Happy Wednesday and last week of March! In this week's Big I Buzz, we are highlighting the three breakout sessions you can choose from when you attend InsurCon 2023, 6 ways to avoid burnout at work and states with the highest speed-related traffic deaths. 

Register Now and Select Your InsurCon2023 Flight Path

The IIAW's annual convention, InsurCon2023, has something for every attendee. You can choose the breakout session that aligns with your interests. Here are the options: 

1. Agency Planning: Mapping Future Flight Paths
   
   There has never been a better time to be an independent insurance agency owner. Multiples are at an all-time high, technology solutions are plentiful and 63% of all agencies are growing. In this session, a group of experts will help you prepare for your future. Whether you are looking to grow by acquisition or transition your agency's ownership planning ahead will position you to have the most opportunities possible. This path will walk you through practical topics like understanding and calculating your proforma EBITDA and why that is important to know the value of your agency. It will also cover industry benchmarks that you should know and cover the common risks inside your agency and provide you with strategies to minimize those risks. 
   
   The group of industry experts will help you define the criteria for your ideal acquisition targets and how synergies, time and mechanisms can all impact the price of an agency. You will leave this session knowing how you can leverage your banking relationships as a strategic partner and be well-prepared to map your agency's future flight plans! These highly respected and desired industry experts will lead you in this workshop which will help take your agency to new heights. 
   
   Speakers: Carey Wallace (AgencyFocus), Curt Van Auken (Security Financial Bank) and Josh Johanningmeier (IIAW General Counsel - Godfrey & Kahn)
   
   
2. Flight Path to Digital Marketing
   
   Enhance your digital presence, both personally and as a brand, during this hands-on digital marketing experience. The superstar pilots at Viral Solutions will lead this Flight Path to Digital Marketing, guiding you through developing a balanced and effective marketing strategy, creating compelling content for your website and enhancing your company's internal and external communication with tips for generating clear and simple messaging.
   
   Speakers: Meagan Van Ahn, Aaron Salata and Thomas Von Ahn from Viral Solutions
   
   
3. Top Gun Communication & Negotiation Skills
   
   Every insurance professional must be skilled to influence or negotiate on a regular basis, so this flight path is open to anyone looking to improve these areas. New Level Partners will lead the engaging & interactive Top Gun Communication & Negotiation Skills flight path. This interactive workshop will help attendees plan and communicate for maximum impact and influence, represent their best self, negotiate to gain positive outcomes, understand 'no' and adapt to challenges in the negotiation process. The content in this workshop draws from New Level's direct experience in the insurance industry and then reinforced by the expert research and authorship of many key contributors to the field of negotiation.
   
   Speakers; New Level Partners

Don't miss this year's convention. Register now and select your flight path here. 

6 Ways to Avoid Burnout at Work

Addressing burnout at work starts by addressing the symptoms. According to Property Casualty 360, some signs to watch out for are  frequently feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, becoming frustrated and cynical, suffering performance, work is always a top priority, lack of sleep and experiencing health issues."

However, Life Hacker Guy, a nutrition and health site, offers these ways to address the symptoms of burnout: 

1. Get enough sleep. 

2. Exercise regularly

3. Eat well

4. Take a break. 

5. Don't forget to treat yourself. 

6. Ask for help. 

You can read more about recognizing and addressing burnout here. 

These States See the Most Speed-Related Traffic Deaths

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), found that car crashes cost Americans $340 billion in 2019 when an estimated 36,000 people were killed in automobile accidents, 4.5 million were injured and some 23 million vehicles were damaged. 

These are 10 states that saw the most speed-related traffic deaths from 2010-2020, according to Forbes Advisor. 

10. Arizona - 33% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (353 speed related fatalities total)

9. New York - 36% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (378 total)

8. Georgia - 23% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (380 total)

7. Missouri - 43% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (421 total)

6. Pennsylvania - 41% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (459 total)

5. Illinois - 39% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (460 total)

4. North Carolina - 32% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (489 total)

3. South Carolina - 46% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (494 total)

2. California - 32% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (1,228 total)

1. Texas - 37% of roadway fatalities were caused by speeding (1,446 total)

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