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Save the Date for Go Big 2020!
May 19, 2020 | Syracuse NY


We believe independent insurance agents serve customers best with trusted advice and the right coverage options to protect what matters most.   WATCH THE VIDEO



2019 RecapBig I New York leaders, members, and staff recently joined together for Go Big 2019, a new event for the insurance industry held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 in Tarrytown, New York. This exciting day featured sessions on agency valuation and cybersecurity, a panel of carrier leaders, an industry marketplace, and more.

Sessions included a carrier panel with industry leaders, a cybersecurity session, and a presentation on the internet of insurance. Speaker Bobby Reagan shared insights on what successful agencies have been doing to grow and what they should do in the years to come to succeed and increase agency value. 

Meet our leaders! You can learn more about our Board of Directors here.

Big I New York spotlighted excellent performances over the past twelve months by industry members, organizations, and companies. Read more.

The Industry Marketplace featured a select group of solution providers to help you grow your business. Learn more about each of these companies here - we've got videos of every vendor!




 Did you get a chance to check out our Industry Marketplace?

 



INSTALLATION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair of the Board  John Cofini

Immediate Past Chair of the Board  Lou Atti, CPCU

Vice Chair & Secretary/Treasurer  David Machlachlan, CPCU

National Director  Stephen Zogby

Directors James Bastian, Jessica Belleville Whitman, David Bodenstein,
Ronald Brunell CIC, 
Marianne McCormick, Nicholas Masterpole, Victor Rutecki,
Maureen Tompkins, Michael Vanderwerker

Directors -At-Large
 Steve Anderson & Jeanne Salvatore














HONORING OUR AWARD RECIPIENTS

1882 Award James D. Sutton, CPCU, AAI, CIC

Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award Joseph Headd, CPCU

The Vincent Alba Award  Ronald Brunell, CIC

Distinguished Service Award  Big I New York Staff

Joel S. Pollack Next Gen Agent of the Year  Nicholas Campbell

ACSR of the Year  Lexie Dumont, ACSR

Local Association of the Year  Big I Westchester

Top Carrier Partners
Over $100 million in NY written premium Selective
Under $100 million in NY written premium Sterling Insurance Group




Big I New York’s number one priority is the health and safety of our event participants. Our goal is to hold a safe event, recognizing it is not possible to remove all risks, in particular concerning COVID-19. Big I New York will put required measures in place to provide a safe environment for its event attendees. We will follow CDC and public health recommendations, federal, state, and local regulations applicable at the time of the event, and what Big I New York deems necessary to manage the risk for event attendees. Big I New York may change, update, or add to these requirements at any time as it deems prudent to best protect the health and safety of attendees and others, and attendees must comply with relevant policies and requirements as communicated by Big I New York.

Big I New York cannot be held liable for COVID-19 cases arising because of event attendance.   Attendees will be expected to take common actions to reduce the risk of COVID transmission and to behave responsibly.  All attendees are encouraged to bring their own personal protective equipment and not attend the event if:

  • feeling sick
  • showing certain symptoms
  • after being directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 (per state guidelines).​




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David Carothers, CIC, CRM
Principal of Florida Risk Partners, LLC
Principal of Catalyst Funding Solutions, LLC

Founder of Killing Commercial Insurance Training


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Joan K. Woodward
Executive Vice President of Public Policy for Travelers
President of The Travelers Institute


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Carey Wallace

Founder of Agency Focus, LLC


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Nick Masterpole

Parnter at Masterpole-Murphy Insurance Agency
2022-23 Chair of Big I New York





GO BIG! MAY 24, 2022 | Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Get ready to learn and grow - in-person! 
This year's incredible program was crafted for agency leaders, driven team members, and future agency leadership. The industry’s foremost thought leaders will delve into the hottest topics you're facing today.
Connect with the 'best of the best' solution providers in the industry marketplace. Enjoy networking, cash prizes, and so much to learn.

New: Industry Marketplace Sneak Preview!
May 23 | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Arriving the night before Go Big? Swing by our Industry Marketplace for a special sneak preview and network with colleagues! 


AGENDA

8:00am - 9:00am  |  Breakfast and Registration
Grab your coffee, and get ready for your agency to rock.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

9:00am - 10:15am  |  Leveraging Tech to Increase Sales
David Carothers
Don't run from insurtech - embrace it! Technology is meant to enhance the client experience, not replace it. Learn why every agency needs a fully functioning CRM, why your agency should be using a mobile app, how to augment your staff using virtual assistants, and how to leverage Quote-Bind-Issue platforms to generate passive revenue while filling the CRM pipeline.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS (choose one to attend)

11:00am - 12:00pm  |  Agent Panel: Inside Tips from Agencies
We know that some of the best things you can learn, you'll learn from each other. During this breakout session, you'll hear from real people at real agencies Learn inside tips from real agencies about HR, agency culture, customer service, tech, and much more.


