If you’ve been active in the digital realm for a while, or if you grew up as a digital native (like me), you are likely aware of how awesome TED talks are and how popular they have become. But, on the other hand, if you are reading this and wondering what a TED talk is, let me break it down for you as it will help you better understand the format for InsurCon2022 on May 10, 2022 at the Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells. 

A TED talk is a short presentation, roughly 18 minutes long, covering topics such as technology, entertainment, strategy and more. You may be asking yourself, “Who is this guy named TED, and how is what you described any different than a typical speech at an event?” TED is a non-profit institution that partners with individuals (many of them famous) to assist in sharing ideas globally. Today, TED boasts a collection of thousands of TED talk videos, in more than 100 languages, from politicians to scientists to comedians and actors. Additionally, they add new videos day-in and day-out, so there’s never a shortage of engaging content. As an additional plus, each TED talk is available on their website or their YouTube channel for free. This means more ideas shared with more people and more conversations about the world around us. After all, we can all use a little encouragement to learn and grow The folks at TED definitely think so.

So, why does this matter and how does it affect you? Well, this year’s InsurCon will follow a similar format to TED talks during the day while paying tribute to an industry titan at night (more on that later). This TED talk style event will have each speaker taking the main stage to share their experience and insights with the entire audience. InsurCon will feature engaging speakers; Steve Anderson (Catalyit) talking about what agency technology you should be exploring, Kevin Bong (Sikich LLP), speaking on cybersecurity and recovery, Chris Calvelli and Michael Antonelli (Baird) discussing the economy and emerging from the COVID crisis, Charles Franklin (Marquette University) sharing state and national political polling data and insights into what to expect for the November election, Kelly Donahue-Piro (Agency Performance Partners) talking about how to create an amazing sales process, and finally Brian Kiley (West Bend Mutual) discussing factors that are influencing the purchasing of insurance online and what agents can do about it.

But wait, that’s not all…

We have also redesigned the exhibit showcase to provide attendees with ample opportunities to meet and network with vendors, carriers and others in an open format Exhibitor Showcase throughout the day.

Our Evening Entertainment will feature an awards ceremony, dinner, drinks, music and a keynote speaker as we pay tribute to SECURA CEO Dave Gross and welcome incoming CEO Garth Wicinsky.

Attendees will enjoy a gourmet plated dinner. We are very excited to announce NBA Hall of Famer and sportscaster, Bill Walton as our keynote speaker! We will also sit down and converse with SECURA CEO Dave Gross as he reminisces on his storied career. He will also be presented with the Association’s highest honor, the E.J. Tapping Lifetime Achievement Award. Finally, we will sit down with Garth Wicinsky and get to know him and his vision for SECURA as he takes over the helm.  We hope you will join us for what is surely to be another fantastic event full of learning, networking and paying tribute to one of the independent agency system’s biggest advocates, Dave Gross. Register now at iiaw.com/insurcon.