Go Big 2026 brought insurance professionals from across New York to Turning Stone for two powerful days of inspiration, innovation, connection, and growth.

Guided by the theme “Stronger Foundations. Smarter Execution. Bigger Results,” the event celebrated the resilience and forward momentum of the insurance industry while empowering attendees to embrace new ideas, strengthen their agencies, and lead with confidence into the future. Every conversation, session, and shared experience reinforced the incredible potential that exists when professionals come together with a common purpose.

Attendees experienced:

• Strategies to manage Gen Z or thrive as a Gen Z team member
• A high-energy Tech Demo Lounge with rapid-fire technology showcases designed for speed, clarity, and impact
• A hands-on AI Prompt Workshop that teaches agencies how to use AI intentionally—from marketing and client communications to internal efficiencies. Bring your device or laptop!
• Top-shelf networking with peers with a mentoring twist!
• Knowledge of and connections with solutions that can make a difference in our industry marketplace
• Targeted programming for CSRs, producers, and agency principals, covering everything from frontline excellence to leadership-level strategy

From breakthrough technology and practical agency strategies to meaningful networking and leadership development, Go Big 2026 inspired attendees to think bigger, lead stronger, and approach the future with renewed optimism and purpose.

Stay tuned for more info on Go Big 2027!

Look back at the highlights

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+Look back at what we did

Time	May 4	Location	Speakers
1:00 -5:30 PM	Registration & Welcome Desk	Oneida Outside Foyer
1:00 – 1:45 PM	NextGen Statewide Meetup	Motif Bar & Lounge (Center of Gaming Floor)
2:00 – 2:20 PM	Agency Compensation 360 Presented by Lisa Lounsbury, CAE, AAI, AIS	Cypress AB	Lisa Lounsbury, CAE, AAI, AIS, is President and CEO of Big I New York and co-founder of Catalyit, where she helps advance technology adoption for independent insurance agencies. Lisa is an active industry leader, serving on multiple boards, including the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) and the IIABA Diversity Council.
2:00 – 3:00 PM	True Crime CE | Schoharie Limousine Accident Presented by Sue Keegan, AIC, MBA NYCR – 280017; Good for 1 CE for brokers, general consultants, property & casualty agents, and public adjusters. Dive into the Schoharie limousine tragedy in this gripping, real-world case study. This session unpacks the chain of events, coverage complexities, and claims investigation that followed—revealing critical lessons in risk management, liability, and the real impact of insurance decisions in high-profile cases.	Cypress DE	Sue Keegan, AIC, MBA, is the Director of Education at Big I New York, where she leads and oversees all education programming and initiatives. With a background in claims and a passion for engaging learning experiences, Sue also developed the organization’s popular True Crime CE series—combining her professional expertise with her personal interest in true crime.
2:30 – 3:00 PM	Rapid Fire Tech Demo Lounge The top five exhibitors, based on your votes, will give us demonstrations on how their tech can strengthen your team and ways to start implementing.	Cypress C	Applied Systems 1Fort ThreadWise Coverflow Cara
3:00 – 4:00 PM	AI Prompt Lab: A Hands-On Workshop to Build, Test & Improve How You Work Presented by Dale Steinke	Cypress AB	Dale Steinke is a Director with Agent for the Future Advisors at Liberty Mutual, where he helps independent agencies navigate evolving technology and customer expectations. An AI specialist, he equips agents with practical strategies to integrate tools like ChatGPT into sales, marketing, and operations to drive growth and efficiency.
4:00 – 5:00 PM	Speed “Mentoring” Hosted by Ashley Engl Young agents, seasoned pros, carriers, and solution providers can have fun learning from each other while growing their important network.	Oneida
5:15 – 6:00 PM	Annual Business Meeting & Purple Duck Ceremony	Cypress DE
8:30 – 10:30 PM	Go Big After Hours Co-Hosted by NextGen NY Go Big After Hours is where the energy keeps going long after the sessions end. Join us at The Gig as we come back together for a laid-back, high-energy night co-hosted by our NextGen crew. Expect great drinks, tasty snacks, and plenty of opportunities to connect with new friends and old. Feeling bold? Step up to the stage for our epic open jam session—bring your instrument (or just your enthusiasm) and jump in with fellow attendees for a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Whether you’re there to network, unwind, or rock out, Go Big After Hours is all about having a seriously fun night together.	The Gig	Now is your chance to hop on stage, share your musical side, and have some fun with fellow attendees. This is a relaxed, low-pressure jam–minimal setup, maximum fun. Bring your instrument if you can, and we’ll share and improvise with whatever’s available. Sign Me Up! Jam session starts up at 9:30, and Big I NY’s Travis Wattie will be leading the charge.

Time	May 5	Location	Speakers
8:00 – 9:00 AM	Bagels & Booths: Networking Breakfast in the Industry Marketplace	Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Tuscarora
9:15 – 10:15 AM	Morning Keynote | The Cure for Stupidity – Seeing Customers & Coworkers in a Different Light Presented by Eric M. Bailey	Oneida	Eric M. Bailey is the bestselling author and president of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, one of the fastest-growing human communication consulting firms in the United States. Eric has a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Saint Louis University and is a lifetime learner of human and organizational behavior, and has been featured on CNN, Huffington Post, Forbes, and Like a Real Boss Podcast. Eric works with Google Inc., the US Air Force, Los Angeles County, the City of St. Louis, MO, the Phoenix Police Department, and many more.
10:15 – 10:45 AM	Gen Z in the Workplace: Bridging the Gap so Everyone Wins Presented by Eric Kuhen	Oneida	Eric Kuhen is a Vice President at MarshBerry, where he helps insurance firms develop strategic plans to drive growth, strengthen recruiting, and increase firm value. With over 25 years of industry experience—including leadership roles at Marsh & McLennan and Aon—he brings deep expertise in sales, management, and agency operations. Eric is also a frequent industry speaker and advisor, known for helping organizations and professionals adapt, grow, and succeed.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	Networking in the Industry Marketplace	Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Tuscarora
12:30 – 2:30 PM	Luncheon Program	Oneida	David H. Borg, CRM, CIC, CISR, currently serves as Vice Chair & Secretary/Treasurer of Big I New York and will be installed as Chair of the Board at the Annual Business Meeting. He is also Vice President of Borg Insurance Agency & Associates, where he oversees the commercial lines department and brings extensive experience across all areas of agency operations.
	Afternoon Keynote | How to Go Big in Your Business by Cultivating the BISON Mindset Presented by Marques Ogden Marques Ogden will share how to go big in businesses by developing the BISON mindset. What is so special about the bison? The BISON is the only animal that charges directly into the eye of the storm. The BISON believes by “GOING BIG” in this manner, they will have the best chance to thrive through the eye of the storm! You’ll learn how to cultivate this mindset, to thrive in the insurance industry. He will share his acronym for B.I.S.O.N, how to manage the 4 C’s, and strategies on how to master the art of breakthrough. You’ll leave inspired and empowered with tools.	Oneida	Marques Ogden is a former NFL player turned inspirational keynote speaker, internationally recognized best-selling author, and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC. After overcoming major financial and personal setbacks, he now shares his powerful story of resilience and “failing forward” to help others achieve success. Marques has spoken for over 85 Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase, and has been featured in outlets like Forbes and USA Today.
	Awards & Celebration	Oneida	Kelly Gonyo currently serves as Chair of the Board for Big I New York. She is the founder and President of Blue Line Insurance Agency, bringing over 20 years of experience across all areas of the independent agency system. Kelly is also deeply involved in her community, serving on multiple boards and supporting local economic development and nonprofit initiatives.

EXHIBITORS.