11:00am - 12:00pm  |  Leveraging Data to Increase Agency Valuation
Carey Wallace
There is no question that change is happening at record pace. What are you doing to evolve and change with it as an organization? We will explore how other industries as well as some agencies have evolved given the rapid change we face in all aspects of our lives.  Customers, carriers and our staff all have different expectations, and our organization need to continue to evolve to meet and exceed those expectations. Data, technology and relationships are the key to the agencies of today and tomorrow! 

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm  |  Networking Break at the Industry Marketplace
Meet with vendors and network with colleagues.

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm  |  Lunch & Awards
Joan Woodward
State of the Industry

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm  |  Bonus Session


PRICING

Early Bird (Now - March 30th)
Member: $150
Non-Member: $200
Regular (April 1st - 30th)
Member: $175
Non-Member: $250
Last Minute (May 1st - May 24th)
Member: $200
Non-Member: $275

REGISTER NOW


QUESTIONS? INTERESTED IN BEING AN EXHIBITOR OR SPONSOR?

allison.just.jpgAllison Just
Meeting & Governance Manager
ajust@biginy.org 
800.962.7950 EXT: 249



 

Day of content here

The Industry Marketplace provides an amazing opportunity for agents, brokers, and industry partners to connect with one another.

Want to connect with agency principals and decision-makers? Do you offer solutions that help agents and brokers take their careers and agencies to the next level? 
Become a part of the Industry Marketplace and help agencies Go Big.

Our agent members want to meet with you! They appreciate and asked for a relaxed environment to learn about you and your business. Your exhibitor registration reflects this. Kick things off at the Industry Marketplace Sneak Preview Reception on May 13th. Get to know the agents and enjoy food and drink. Then, keep the conversations going at Go Big on May 14th with dedicated exhibit time and assigned tables at lunch so you can chat with agents. All exhibitors are invited to attend any of the sessions.

The 2024 Industry Marketplace features social spaces for conversations and connections. Exhibitors have a choice of a space with a high-top table 
(more conversational) or a space with a six-foot rectangular table (more of a traditional "booth")

There is a limited number of exhibitor opportunities available, and each registration will be reviewed. You will not be confirmed as an exhibitor until you receive a confirmation email from Allison Just.


Support NY members receive a discount on an exhibit booth! Contact Allison Just to register.
Not a Support NY member? Reach out to become one today!  


PRICING

EXHIBIT SPACE
Exhibitor registration is based on your Big I NY member type. All registrations include 1 attendee, the Sneak Preview Reception, all sessions, and lunch.
   Chair: Free  |  Platinum: Free  |   Gold: $525  |  Silver $785  |  Friend or Member: $1,050  |  Non-Member: $1,250  |  Electricity Add-On: $75


ADDITIONAL TICKETS
Pricing for each additional person in the exhibit space is below.  The Sneak Preview Reception, all sessions, and lunch are included.
 Member: $250   |  Non-Member: $300

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH

Exhibitor Details


HOTEL

Turning Stone Resort Casino

5218 Patrick Rd

Verona, NY 13478

800-771-7711


Special Room Rate of $199 for Hotel or $255 for Tower - Rate available through April 19th unless block sells out

Room types are first come, first served



If you need an overnight room, there are Tower and Hotel rooms available at a special rate. These are first come, first served, so be sure to book soon!

Tower Rooms: $255/night plus taxes
Hotel Rooms: $199/night plus taxes


Click here to book online

Important- you must to select your check-in and checkout dates in the "Click for Arrival-Departure date" field. If you need different dates, you will need to call the hotel to book. Room block rate is available until Friday, April 19th unless the block sells out sooner. You will need to input the following group code and password when booking online:

Group Code: HBIGI

Password: guest

Alternatively, you can call 800-771-7711 and request the Big I NY Go Big room rate.


We have the best sponsors because they believe in Independent Agents and support the work you do.

Are you a member of Support NY? You have the first opportunity to exhibit and sponsor at Go Big! Contact Christine to get started:

Christine Neet, CPIA
cneet@biginy.org 
315.432.4231



Thank you to our Support NY members for making this event possible.


Lanyard Sponsor                                                                 

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Bagels & Booth Sponsor

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Cash Prizes Sponsor

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Go Big Ticket Sponsor

Iroquois Group







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R. Benedikt Sander

President & CEO, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company

Benedikt started his career at McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm, where he supported national and international high-tech, media and telecom clients. He later held multiple leadership roles at Liberty Mutual, based in Boston, MA including Vice President, Agency Relationship Management, Senior Vice President Underwriting and Strategy, and Senior Vice President Product Management.

Prior to his appointment in 2022 as President and CEO, Benedikt served as the Executive Vice President of Insurance Operations where he was responsible for building the vision for and driving execution within underwriting and sales/distribution for Preferred Mutual.

Benedikt holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and an M.Phil in Economic Theory & Econometrics from the University of Cambridge in the UK. Benedikt also holds multiple insurance designations including CPCU, AAI, AU, API and AIC.




