Thursday, May 8th
Opening Session | 8:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Evaluation of the Independent Agency System
Presenter: Jeff Smith | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by CRC Group
It is not often that insurance agents get the opportunity to pause and reflect on the current state of their profession and the insurance industry. In this session, agents will have the opportunity to learn about the health of independent agency system and insurance industry. The session will review the key factors and risks of the insurance industry, including trends in premium, rates, underwriting performance, loss ratios, CATs, economic conditions and government regulations. In addition, the program will review key indicators for the IA system from a past, present and future perspective. This course will help agents assess whether they are currently meeting the needs of their clients and carrier partners and prepared for their needs in the future.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Jeff Smith | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by CRC Group
It is not often that insurance agents get the opportunity to pause and reflect on the current state of their profession and the insurance industry. In this session, agents will have the opportunity to learn about the health of independent agency system and insurance industry. The session will review the key factors and risks of the insurance industry, including trends in premium, rates, underwriting performance, loss ratios, CATs, economic conditions and government regulations. In addition, the program will review key indicators for the IA system from a past, present and future perspective. This course will help agents assess whether they are currently meeting the needs of their clients and carrier partners and prepared for their needs in the future.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Breakout Sessions | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Agency Acquisition Strategies
Presenter: Jeff Smith | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Western Reserve Group
Agents will learn how to develop an agency acquisition strategy and minimize the risk of an acquisition. This includes learning how to identify and vet opportunities, understanding the due diligence process, identifying risks and assessing an agency acquisition. Agents will also understand how to review employment agreements, restrictive covenants, E&O and EPLI/HR risks. Finally, agency acquirers will understand how to integrate an acquisition, mesh cultures, incentivize the merging producers and staff and maximize the success of an acquisition.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers & Agents
Presenter: Jeff Smith | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Western Reserve Group
Agents will learn how to develop an agency acquisition strategy and minimize the risk of an acquisition. This includes learning how to identify and vet opportunities, understanding the due diligence process, identifying risks and assessing an agency acquisition. Agents will also understand how to review employment agreements, restrictive covenants, E&O and EPLI/HR risks. Finally, agency acquirers will understand how to integrate an acquisition, mesh cultures, incentivize the merging producers and staff and maximize the success of an acquisition.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers & Agents
State of the Industry Company Panel
Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Indiana Farmers Insurance
In this session, we will talk with top management from five different insurance companies to find out their perspective of the industry. Each panelist will have the opportunity to answer questions and interact with the other panelists. Attendees will learn more about the company perspective and better understand how the insurance companies approach changes in the industry.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Indiana Farmers Insurance
In this session, we will talk with top management from five different insurance companies to find out their perspective of the industry. Each panelist will have the opportunity to answer questions and interact with the other panelists. Attendees will learn more about the company perspective and better understand how the insurance companies approach changes in the industry.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Streamline and Succeed - How to Create and Implement an Agency Process
Presenter: Joel Dunham | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
This session provides practical strategies for developing and implementing agency processes that enhance efficiency, boost revenue, and reduce risk. Learn how to create workflows that your team will embrace, streamline operations with effective tools and time management techniques, and maintain processes that adapt to industry changes. Designed for insurance agencies looking to achieve sustainable success through well-defined and actionable systems.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
Presenter: Joel Dunham | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
This session provides practical strategies for developing and implementing agency processes that enhance efficiency, boost revenue, and reduce risk. Learn how to create workflows that your team will embrace, streamline operations with effective tools and time management techniques, and maintain processes that adapt to industry changes. Designed for insurance agencies looking to achieve sustainable success through well-defined and actionable systems.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tradeshow & Lunch - *Free for all Agency Staff*
Breakout Sessions | 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Is Now the Right Time to Revamp the Way You Market to Clients?
