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Record-Shattering Event at Harrah’s Makes PIA Annual Conference Biggest Ever

 

More than 2,000 agents and insurance industry professionals made history at the PIANJ/PIANY Annual Conference at Harrah’s Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., June 5-7. The record-breaking event brought a flood of insurance professionals to the shore, to network and be seen at exciting and fun events; packing an expansive trade show; and attending cutting-edge educational seminars with a host of topics important to agents for Continuing Education credit.

Trade Show and Exhibition

#PIANJPNYConf 245The conference kicked off with a networking lounge at the center of the biggest insurance exhibition in the Northeast, featuring hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Insurance professionals joined colleagues for two days of making valuable contacts and getting up-to-date with events to help them grow their business. Hundreds of vendors were eager to meet with agents from some of the biggest PIA affiliate states, who came to check out the latest innovations, products and markets.

 

YIP Nitecap

#PIANJPNYConf 306Harrah’s Eden Lounge pulsated with energy as PIA’s Young Insurance Professionals hosted an evening event Sunday night for everyone to party the night away…members and industry contacts let loose, danced and were sure to be seen—Even the young at heart had fun and enjoyed the music of To the Max!

PIA’s Poolside Paradise Reception

Jimmy and the Parrots led the festivities at Harrah’s pool Monday evening. Everyone had a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new connections while enjoying appetizing dinner stations and dancing in Harrah’s tropical pool club—wearing floral leis and PIA parrot tattoos!

Networking Lunch; New PIANJ Administration Recognized

PIANY President Gene Sandy, CIC, opened the buffet networking lunch as master of ceremonies. PIANJ immediate past-President Charles J. Caruso, CIC, CPIA, introduced the new PIANJ officers and newly inducted PIANJ President Donald F. LaPenna welcomed the new generation of professionals, including the new NJYIP administration, before inviting everyone to enjoy the extravagant buffet lunch.

PIANJ 2016-2107 Officers

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

PIANJ-YIP Officers

  • Immediate past-president Casey Yarger, CIC
  • Secretary Brianna Gonzalez
  • Treasurer Logan True
  • President Natalie Bruno, CPIA

Meeting with the DOBI

Two top officials from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Assistant Commissioner Bill Rader and Peter Hartt, came to Atlantic City to meet with PIANJ leaders during the Conference to discuss PIANJ regulatory concerns, including certificates of insurance; ride hailing; private flood insurance; cyberliability; the PIP coverage selection form; charging fees on health policies; and homeowners issues.

Honors and Recognitions

A brilliant show was made even more radiant with three awards to stars in the industry.

PIANJ Director Thomas Wilkens of McGowan Risk Specialist in Eatontown was awarded PIANJ Director of the Year.

PIANJ-YIP Casey Yarger, CIC, of Robert Petri and Daughter in Milltown received Young Insurance Professional of the Year.

PIANJ recognized Teresa Caro, senior vice president, New Jersey regional manager, of Selective Insurance Co., with its Company Person of the Year award.

Education

Registrants could choose from more than half a dozen CE classes that captivated and offered valuable information for agents seeking to grow their businesses and profits. “You hear so much about online CE nowadays, but these classes are the kind that agents want to attend,” one member was heard saying. “We are ‘people people,’ and these instructors know their stuff and make the information exciting.”

Fun Run

IMG_1661The annual Fun Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, a 32-year tradition on the Boardwalk continued on Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. To date, PIANJ and NJYIP have raised more than $3.6 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 triathlete Noah Dellas won the race by a nose, as longtime Fun Run champion Kyle Price of FMI congratulated him as they crossed the finish line together. FMI’s Victoria Thaler took first place in the female category and FMI was honored for raising the most money for SONJ. In all, the Fun Run raised $110,000 this year for the cause.

Fun Run Race Results

Individuals, Men

  1. Noah Dellas (Special Olympics athlete) 18:34.8
  2. Kyle Price (FMI) 18:35.4
  3. Dustin McKenzie (FMI) 20:08.02

Individuals, Women

  1. Victoria Thaler (FMI) 22:09.41
  2. Lisa Rumer (Special Olympics coach) 22:28.4
  3. Brianna Springstead (FMI) 24:29.38

Top Company Fundraisers

  1. FMI $59,855
  2. Maiden Re $11,305
  3. Team Selective $5,280

Top Agency Fundraiser

  1. Jimcor $11,000

Top Company Fundraisers

  1. Jordan Macsyn (Maiden Re) $3,045
  2. Debbie Bulik (Maiden Re) $1,375
  3. Stacey Brown (Team Selective) $1,235

Save the Date!

PIA extends a tremendous thank you to everyone who attended—you made history this year! We are already making plans for an even bigger and better event next year, and we’ll be back at Harrah’s, so save the date: June 11-13, 2017!