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Don Polczynski
MS AgencyCFO™ Partner & President

With over 20 years dedicated experience as an independent insurance agency CFO, Don is truly one of the leading experts in insurance agency financial management. As AgencyCFO™ President and Custom Financial Officer, Don uses this expertise for agencies’ CEOs and leaders to ensure they have a clear financial strategy for growth, retention, profit and ultimately agency value. Leading the way as architect and innovator of the AgencyCFO Financial Model and Toolbox™, Don has developed a program that fills a financial gap the majority of agencies don’t even realize they have! While there are virtual and fractional CFO's available in the world, the AgencyCFO™ program is uniquely developed for independent insurance agencies. Simply put - Don speaks the language and has assembled an expert team of industry insiders who are the missing piece of your agency’s financial core.



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Roe Polczynski, MBA 

AgencyCFO™ Founding Partner & Executive Advisor

True financial excellence can't be achieved without organizational excellence. That's where Roe steps in as the Executive Advisor for AgencyCFO™’s Leadership Guidance! Current clients have benefited from her expertise in organizational development for strategic planning, team development initiatives, senior leadership mentoring, and sales coaching. She works on ensuring the agency has the right people in the right seats, has a culture that will ensure high client and employee retention. She works 1:1 with the team to create a vibrant sales culture and an amazing customer experience. 



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Claudia St. John

President, Workplace Advisors

Claudia is the President of The Workplace AdvisorsTM, a leading HR consulting firm; an SPHR and SHRM Senior Certified Professional bringing deep expertise in workplace engagement, employee development, and communication to the stage; a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst sharing data-backed insights to help businesses grow; and the Author of Transforming Teams A comprehensive book for businesses who want to improve collaboration and build trust.




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Sydney Roe

Director, Agency Marketing

Because of her roots in a family-run independent insurance agency, Syd Roe has spent the last decade championing the advancement of Insurtech as a competitive edge for the channel. She partnered in the growth of the first independent agency social network, helping agencies across the country embrace digital marketing through her storytelling. She, then, successfully brought a behavioral analytics platform to market in just 2 years after joining a seed stage startup. Currently, she runs the Agency Marketing team for a leading tech provider and is laser-focused on bringing the voice of the agent to every product discussion.

When she's not thinking about advancing Insurtech, she's probably running, biking or swimming in training for her next Ironman.




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Margeaux Giles

CEO, Irys Insurtech

As Chief Executive Officer of Irys Insurtech, Margeaux has more than 15 years of executive experience in operations and digital transformation for the insurance and finance space.
Named Insurtech Woman CEO of the Year, Top 20 Insurtech provider of 2022, Forbes Technology Council member, and regular Forbes.com contributor, Margeaux is not only passionate about injecting cutting-edge tech into insurance, she's proactive in changing the landscape for women as well.
Margeaux is a founding member of InsureWomen and InsureEquality, Network Liaison of the Central Florida network of the Association of Professional Insurance Women, as well as a member of the UCONN Fintech Masters Program Advisory Board and newly appointed Chair of the Insurance Agency Owners Alliance Tech Council. 




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Tony Lew

InsurTech NY

More on Tony coming soon!



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Jaime Foran

Director of Learning and Development Solutions, New Level Partners

Jaime's professional background is a blend of technical sales, software and business skills training, marketing and education. She has extensive experience in curriculum design and facilitation for small, medium and enterprise customers.

Jaime's instructional design talent is at an advanced level.  She curates content and develops classroom programs, all user and trainer materials, remote learning curriculum, online learning course and gamified learning objects.

Jaime's technical skills include procurement and architecture of learning management systems along with e-merchant front-end websites.  She develops highly interactive e-learning courses that focus on engaging the learner, using various tools.

Jaime earned a BBA from Baylor University in Computer Information Systems and Human Resource Management. She was raised in Upstate NY and currently resides in Pennsylvania.




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Nancy Langton

Co-Founder, New Level Partners

Nancy Langton, a founding partner of New Level Partners, LLC, is an educator and a business professional with over 25 years of experience within the insurance industry in the areas of learning and development, human resources leadership and operations.

Problem solving energizes Nancy. She thrives on leveraging her extensive insurance industry experience, along with a life-long passion for learning management and instructional design and delivery, to collaborate with executives and learning professionals in fulfilling their visions and needs. Combining new hire programs, existing staff development and production efficiency initiatives with innovative learning solutions that meet unique business objectives, are just a few examples of Nancy's capabilities.

Prior to cofounding New Level Partners in 2001, Nancy directed Human Resources and Training teams for several brokerages and top-tiered insurance carriers. She has successfully lead recruitment and strategic staffing of all levels and implemented numerous education initiatives.

Nancy has trained thousands of individuals within the property and casualty insurance industry.  Her specialty areas include Introduction to Insurance, Personal Insurance, High Net Worth Personal Lines, Employee Benefits, Leadership, Service and Sales. She provides guidance to “new to industry" talent up to all leadership levels.  Nancy has provided educational services to global organizations. She has also developed and collaborated with subject matter experts on several Financial Management programs for a national construction financial management association.

Nancy earned her BS in Comprehensive Business Education and MA in Training and Development from the College of New Jersey. She has volunteered on non-profit boards and within training associations.