Presenter: Dean Ballenger | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
This session will guide agents in building a strong local presence and creating a brand that transcends their agency. The goal is to develop a legacy brand—one that clients, employees, and referral partners will not only be excited to support but will actively engage with.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Dean Ballenger | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
This session will guide agents in building a strong local presence and creating a brand that transcends their agency. The goal is to develop a legacy brand—one that clients, employees, and referral partners will not only be excited to support but will actively engage with.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Best Practices in Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Talent
Presenter: Brian Lawrence | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
It is no secret that finding and keeping experienced and knowledgeable talent is one of the biggest challenges facing the agent industry. With the pressures of the hard market, managing client relationships, and industry consolidation it’s easy to understand why HR practices often fall to the back burner. But the most successful agencies spend just as much time on their HR/people strategies as they do on their marketing/business strategies. It takes time and energy to find the right talent for your agency and it can be difficult to replace a good employee. This session is designed to provide strategies and tactics to help your agency success in a difficult labor market.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
Presenter: Brian Lawrence | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
It is no secret that finding and keeping experienced and knowledgeable talent is one of the biggest challenges facing the agent industry. With the pressures of the hard market, managing client relationships, and industry consolidation it’s easy to understand why HR practices often fall to the back burner. But the most successful agencies spend just as much time on their HR/people strategies as they do on their marketing/business strategies. It takes time and energy to find the right talent for your agency and it can be difficult to replace a good employee. This session is designed to provide strategies and tactics to help your agency success in a difficult labor market.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
E&O - Scenarios, Claims and Trials REVEALED
Presenter: Erin Dey | Approved for 3 hours of IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Progressive
In this course, we will review insurance agents errors and omissions claims, trials and scenarios. The class will work together to identify the role / actions of the following: insured, agent, carrier and / or carrier’s defense. They will each discuss their viewpoint from these perspective roles with each scenario, pleading their case for their actions. At the end of each example, the teams will share with the class; the instructor will reveal the final outcome of what transpired.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Erin Dey | Approved for 3 hours of IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Progressive
In this course, we will review insurance agents errors and omissions claims, trials and scenarios. The class will work together to identify the role / actions of the following: insured, agent, carrier and / or carrier’s defense. They will each discuss their viewpoint from these perspective roles with each scenario, pleading their case for their actions. At the end of each example, the teams will share with the class; the instructor will reveal the final outcome of what transpired.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Breakout Sessions | 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
How Finding Your Niche Can Transform Your Agency Into a Launchpad for Growth
Presenter: Dean Ballenger | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
This session, presented at the PIA of Indiana’s Annual Convention, will guide agents through the process of discovering their niche and how focusing on a specific area can elevate their agency. The goal is to help agents understand how to transition from a generalist approach to specializing in a niche, which will drive growth, improve client retention, and lower risks, all while building a legacy business.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
Presenter: Dean Ballenger | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
This session, presented at the PIA of Indiana’s Annual Convention, will guide agents through the process of discovering their niche and how focusing on a specific area can elevate their agency. The goal is to help agents understand how to transition from a generalist approach to specializing in a niche, which will drive growth, improve client retention, and lower risks, all while building a legacy business.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
Best Practices in Performance Management and Agency Compensation
Presenter: Brian Lawrence | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Over the last few years a tight labor market and high inflation have had a significant impact on employee compensation. With the increase in remote work, it’s important for agencies, especially smaller town agencies, to recognize the competition for talent is now state, region, and even nationwide. This session will focus on the current economic data and provide best practices for developing a competitive agency compensation and benefits program. We will discuss compensation strategies for customer/account managers as well as producers.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
Presenter: Brian Lawrence | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Over the last few years a tight labor market and high inflation have had a significant impact on employee compensation. With the increase in remote work, it’s important for agencies, especially smaller town agencies, to recognize the competition for talent is now state, region, and even nationwide. This session will focus on the current economic data and provide best practices for developing a competitive agency compensation and benefits program. We will discuss compensation strategies for customer/account managers as well as producers.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners & Managers
Continued
E&O - Scenarios, Claims and Trials REVEALED
Presenter: Erin Dey | Approved for 3 Hours IN CE Credit
E&O - Scenarios, Claims and Trials REVEALED
Presenter: Erin Dey | Approved for 3 Hours IN CE Credit
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday Night Social
Sponsored by: CRC Group, J.M. Wilson, IDEAL Ag & Marine, & SERVPRO Team Miller
Free for all Convention Attendees! Guest of Convention Attendees can pay to attend. Registration Required.
Sponsored by: CRC Group, J.M. Wilson, IDEAL Ag & Marine, & SERVPRO Team Miller
Free for all Convention Attendees! Guest of Convention Attendees can pay to attend. Registration Required.
Friday, May 9th
Breakout Sessions | 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Defining Your Brand, Your Story & Your Identity
Presenter: Sandra Gebhardt | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
In this session participants will learn actionable steps to define their personal or business brand identity, including mission, values, and unique strengths, and tools to craft a compelling brand story that connects and drives results.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Sandra Gebhardt | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
In this session participants will learn actionable steps to define their personal or business brand identity, including mission, values, and unique strengths, and tools to craft a compelling brand story that connects and drives results.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
The Additional Insured Illusion…and Other Feats of Contractual Risk Transfer Magic Even David Copperfield Couldn’t Pull Off
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Arlington/Roe
This session addresses contractual liability, additional insured, and related certificates of insurance issues that are the subject of controversy in the insurance industry, examines those issues and the disputes that invariably arise from them. The focus is on how to recognize the issues, understand their impact on all parties, how courts are interpreting controversies, and how to respond to claims and suits arising from the issues.
The suggested audience for this session is: Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Arlington/Roe
This session addresses contractual liability, additional insured, and related certificates of insurance issues that are the subject of controversy in the insurance industry, examines those issues and the disputes that invariably arise from them. The focus is on how to recognize the issues, understand their impact on all parties, how courts are interpreting controversies, and how to respond to claims and suits arising from the issues.
The suggested audience for this session is: Agents & CSRs
2025 Legislative Update
Presenters: Marty Wood & Lauren Pachman | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Liberty Mutual/Safeco/State Auto Insurance
We will review current National and state legislative and regulatory issues regarding insurance including a discussion of current bills and their status. The session will also advise P&C agents on what to look for in the future and help them understand how the changes affect their business.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenters: Marty Wood & Lauren Pachman | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Liberty Mutual/Safeco/State Auto Insurance
We will review current National and state legislative and regulatory issues regarding insurance including a discussion of current bills and their status. The session will also advise P&C agents on what to look for in the future and help them understand how the changes affect their business.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Breakout Sessions | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Using AI to Create Social Media Content
Presenter: Sandra Gebhardt | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
In this session participants will learn how to use AI platforms and tools for generating creative, engaging, and consistent social media posts while maintaining authenticity and a personal touch to connect with their audience.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Sandra Gebhardt | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
In this session participants will learn how to use AI platforms and tools for generating creative, engaging, and consistent social media posts while maintaining authenticity and a personal touch to connect with their audience.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
When Words Collide: Resolving Insurance Coverage and Claims Disputes
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
While coverage and claims disputes are a fact of life for risk and insurance professionals, they are costly in ways that far exceed the lawyers and other expenses incurred to get a resolution. Nothing destroys the customers' trust more than a bad claims experience. If you're an agent, you sell promises that you are relying on someone else to deliver and that makes you equally invested in a fair resolution of the claim
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
While coverage and claims disputes are a fact of life for risk and insurance professionals, they are costly in ways that far exceed the lawyers and other expenses incurred to get a resolution. Nothing destroys the customers' trust more than a bad claims experience. If you're an agent, you sell promises that you are relying on someone else to deliver and that makes you equally invested in a fair resolution of the claim
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Agents Panel: The Insurance Agent’s Journey
Moderator: Kevin Wheeler | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Burns & Wilcox
In this session, we will hear from agency owners at various stages of their careers as they share how they have managed different aspects of running an agency. Topics include underwriting changes, technology, processes, and staffing.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Moderator: Kevin Wheeler | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Sponsored by Burns & Wilcox
In this session, we will hear from agency owners at various stages of their careers as they share how they have managed different aspects of running an agency. Topics include underwriting changes, technology, processes, and staffing.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Keynote Lunch | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Find A Way
Presenter: Brad Hurtig
Not Approved for CE
Brad’s Find A Way message is both personal and inspiring. After a manufacturing accident in high school that left him with no hands, Brad had to find a way to move forward and learn a new way of life. His story about how he changed his mindset, adapted to his new reality and persevered has inspired thousands of
people to not only survive their own life’s setbacks but to thrive.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Brad Hurtig
Not Approved for CE
Brad’s Find A Way message is both personal and inspiring. After a manufacturing accident in high school that left him with no hands, Brad had to find a way to move forward and learn a new way of life. His story about how he changed his mindset, adapted to his new reality and persevered has inspired thousands of
people to not only survive their own life’s setbacks but to thrive.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Breakout Sessions | 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ethics, It’s More Than Just Right vs. Wrong
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 3 Hours IN Ethics CE Credit
Sponsored by Michaelis Corporation
The insurance industry is an industry founded on the principle of uberrimai fidei, the principle that all communications and practices involve utmost good faith. The program focuses on understanding what constitutes ethical and unethical behavior and practices. It examines various standards of conduct from legal to moral, who is impacted by this conduct and how it can impact both the public and the industry.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 3 Hours IN Ethics CE Credit
Sponsored by Michaelis Corporation
The insurance industry is an industry founded on the principle of uberrimai fidei, the principle that all communications and practices involve utmost good faith. The program focuses on understanding what constitutes ethical and unethical behavior and practices. It examines various standards of conduct from legal to moral, who is impacted by this conduct and how it can impact both the public and the industry.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers, Agents & CSRs
Account Executives - Ideas to Succeed
Presenter: Kevin Wheeler | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Key steps for Account Executives/Producers that will help them identify ideas to help them become more successful. We will discuss goal setting, time management, determining a unique selling proposition and more to help guide to a successful career within the insurance industry.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers & Agents
Presenter: Kevin Wheeler | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Key steps for Account Executives/Producers that will help them identify ideas to help them become more successful. We will discuss goal setting, time management, determining a unique selling proposition and more to help guide to a successful career within the insurance industry.
The suggested audience for this session is: Owners, Managers & Agents
Breakout Sessions | 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Continued
Ethics, It’s More Than Just Right vs. Wrong
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 3 Hours IN Ethics CE Credit
Ethics, It’s More Than Just Right vs. Wrong
Presenter: Bill Wilson | Approved for 3 Hours IN Ethics CE Credit
Workers Compensation
Presenter: Kevin Wheeler | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Review of the history and necessity of employers liability and the benefits of Workers Compensation coverages. We will review the funding, coverages and unique endorsements for general coverages as well as a review of the monopolistic states and their exposures. We will also review the NCCI Experience Modification Report and how that impacts the costs.
The suggested audience for this session is: Agents & CSRs
Presenter: Kevin Wheeler | Approved for 1.5 Hours IN CE Credit
Review of the history and necessity of employers liability and the benefits of Workers Compensation coverages. We will review the funding, coverages and unique endorsements for general coverages as well as a review of the monopolistic states and their exposures. We will also review the NCCI Experience Modification Report and how that impacts the costs.
The suggested audience for this session is: Agents & CSRs
Ready to get registered?
