2011 IIAV Convention & Trade Show

The 113th Annual Convention at The Homestead is now less than two months away! As I write this article in April, the trade show is sold out but we do have the ability to add more booths if necessary. All of us are anxiously anticipating this year’s speakers: Robert Sutter, Tom Minkler and Virginia Commissioner of Insurance Jacqueline Cunningham. In addition to the multiple CE choices on both Monday and Tuesday afternoon, we have two excellent breakout sessions on Tuesday morning. Lauren Berry and Peter Wilcox of The Travelers will discuss the insurance opportunities presented by renewable energy. This presentation carries with it 2 P&C CE hours. At the same time Matt McHatten of MMG Group will discuss the insurance consumer of the future.

As I said in the first paragraph, the trade show is a sellout. You will not want to miss the excitement, networking opportunities, new products, company opportunities and prizes that the show will have to offer!!

Remember, this year we are offering fly fishing and skeet shooting as an alternative to the golf tournament. Also, Monday night we will have a repeat of the bowling tournament that was so popular the last time we visited The Homestead. The entertainer for this year’s convention is worth repeating from last month’s article. You’ll come to Kier’s show for the impressions, but you’ll leave going, "That guy’s hilarious!" The smart blend of standup and spot-on musical impressions makes this show a unique and lively experience. Between corporate events, cruise ships, universities and comedy club shows, Kier has literally been all over the world, including entertaining the troops in Europe, Asia and The Persian Gulf. He has worked with such greats as Reba McEntire, Oprah Winfrey, Ronnie Milsap, Kevin Bacon and many others.

Along with his singing impressions, a highlight of Kier’s show is his History of Rock Guitar Riffs which is always a show stopper. Kier’s impressions include Sting, U2, Dave Matthews, Springsteen, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Waylon & Willie, Tom Petty, Prince, Barry White, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Neil Young and others.

Finally, this year’s convention is an incredible bargain. For the great room fee bargain of only $205 per night at The Homestead (remember, that price is good only until 5/18!!) and our "user friendly" registration fees, you get the following: 3 receptions, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, the trade show, 1 banquet, a concert, a bowling tournament and up to 6 hours CE.

All of this in addition to our speaker presentation package and being able to spend several days at one of the most gorgeous resorts in America !!! Don’t miss the opportunity and fun!! See you at The Homestead!!

Joe Hudgins, CPCU, (jhudgins@iiav.com), IIAV Vice President of Education and Technical Affairs

Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia