tasks, manage your time more effectively, and simplify your daily duties. Unlock tips, tricks, and strategies to maximize efficiency and make technology work for you, including a few useful tips for those now using the newer AI tools like Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT.

How to Grow Your Agency with Speed: Put EOS to the Test with  Tommy Salvati and Pieter Winne Discover how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can drive rapid growth for your agency in this session. Learn actionable strategies to streamline operations, align your team, and achieve your growth goals with focus and efficiency. Perfect for agencies looking to scale with clarity and speed.

4:00 – 4:50 PM

REPEAT SESSIONS:

• Microsoft Magic: Automate Your Daily Duties with Randy Dean

• How to Grow Your Agency with Speed: Put EOS to the Test with  Tommy Salvati and Pieter Winne  

5:00 – 6:00 PM

PAC Reception Invitation only or make your PAC investment at the door and join us!

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 19, 2025

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM  ¦  Yoga, Emerald Room, Sponsored by Premco

8:00 AM - 12:30 PM 

Registration Desk Open, Center Concourse

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM  ¦  Breakfast

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CONCURRENT MORNING SESSIONS

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Multi-Generational Workforce: Risks and Solutions with Diane Smith and Rick Pitts (CE & TQA)  

Navigate the challenges and opportunities of a multi-generational workforce in this insightful session. Learn about the risks associated with generational differences and discover practical solutions to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and productivity across all age groups in your organization.

Loss Control with Erin Mattord and Joe Elliott (CE & TQA)

Discover effective methods to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, ensuring better outcomes for clients and reduced exposure for your agency. Gain valuable insights into proactive risk management and best practices to  enhance safety and minimize losses.

12:00 PM

Box Lunch

Pickup your boxed lunch, then head to the AMS presentation of your choice!

12:30 – 2:30 PM

Maximizing AMS Systems: Driving Efficiency in Your Agency

 Presentations by Applied, Hawksoft, and Vertafore.

Applied:  Discover how Applied's cutting-edge solutions are transforming the way agencies manage their business, strengthen client relationships, and drive growth.  This session will highlight proven strategies to optimize your management system, enhance connectivity, and streamline workflows.  Whether you're a seasoned user or exploring Applied for the first time, our experts will be on hand to answer your questions and share insights to help you maximize efficiency and success.

Vertafore: At Vertafore, we believe insurance is about relationships. And technology should only make them stronger.  We’ll delve into AMS360 tips and tricks, review the updated features in our latest release, and speak to AgencyOne – the BIG enhancement you’ve been waiting for. Come discover strategies to streamline processes, strengthen your relationships, and help your team leverage features to further your goals.

12:30 - 2:30 PM

Partners Lunch (Invite Only), Imperial Ballroom

Big I Michigan is hosting a celebration luncheon for our partners with an awards presentation to show our deepest gratitude for their continued support.

Find Your Recipe for Success! For more information and to get registered, go to www.michagent.org/convention

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2025 TQA Update 

To fulfill your agency's 2025 TQA designation requirement at the Convention, you must attend at least three session hours marked with the TQA logo.