IIABNY’s Inaugural NYiDAY Sells Out & Delivers
A look back…
From its inception, NYiDAY – created by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York (IIABNY) and Trusted Choice® – was unlike anything before.
“After numerous conversations with agents in the Metro New York area, it became quite apparent there was not an event that gave them what they wanted,” said Lisa Lounsbury, IIABNY Senior Vice President. “They were tired of the same old and were looking for some- thing different. As a result of those conversations, a new direction, a new insurance event – NYiDAY was born.”
Armed with feedback and suggestions from agents, IIAB- NY set out to create a fresh take on the industry standard trade show. “Our number one goal was to deliver progressive ideas, knowledge, contacts and solutions that could be implemented immediately – all in one day,” continued Lisa Lounsbury.
And the idea took off. The 45-booth exhibit hall quickly sold out with hand- picked exhibitors, followed by attendee registrations. 345 independent insurance agents and brokers from around the state, not just Metro New York, as well as company and vendor personnel from around the country traveled by car, subway, train, and even plane to New York City for the10- hour event.
Upon arrival, the entire event was refreshingly unique. The exhibit hall boasted non-traditional booth spaces and large windows overlooking the lights and excitement of Times Square, creating a more open, airy feel. The dynamic exhibitors provided concrete solutions and automated services that support agency operations such as electronic signatures, IT, new hire training, and more. The surprise, fun-factor of the day proved to be the Mobile App, which allowed users to connect, share photos, ask questions, enter giveaways, and more.
A wide range of education sessions explored such thought-provoking topics as recognizing and insuring supply chain interruption, managing social media safely, new sales strategies, creating a marketing follow-up plan, HR in the evolving workplace, as well as new system features from Applied Client Network and Vertafore. A hands-on work- shop from Trusted Choice® even gave participants a pre-customized commercial and walked them through how to use it.
The highlight of the day was the Insurance Think Tank panel dubbed “Mapping the Future of Our Industry.” Science & technology communicator and entrepreneur Todd Townsend led the lively discussion between Lloyd’s North America President Hank Watkins and Dr. Mark J. Browne, faculty chair of St. John’s University’s School of Risk Management on how the insurance industry is constantly adjusting to risk presented by new technologies such as 3D printing, telematics, ride sharing, virtual currency and wearable technologies.
Keynote speaker Boomer Esiason offered a humorous yet passionate look into his life and how personal responsibility and accountability are the true keys to success. A former pro football quarterback, current TV football analyst and radio sports pro- gram co-host, Esiason is also the founder of the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which has raised more than $100 million for research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. His son, Gunnar Esiason, suffers from the disease. At the conclusion of Esiason’s address, IIABNY announced that Trusted Choice®, in partnership with Make-A-Wish, will be granting a wish to a child with cystic fibrosis in Gunnar Esiason’s honor. The wish will be granted through the Metro and Western New York Make-A-Wish chapter.
Michael Coughlin, of Coughlin Insurance Services said, “This event blew away my expectations. It had the best CE course selection I’ve seen in awhile, an extremely interesting panel discussion, excellent keynote speaker, excellent location and appeared to have run without a glitch. One of the most successful events I’ve ever seen!”
Lisa Lounsbury commented, “I think the main reason our event was such a success is because we fulfilled a need. We brought attendees to a new level technology-wise and connected them with high-end solution providers that will help them operate more effectively and profitably.”
So will there be another NYiDAY? The official word from IIABNY…” For an agent to spend valuable time away from the office, an event must truly deliver value. If there is, it will be bigger and better than ever!”
