Register, Book Rooms Now for Big "I" Convention |  Spread the Word About the Big "I" Convention | IIABA and Caliper Team Up to Help You Choose the Best |  D&O Product Available Through Big "I" Markets | Less Than Five Weeks Remain Until National Legislative Conference |  New Graphic Designer Joins Big "I" Team

B I G   “I”   C O N V E N T I O N
Register, Book Rooms Now For Big “I” Convention

It is not too early to begin thinking about the Big “I” Convention, scheduled for Sept. 10 through 12 at the Hilton New York in New York City. In fact, you can even reserve your hotel room now. Discounted rooms are expected to go fast, so make sure not to get left out.

This year’s convention will feature former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as its keynote speaker on Sept. 12. Giuliani, noted during his tenure (1993-2001) for fighting crime, revitalizing the city and displaying exemplary leadership in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, will speak on the theme of leadership.

In addition to Giuliani, the convention will feature an array of thought-provoking and nationally recognized business speakers, industry-leading panelists and innovative insightful workshops. The Big “I” Convention also will offer attendees the largest trade show in the insurance industry. Additionally, industry professionals and business partners can enhance their sales and management skills during the Best Practices Management Institute.

Also, young agents and brokers from across America will gather immediately before the Big “I” Convention—starting Sept. 9—for the Young Agent Sales & Leadership Conference. During this event, young producers will learn the skills that will prepare them to assume leadership of their agencies and the independent agency system.

To register for the event and book a room at the Hilton New York, click here.

Spread the Word About the Big “I” Convention

Let everyone know about the 2005 Big “I” Convention at the Hilton New York in New York City, scheduled for Sept. 10 through 12, by copying the convention logo into your e-mail signature. In order to use this visual element, copy the image, create a new signature and paste it within the newly created signature in your e-mail program. Using the image can help spread the word about this important event, featuring former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani as keynote speaker, as well as the industry’s largest trade show, numerous networking opportunities, the Best Practices Management Institute and the Young Agent Sales & Leadership Conference.

B i g   " I "   M a r k e t s
IIABA and Caliper Team Up to Help You Choose the Best

With so much money being invested in today’s athletes, talent alone is not enough. Caliper has been testing professional sports players for years—but not for things like strength and speed. Caliper helps answer questions such as, “Will they have the inner fire needed to drive them to over-achieve?” “Will they be good in the clutch?” “Are they injury prone?” “Are they too selfish to be team players?” “Are they aggressive enough, without having to foul out?” “Will they concentrate on improving weak areas?” “And, how coachable are they?” To answer these questions, more than a dozen professional sports teams turn to Caliper for advice, including the Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels and New York Islanders. As a Big “I” member, you have access to exclusive discounted pricing on Caliper’s services to ensure that your agency hires all-star players, too. To learn more about how your agency can take advantage of benefits including significantly discounted online Caliper personality testing and an across-the-board discount all of on Caliper’s human resource solutions, visit www.independentagent.com/Caliper today or contact Elif Wisecup at elif.wisecup@iiaba.net.

D&O Product Available Through Big “I” Markets

Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance protects directors and officers by covering matters for which they might not be indemnified under corporate bylaws. It also reimburses the organization after it has indemnified directors and officers in accordance with corporate bylaws. As public sensitivity to liability of directors increases, many organizations are finding it virtually mandatory to have D&O coverage in place to attract high-quality directors to their boards. How can Big “I” Markets help your agency capitalize on the private company D&O market? By providing you with access to private company D&O and crime insurance from St. Paul Travelers. Registered Big “I” Markets agents have access to St. Paul Travelers unique program, The Wrap^SM, to purchase all of their executive liability coverages in one specialty package policy, including Directors & Officers Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Fiduciary Liability, Crime/Fidelity with ERISA Inflation Guard, Kidnap & Ransom/Extortion and Miscellaneous Professional Liability. With many limit and coverage options available, you can tailor The Wrap^SM to give your private company clients protection that meets their unique business requirements. Package pricing allows clients to economically expand their coverage while reducing coverage gaps. Shared limits can also result in additional premium savings. For more information, log into www.bigimarkets.comtoday.

N A T i o n a l   l e g i s l a t i v e   c o n f e r e n c e
Less Than Five Weeks Remain Until National Legislative Conference

Less than five weeks remain until this year’s Big “I” National Legislative Conference, which may be the most important one in the event’s 29-year history.

With producer compensation under fire in the fallout from alleged large-broker bid-rigging, it is crucial that as many independent insurance agents and brokers as possible come to Washington, D.C. to speak directly with their elected leaders.

The Big “I” National Legislative Conference is the insurance industry’s best-attended, most effective legislative meeting. This year’s event will take place April 20 through 22 at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

In addition to providing an opportunity to lobby members of Congress on compensation and other important issues, there are also power-packed daily sessions featuring Washington movers and shakers. Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will speak at a breakfast April 21, with other top leaders expected to be announced soon.

Other highlights of the Big “I” National Legislative Conference will include an in-depth issues briefing session; the annual Big “I” congressional reception on Capitol Hill; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers discussing important insurance and national issues confronting lawmakers as well as agents and brokers in Washington, D.C.; and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress. To register online and make hotel reservations, click here.

I I A B A   N E W S
New Graphic Designer Joins Big “I” Team

The Big “I” welcomes our new graphic designer, Joe Buckland, who started Monday in the Alexandria office. Buckland previously worked for Kinetik, a design firm in Washington, D.C., where he was involved in a variety of projects, including promotional pieces and convention materials. He received a bachelor in fine arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art and Design, also in Washington, D.C.At the Big “I,” Buckland will be working on promotional and marketing materials as well as brochures, signage and a myriad of other graphics projects. He also will be in charge of logos and logo rules for the association. He can be reached at 703-706-5413; joe.buckland@iiaba.net.