Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz we are discussing the last chance for online registration for InsurCon2022, Fidelity's new option for 401(k) plans and the biggest price shock in 50 years according to World Bank. 

Online Registration Closes on Monday May 2 for InsurCon2022

Have you registered for InsurCon2022 yet? If not, now is the time! Online registration closes on Monday, May 2nd. This year's convention format will feature a strong lineup of fantastic speakers. This year's speaker topics include: agency technology, cybersecurity & recovery, state of the economy, election polling data, agency sales and consumer research & insights. We will have TWO exhibitor showcases, one at lunch time and one later in the afternoon, where will we announce the Blackout Bingo prize winners! You won't want to miss our elevated evening entertainment. Dinner will be served at 6:15 and so will great entertainment. We'll start the night off with cocktails and a delicious plated dinner while we recognize this year's award recipients. Mike Ansay will lead a walk down memory lane alongside industry legend, Dave Gross, as we honor Dave on his retirement as SECURA CEO. Last but certainly not least, evening entertainment will be provided by Bill Walton, NBA and College Basketball Hall of Fame. As entertaining as he is insightful, Bill is widely considered on of the best speakers from the world of sports. You can dress business casual throughout the day on Tuesday, May 10th and our evening entertainment portion of Tuesday will be business attire. Your registration for InsurCon2022 includes lunch, dinner and drinks!

Don't forget to also register for our Networking & Bowling Event. This will be a fun night of networking and bowling in the Kalahari's extensive 24-lane bowling alley and lounge, Volcano Lanes. If you're not a bowler, no worries! We have a registration option for you too. Instead of bowling, you can spend time networking with industry friends or play one of the other games throughout the Volcano Lanes Lounge. Both bowling and non-bowling registration options include beer & pizza. Limited space is available for this event, and we are getting close to sold out. Make sure you register today at iiaw.com/insurcon.

Fidelity Adds a Crypto Option to their 401(k) Plans

Fidelity's workplace retirement plans are adding another option into the mix. According to BenefitNews.com, "The firm announced Tuesday it will have a product ready in coming months to allow 401(k) plan participants to direct a portion of their savings into bitcoin. Employers that decide to offer the option will choose what percentage of an employee's account can be directed into crypto, up to a cap of 20%." You can read more about this new option here. 

Ukraine War to Cause Biggest Price Shock in 50 Years - World Bank

World Bank has released a new forecast and has warned that the Ukraine war will cause the "largest commodity shock since the 1970s.  According to BBC, "Energy prices are set to increase more than 50%, pushing up bills for households and businesses, the World Bank says. The biggest rise will be the price of natural gas in Europe, which is set to more than double in cost. Prices are forecast to fall next year and in 2024, but even then will remain 15% higher than they were last year. The World Bank said this means that from the lows of April 20220 until the highs of March this year we have seen "the largest 23-month increase in energy prices since the 1973 oil price hike", when tensions in the Middle East sent prices soaring." Read more about the prospective increase in gas and oil, wheat and more here. 

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.