NJ Agents Conference October 20-22, 2024 | The Madison Hotel, Morristown
This is the one insurance event that should be on your calendar!
The NJ Agents Conference draws top insurance pros from across the state for unmatched networking, top-rate speakers, and important insurance-related sessions. Join the biggest and best from NJ's insurance industry and leave empowered to bring back new information to your agency.
Agenda
Sunday, October 20
3:30 - 7:30 PM - REGISTRATION
Come early to register and get a wristband for a drink on us during the Sunday football games from 4:00 - 6:00PM. It's a great way to meet up with members and relax before the start of the event!
7:30 - 10:30 PM - YAC 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT - 70s THROWBACK PARTY
Take a walk down memory lane and help celebrate 50 years of the Young Agents Council! We'll share memories, toast old and new friends, and relive the younger days. Food, cocktails and live music will be available and we HIGHLY encourage 1970s attire!
8:00 - 10:00 AM - INSURANCE QUIZ - TESTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: CE SEMINAR
Instructor: Steven Lyon, Lyon Consulting Services
Whether you work in Personal or Commercial Lines, this class is for you. Test your working knowledge of the forms and endorsements you use every day. We will take a look at some of the most commonly used ISO forms and endorsements and shed new light on coverages and exclusions that are often missed by many experienced insurance professionals. Real life claims situations will also be used to test your coverage knowledge to help us provide better advice and coverage recommendations to our clients. This fun environment makes for a great learning opportunity. Let's see who's the smartest person in the class!
10:15 - 10:45 AM - CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH
10:45 AM - 1:00 PM - GENERAL SESSION
Business Meeting - Presenter: Chris O'Neill, Big I NJ Chairman
The 2024 Big I NJ Business Meeting will include any Bylaws Amendments for vote by participating members, Chairman Chris O'Neill's outgoing chairman's speech, the 2024 Insurance Awards and door prizes.
State of the Association - Presenter: Charles E. Symington, Jr., IIABA President & CEO
Our national Big I president, Charles Symington, will address New Jersey agents to provide a state of the association and an overview of the independent agency system.
Keynote Address - AI and The Insurance Industry - Presenter: Don Shampine, CEO, professional speaker, and seasoned insurance professional
Get ready to ride the wave of excitement as we delve into the fascinating world of AI in the insurance industry!
Don Shampine, this year's keynote speaker, is a seasoned independent agent with over 25 years in the industry who is dedicated to driving change and innovation. He is actively involved in various insurance organizations where his visionary leadership is instrumental in fostering industry-wide initiatives.
AI has been causing a stir across various sectors, and guess what? Insurance agents are next in line to reap its remarkable benefits. During this keynote presentation, Don will open you up to the world of AI, delving into how you can create monumental change in your agency, as he has. You will embark on an exhilarating journey through AI technology, with a special focus on the powerful tool known as ChatGPT. Buckle up as we take a deep dive into how ChatGPT can supercharge your capabilities as an insurance professional and prepare to unlock the secrets of AI so you can revolutionize your approach to insurance like never before! This isn't just another run-of-the-mill class; it's your ticket to staying ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of insurance.
1:30 - 4:30 PM - HOSPITALITY ACTIVITIES
Grab your friends and take part in one of three exciting and fun afternoon activities! But hurry - space for each session is limited and the activity will close when we have reached our maximum! Please note that these sessions will run concurrently so you may only participate in one event.
Mixology
The ultimate cocktail mixing social event is here! Sign up for this experience and get ready to have fun learning to shake, stir and swizzle like a pro as you learn the finer points of cocktail creation! If you've ever wanted to know how to make your own delicious cocktails at home or impress guests at your next event, look no further! You'll stir up some friendly competition with a cocktail contest, complete with prizes.
Wine Tasting
Whether you consider yourself a connoisseur or just enjoy a trying new wines, you've found your activity! To start, our expert sommelier will guide you through a tasting of red and white wine. Then, we'll break into smaller teams to learn the history of sangria and create your team's own unique sangria blend from our selection of fresh fruit, spices and other essentials. Teams will have the chance to market their sangria in their mock 'winery' by developing a name, logo, label and commercial. The winning groups will be announced for best tasting sangria and best winery marketing.
Make Your Own Pizza
Take a ride to Millie's Old-World Meatballs & Pizza where you will learn the craft of pizza-making. During this activity, our chefs will walk you through the steps of creating your own mouth-watering pizza pie and you will develop your own unique creation. Transportion will be provided for this event.
7:00 PM - COCKTAIL RECEPTION
8:00 - 11:00 PM - MIDNIGHT AT THE MASQUERADE BANQUET - A MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
Select your table carefully for this interactive WHO DONE IT event. You will be completely immersed in our murder mystery dinner as you work with your table to umask the killer at the Billionaires' Club Annual Masquerade Ball. Come dressed in your most glamorous cocktail attire and be prepared for an evening of mystery intrigue, and murder....Masks will be provided.
The first table to guess who killed the tragically deceased will win $1000!
Tuesday, October 22
7:30 - 9:00 AM - GRAB AND GO BREAKFAST
Registration
Full Access Package
Member/Sponsor: $295 (first registration)
Additional Registration, Same Agency: $260 (members-only)
Non-Member: $485
Spouse/Guest Package
Member: $230
Non-Member: $285
A la carte pricing is also available.
Register Online
Hotel
The Madison Hotel
1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
Rate: $175/night
Phone: 973-285-1800
Reference Code: Big I NJ
Online Reservations
Award Nominations
Nominations for the 2024 Award Season are currently closed. All awards will be announced and presented during the Big I NJ Business Meeting on Monday, October 21st.
Henry A. Franz Insurance Person of the Year Award
Established by the IIA of Passaic County and dedicated to the memory of Henry A. Franz, past president, this award is presented to the individual who has made the most outstanding contribution to the health and advancement of the insurance industry.
Richard Hardenbergh Community Service Award
Presented in memory of Richard Hardenbergh, former Big I New Jersey leader and dedicated community volunteer, the recipient of this award is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the community on a voluntary basis. Nominee must live in New Jersey and be involved in the NJ insurance industry.
Cherise M. Gonzalez Young Agent of the Year Award
This award is presented to a young agent who has demonstrated service to his or her agency, professional trade association, and community.
James F. Anthony Scholarship
Created in 1995, the $1,000 scholarship is given in memory of James F. Anthony, a devoted friend to Big I NJ. The scholarship is bestowed annually to a deserving high school senior seeking further education who has demonstrated excellence in scholastic, extra curricular, and community activities.
Attire
All sessions, with the exception of the Monday night banquet, are casual.
Attire for the banquet is corporate casual:
- Men - dress or khaki pants with a button-down or polo shirt, and jacket or sweater.
- Women - skirt, dress or khaki pants with a blouse, polo shirt or sweater, or a dress.