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.

Agenda

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

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
A practical deep-dive into how policies are built, interpreted, and applied. Covers contract law basics, insurance principles, and real-world tips for confidently reading policy language and answering coverage questions.
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
When the finish line keeps moving, motivation has to come from within. Jess shares research-backed ways to build intrinsic motivation that fuels long-term growth, creativity, and momentum without burnout.
1:30 – 2:00 PM
MAIA Annual Meeting
Member-agents only · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
2:00 – 4:50 PM
Ethics with Accident Fund: Lead with Integrity. Learn with Purpose
Instructors: Joe Elliott & Katie Janik (Accident Fund) · Location: Prairies (4–6), Lower Level
Explore what it means to be an ethical insurance professional, how values influence decisions, how to spot ethical hazards, and your role in preventing fraud. Designed to elevate professionalism and strengthen judgment.
CE
2:00 – 2:50 PM
3:00 – 3:50 PM
4:00 – 4:50 PM
AI Customization and Integration
Instructor: Daniel Metcalf · Location: Stone Theater, Lower Level
Learn how to customize and integrate modern AI tools into daily agency workflows, from outreach to data analysis, so small teams can scale efficiency without losing the personal touch.
TQA
Business Branding
Instructor: Don Shampine · Location: Glens 1 & 2, Lower Level
Build a consistent brand identity for your agency. Focuses on messaging, visual presence, and customer touchpoints that create trust and attract the right clients.
TQA
Recreational Lines
Instructors: Eric Duren & Bill Schmidt (Progressive) · Location: Glens 3, Lower Level
A deep dive into Boats & RV opportunities: buyer demographics, coverage gaps, uninsured exposure, Michigan and national market insights, and how specialty policies compare to home/auto endorsements.
CE
5:30 – 11:00 PM
Shuttle Transportation
Pick up Location: TBD · 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
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 – 11:50 AM
Mock Trial
Instructor: Rick Pitts · Location: Arcadia Ballroom
Step into the role of juror in this interactive case-based session focused on real agency exposure tied to certificates of insurance and additional insured status. Review evidence, deliberate, deliver a verdict, and compare it to the actual court decision.
CE
9:00 – 9:50 AM
10:00 – 10:50 AM
11:00 – 11:50 AM
Automating Your Office
Instructor: Daniel Metcalf · Location: Stone Theater, Lower Level
Streamline internal processes and customer service workflows with practical automation setups that reduce manual effort, minimize errors, and free your team to focus on relationships and growth.
TQA
You Can’t Automate Chaos
Instructor: Casey Nelson · Location: Glens 3, Lower Level
Learn why tech adoption fails when processes and data are messy. Identify operational “chaos,” prioritize improvements, and approach automation strategically so technology drives efficiency instead of adding complexity.
TQA
12:30 – 3:00 PM
Trade Show
Location: Lower Level (K-Zoo Ballroom, Prairies, Fields & Hallways)
A record number of exhibitors and more opportunities to connect, discover solutions, and strengthen partner relationships. Lunch is included on the lower level, and a professional photographer will be offering complimentary headshots (no appointment required).
Trade Show
Lunch
Location: Meadows, Lower Level
3:00 – 4:50 PM
Real AI, Today & Tomorrow: What’s Real, What Works, What’s Next
Instructor: Jerry Fetty · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Cut through the hype: compare AI options with a security/compliance lens, see real workflows that reduce manual work, improve efficiency, and learn better prompting. Includes insurance-specific use cases like document handling and email triage, plus what AI evolution means for agency strategy.
CETQA
Emotional Magnetism
Instructor: Sandy Gerber · Location: Glens 3, Lower Level
Build trust and strengthen relationships through charisma, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Focuses on the human differentiator that helps independent agents compete and lead effectively.
3:00 – 3:50 PM
4:00 – 4:50 PM
Submission Mastery
Instructor: Trina Moulder · Location: Prairies (4–6), Lower Level
Build stronger submissions (especially distressed and E&S risks): identify key components, write clear claims narratives, ensure accurate ACORDs, and sharpen coverage fundamentals including GL/property, valuation, coinsurance, and umbrella vs. excess.
CETQA
Tough Conversations
Instructors: Barbara Walker & Larry Michael · Location: Glens 3, Lower Level
A discussion-style session with seasoned industry leaders sharing practical lessons learned from years of agency leadership, plus perspective you can apply right away.
5:00 – 6:00 PM
PAC Reception
Location: West MI Room, Lobby Level · Invite Only- 
Event
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Company Night Out | Night On Your Own
Optional evening for agents to connect with carrier and vendor partners at informal gatherings around town, or enjoy time on their own in Kalamazoo.
Wednesday, February 18
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration
Location: Registration Concourse, Lobby Level
Starting at 7:30 AM
Breakfast Buffet
Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
8:30 – 10:30 AM
The Art of Listening Between the Lines in a Virtual World
Instructor: Regina Carey · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Advanced listening and communication skills: understand what clients aren’t saying, read between the lines, and respond with empathy and clarity to deepen 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 routine calls into measurable outcomes. Learn communication strategies, ways to coach from recorded calls, and how an intentional conversation mindset can deepen relationships, close business, and strengthen retention.
TQA
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch Keynote: Built to Last
Instructor: Sandy Gerber · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Strategies for building longevity in your agency or career: strong foundations, resilient culture, and sustainable growth practices. Expect practical ideas to stay enduring and future-proof.
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Managing Mayhem
Instructor: Lori Rummelt · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Proven strategies to maintain composure, communication quality, and workflow efficiency under pressure. Explores how personal behavior, team synergy, and agency processes interact to create (or relieve) service stress, with an emphasis on risk reduction and E&O awareness.
CETQA
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Making Tech Work For You
Instructor: Dan Conner · Location: Arcadia Ballroom, Lobby Level
Practical tech adoption without the hype. Learn how to choose and implement tools like CRMs, software, and automation that support your workflow and make the day-to-day smoother without overcomplicating things.
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.  1 drink ticket included with registration
Event