Thousands of agents and insurance industry professionals convened for
three days of fun, networking, and business on the Jersey Shore at the PIANJ/PIANY Annual Conference at Harrah’s Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., June 11-13.

The wildly successful event was the place to network and be seen at exciting and fun parties each night; a tear-jerking keynote address by CBS’s Steve Hartman, host of “On the Road”; an expansive, sold-out trade show; and cutting-edge educational seminars with a host of topics important to agents for continuing education credit.

Sold-out Trade Show

The biggest insurance exhibition in the Northeast was bursting at the seams with hundreds of vendors talking to agents and brokers who were there to check out the latest innovations, products, and markets, and enjoy the networking lounge that featured hors d’oeuvres and drinks while they made business contacts and enhanced their knowledge.

Conference attendees enjoyed abundant refreshments and a hot buffet, hors d’oeuvres at the Networking reception, in addition to snacks like hot dogs, pretzels and countless goodies in the trade show.

Smartphone users played a game on PIA’s conference app, which encouraged everyone to share contact information and make new connections. David Johnson, senior account executive of Trust Financial Services won $100 for great participation in a pool of app game winners. Other attendees won PIA’s cash door prizes, overnight stays at Harrah’s, and countless gifts offered by exhibitors.

YIP Nitecap

PIA’s Young Insurance Professionals rocked the conference, kicking off the first evening for everyone. Attendees danced at Harrah’s Eden Lounge, an exclusive bar and nightclub, that pulsated with energy. The Jeremiah Hunter band rocked the house as attendees unwound with dancing and socializing.

The Nerds at PIA’s Poolside Paradise Reception

Renowned Jersey Shore cover band The Nerds shook the house at PIA’s Poolside Paradise reception Monday evening. Everyone had a great time meeting with old friends and making new connections, while enjoying appetizing dinner stations and dancing in Harrah’s tropical pool club!

Steve Hartman Keynote Address

PIANY President John C. Parsons II, CIC, CPIA, AAI, opened the extravagant buffet lunch as master of ceremonies. PIANJ immediate past President Donald F. LaPenna Jr. introduced the new PIANJ officers, and PIANJ President Kacy Campion Renna, CIC, welcomed the new generation of professionals, including the new NJYIP administration, before introducing Keynote Speaker Steve Hartman.

Having grown up in the PIA family, Campion Renna shared her commitment to the association, invited members to get more involved and to help expand PIA membership. Thanking immediate past President LaPenna and all of PIANJ’s board and committee members, she outlined PIA’s numerous accomplishments and foretold of the association’s work this year.

“Professional, independent agents have a secret weapon—our local ’on-the-ground’ presence in New Jersey (and New York)…Imagine if everyone in this room and everyone at their offices were able to, in unison, shout out ‘Independent Agents are FREE and we can save you money!’” she said. “We CAN make that happen…Watch for our ’Go with a Pro’ campaign this fall—so we can all speak with one important, independent and successful voice.”

As she introduced Keynote Speaker Steve Hartman, Campion Renna reminded the insurance professionals in the room, “You do good things,” citing a 35-year sponsorship of Special Olympics among the many ways PIA members give to their communities.

Hartman shared clips from his CBS Sunday morning show “On the Road,” sharing lessons he has learned along the way. Hartman said his biggest lesson is that people are inherently good—not nearly as bad as we are led to believe by watching the news. Hartman also shared his father’s obsession with having good insurance and admiration for his insurance agent. After putting an audience member on the spot with an impromptu interview, he explained how his grandfather’s neighbor, an insurance agent, made sure his family had coverage, saving the family after a tragic accident that would have devastated them.

Education

Chris Paradiso, CPIA, opened the conference on Sunday, teaching Embrace Your Future as an Independent Agent, for three credits.

John Fear, CPIA, CISR, CPSR, participated in Sunday’s opening session and taught Cyber Liability–The Next Level of Exposure and Coverage, as well as Delivering Value in a Price-Driven Marketplace for two credits each on Monday.

Steven D. Lyon, CPCU, CIC, CRM, AAI, ARM, AIS, CRIS, MLIS, taught two classes, each for three credits: Don’t Get Caught Under Water! Understanding the NFIP, on Monday; and he closed the conference with The Renewal Trap–What Are You Leaving on the Table?

Gary Slavin, CIC taught Protecting Your Client’s Assets and Your Income for three CE credits

Fun Run

The annual Fun Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, a 35-year tradition on the Boardwalk continued on Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. To date, PIANJ and NJYIP have raised more than $3.8 million for SONJ. Participants ran, jogged, and walked, and celebrated the fundraising and race accomplishments with Special Olympics athletes and officials during the celebratory breakfast that followed. Special Olympics Young Athlete Brooke joined Jimcor’s team (which was the highest agency fundraising winner).

In all, the Fun Run raised $107,000 for the cause, with presenting sponsor FMI bringing more than $74,000.

FMI’s Kyle Price won the race with an amazing time of 18:17 mins.

Victoria Thaler, also of FMI, was the first female to cross the finish line, with a time of 22:03 mins.

PIANJ Change of Administration

PIANJ 2017-18 PIANJ officers: (group photo) + passing of the gavel

President Kacy Campion Renna, CIC
President-elect Lloyd H. “Rip” Bush Jr., CPIA
Vice President Steven C. Radespiel
Vice President Bruce Blum
Treasurer Michael DeStasio Jr.
Secretary Tom Wilkens
PIANJ National Director Keith A. Savino, CPIA
Immediate past President Donald F. LaPenna Jr.

PIANJ-YIP 2017-18 PIANJ-YIP officers (group photo)

President Aaron Levine
Vice President Logan True
Vice President Brianna Gonzala
Treasurer Michael S. DeStasio
Secretary Ryan Cervasio
Immediate past President Natalie D’Agostino

Meeting with the DOBI

Two top officials from the Department of Banking and Insurance, Assistant Commissioners Peter Hartt and Kristine Maurer, joined PIANJ leaders during the conference to discuss PIANJ regulatory concerns, including certificates of insurance; ride hailing; and private flood insurance. “We appreciate the support and hard work of DOBI on behalf of PIA and the insurance buying public of New Jersey,” said PIANJ President Kacy Campion Renna.

Awards ( 7 Photos with captions)

Director of the Year, Connie Mahoney
Distinguished Service
- William G. Rader, Department of Banking and Insurance (retired)
- Leon J. Zimmerman, PIANJ Legislative Representative (retired)
Company Person of the Year Karen Murdock, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Marketing & Distribution, Palisades Cos., Plymouth Rock Assurance
Community Service PIANJ past President Steven A. Reichman, CIC
Agent of the Year PIANJ past President Stephen P. Tague, CPIA
Lifetime Achievement Jay S. Fishman, Travelers Insurance Co. (posthumously)

Save the Date! Plans are already underway for an even bigger and better event next year at Harrah’s, so SAVE THE DATE: June 10-12, 2018!

For more photos, see our printed edition!