Our insurance community is packed with people who don’t just do the job—they elevate the profession. They solve problems before they become claims, mentor the next generation before they’re asked, and bring new ideas to the table when it would be easier to stick with “how we’ve always done it.”

That’s why the IIAW is proud to launch our first-ever Top Insurance Power Players—a new recognition program celebrating the leaders who push our industry forward through client service, leadership, innovation, and industry advancement.

This is our moment to tell the stories we usually keep too quiet: the agency professional who builds a culture of excellence, the carrier representative who partners like an extension of the team, and the vendor partner whose solutions genuinely move the needle. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, we’re asking you to help us identify them—and nominate them.

What is an “Insurance Power Player”?

An Insurance Power Player is someone who creates lift for everyone around them. In the nomination process, we’re looking for clear, real-world examples of:

• Leadership contributions (how they lead, what they’ve built, and who they’ve developed)
• Industry impact (how they influence the way our industry operates—customer experience, innovation, best practices, and even the regulatory environment)
• Measurable achievements (initiatives, outcomes, improvements—proof that the results are as strong as the reputation)

And importantly: this recognition is not limited to one “type” of leader. We’re seeking nominations across the ecosystem—agency professionals, carrier representatives, and vendor partners—because progress in insurance is a team sport.

How nominations work (and what we’re asking you to submit)

We designed the nomination form to be simple—but substantive. You’ll provide basic information about yourself and the nominee, then answer a set of prompts about leadership, achievements, and impact. If you want to strengthen a nomination, you can also include supporting materials—things like letters of recommendation, performance metrics, articles/publications, or evidence of board/community involvement. Think of it as building the business case for why this person belongs in the Power Players spotlight.

Most importantly: Nominations close February 28, 2026. If someone comes to mind, don’t wait until the last minute—future-you will be grateful, and present-you will look wildly competent.

Selection integrity: reviewed by IIAW staff and board leadership

Recognition means more when the process is credible. All nominations will be reviewed by a committee made up of IIAW staff and Board members. If a conflict of interest arises, the impacted committee member will recuse themselves.  That’s not just good governance—it’s how we protect the integrity of the honor and ensure Power Players truly represent excellence.

A quick note on storytelling: information included in the nomination, in part or in full, may be featured during the recognition event or in an IIAW publication. In other words: write it like it matters, because it might be read on a stage, printed in a magazine, and remembered long after the applause ends.

The big stage: honoring Power Players at InsurCon 2026 at Lambeau Field

Here’s the fun part.

The Top Insurance Power Players will be announced this spring, and we will recognize the honorees at InsurCon in May 2026 at Lambeau Field—an iconic venue for an equally iconic moment.

Our plan is to celebrate Power Players with a recognition experience that matches the caliber of the honor, including:

• Live recognition at InsurCon with a formal on-stage spotlight
• Editorial features that highlight what each honoree has accomplished (and why it matters to the broader industry)
• Event and digital visibility so the wider insurance community can learn from their example
• A Power Players plaque to display this achievement

Why does this matter? Because recognition isn’t just about applause—it’s about setting a standard. When we elevate the best of our industry, we create a blueprint for others to follow.

Insurance is changing fast. The expectations of clients are rising. The talent market is competitive. Technology is accelerating. And the definition of “service” is expanding beyond responsiveness into true advisory value. In that environment, leadership is not optional—it’s the differentiator.

The Insurance Power Players program is our way of saying: We see the people building the future of the insurance industry, and we’re going to celebrate them—loudly, proudly, and in a way that inspires the next wave of leaders.

Your call to action

If someone immediately popped into your head while reading this, that’s your sign. Nominate them today. Help us recognize the innovators, mentors, problem-solvers, and service champions who bring excellence to our industry. Submit your nomination by February 28, 2026, and be part of building a tradition our industry can rally around for years to come.