Conference Speakers & Session Information
Thursday, September 28th
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Concurrent Sessions - choose only 1
Session A: Brain Drain – Don’t Let the Talent Crunch Cripple Your Organization
This seminar will discuss the most recent trends in employee retention, mentoring programs and technological approaches to maximizing workforce talent management. We will review steps insurance agencies and carriers can take to reduce the impact of retirement and build a culture that encourages the highly experienced worker to stay. We will discuss the impact the talent crunch can cause in operations, coverage and errors & omissions claims. We will evaluate steps insurance organizations can take to promote retention, hire smarter and encourage strong employee relationships. Speaker: Nancy Germond, ARM, AIC, ITP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP - Virtual University
Session B: Washingtons Hardening Market - 2 CE
This session will focus on our state’s hard market and how agents can not only survive it but thrive. We will first focus on the Washington FAIR Plan as our property market tightens. We will share who is a good fit for the FAIR Plan and the types of policies available and how agents can access the program. Since the coverage is limited, we will share coverages that can be sold to enhance the FAIR Plan. Our speakers will speak more broadly on reasons the surplus lines market is tightening. They will share how the hard market is impacting the surplus line market and what can be expected from carriers in the future. Speakers: Yolanda Tobiasen Washington FAIR Plan, Sarah Floyd Pearcy, CIC, Superior Underwriters/GSU Insurance Services, Joy Erven, Surplus Line Association of Washington.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Concurrent Sessions - choose only 1
Session A: Building a Corporate Culture that Reduces EPL Exposures for You and Your Clients - 2 CE
This seminar will address top EPLI trends and ways to avoid litigation landmines. The session will look at claims trends as well as how an inclusive workforce culture can reduce claims. The speaker will look at top difficulties with intergenerational and diversity issues and discuss tips to reduce employee conflict. Finally, the session will examine employment incidents that can trigger reservation of rights issues.Speaker: Nancy Germond, ARM, AIC, ITP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP - Virtual University
Session B: Book valuations, How Agency Deals are Structured with State Capital Gains Tax
This session will review how our state’s new capital gains tax will impact insurance agents going forward and how agencies can plan for it. The session will examine insurance agency sales from start to finish, including how agency deals are structured, valuation, pricing, agency structure and taxation. Speakers: Brandon Barker, CPA and Scott Limoli CPA/ABV, of Ryan Jorgenson & Limoli, P.S
3:00 pm - 5 pm - General Session - CE available
Economic & Legislative Climate Impacts on the Industry - 2 CE
The industry has faced, is facing, and will continue to face threats from many different areas and competitors. Those who continue to evolve and innovate their agencies, along with their approaches to risk will continue to succeed. Understanding the current economic climate, shifting labor market, how to embrace change and partner with insuretech and AI will continue to create value for their Agency, their employees, and their clients. Speaker: Nate Sannes, InCite Performace Group
IIABW and PIA Lobbyists with Legislative Insite into the coming sessions
The lobbyists for IIABW and PIA will look at the legislative issues facing our state’s agents in the future. They will review the key insurance issues during the 2023 legislative session and also preview the issues our legislators will consider in 2024. They will focus of the newly passed transparency rule, proof of insurance verification, wildfire issues and overall hard market access issues. Lobbyists: Bill Stauffacher and Kris Tefft