Get Ready to Go Big: May 4–5, 2026
Go Big 2026 is back at Turning Stone, where a mindset reset meets strengthened fundamentals for the modern agency.
This year is about amplifying what works. In a rapidly changing insurance landscape, agencies need to sharpen their core, reinforce their foundation, and execute at a higher level.
Our keynote luncheon features a former Buffalo Bills player who brings a powerful message on digging deep, building resilience, and getting things done when it counts. It’s about grit, focus, and the discipline required to win—in football and in business.
But Go Big isn’t just inspiration. It’s execution.
Attendees will experience:
- 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 nuts-and-bolts process improvements to high-level agency growth strategy, Go Big 2026 delivers practical value at every level of your organization.
This is where agencies strengthen their core, reset their mindset, and leave ready to execute with confidence in 2026.
Go Big 2026. Stronger Foundations. Smarter Execution. Bigger Results.
SCHEDULE.
| Time | May 4 | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 – 1:45 PM | NextGen Statewide Meetup | |
| 2:00 – 2:20 PM | [Room 1] Agency Compensation 360 Presented by Lisa Lounsbury, CAE, AAI, AIS |  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. |
| 2:30 – 3:00 PM | [Room 1] Rapid Fire Tech Demo Lounge | |
| 2:00 – 3:00 PM | [Room 2] 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. |  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. |
| 3:00 – 4:00 PM | [Room 2] AI Prompt Lab: A Hands-on Workshop to Build, Test, and Improve How You Work Presented by Dale Steinke |  Dale Steinke is a Director with Agent for the Future Advisors at Liberty Mutual, Safeco, and State Auto, 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” Young agents, seasoned pros, carriers, and solution providers can have fun learning from each other while growing their important network. | |
| 5:15 – 6:00 PM | Big I NY Annual Business Meeting & Purple Duck Ceremony | |
| 8:30 – 11:00 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. |
| Time | May 5 | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Bagels & Booths: Networking Breakfast in the Industry Marketplace | |
| 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Kick-Off | |
| 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Morning Keynote | The Cure for Stupidity – Seeing Customers & Coworkers in a Different Light Presented by Eric M. Bailey |  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 |  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 – 12:20 PM | Networking in Marketplace | |
| 12:30 -12:45 PM | Welcome & Connecting | |
| 1:00 – 1:45 PM | 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. |  Marques Ogden is a former NFL player turned inspirational keynote speaker, three-time 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. |
| 1:45 – 2:15 PM | Awards & Celebration |
EXHIBITORS.
Innovative solutions. Cool tech tools. New ways to do business.
Connect with exhibitors who are ready to help you and your agency succeed.
- 1Fort
- American Collectors
- American European
- Applied Systems
- Applied Underwriters
- Bass Underwriters
- Berkley Management Protection
- Bridge Specialty Group
- BriteCo
- Cara
- Chubb
- Coverflow
- CRDN of Upstate NY
- Dryden Mutual
- Dyad
- ePayPolicy
- Erie & Niagara
- FrankCrum
- Friedlander Group
- Genesee Patrons Cooperative
- Greene & Associates
- HawkSoft
- IAAC
- Imperial PFS
- InsurBanc
- INVO Underwriting
- Ironpeak
- Jencap
- Johnson & Johnson
- Liberty Mutual
- Lightspeed Voice
- Merchants
- Motiva
- National General, an Allstate Company
- Neptune Flood
- NIP Group
- NYCM
- NYSIF
- Paul Davis Restoration
- Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual
- PMC Insurance Group
- Preferred Mutual
- Progressive
- Redbird Security
- Renaissance Alliance
- RT Specialty
- Security Mutual
- Selective
- ServiceMaster Restore
- Sonant
- Statewide Underwriting Services
- Syracuse CPCU Society Chapter
- ThreadWise
- Travelers
- Utica First
- Vertafore
- WAHVE
- Warner Pacific
- XS Brokers
The Industry Marketplace provides an amazing opportunity for agents, brokers, and industry partners to connect with one another.
Our members value authentic, low-pressure conversations, and they’ve told us they want just that. The Industry Marketplace is thoughtfully designed to foster a relaxed, welcoming space where you can truly connect with attendees and share what your business has to offer.
Start building relationships at the Go Big Industry Reception, where food, drinks, and informal networking set the tone, then continue the momentum in the Industry Marketplace with dedicated exhibit hall time to engage with agents. As an exhibitor, you’re also invited to attend all speaker sessions.
*There is a limited number of exhibitor opportunities available. Each registration will be carefully reviewed, and your participation is not confirmed until you receive an official confirmation email from Allison Just (ajust@biginy.org).
Pricing
Registration is based on your Support NY level or partnership with Catalyit. All exhibit booth registrations include 1 ticket, admission to the reception, all sessions, and lunch.
Through February 28
Chair/Diamond: Free | Platinum/Gold: $775 | Silver/Friends: $1,550 | Catalyit Premium/Catalyit Platinum: $1,550 | Catalyit Basic: $1,650 | Non-Member: $2,050 | Electricity Add-On: $100
March 1 – April 13
Chair/Diamond: Free | Platinum/Gold: $925 | Silver/Friends: $1,850 | Catalyit Premium/Catalyit Platinum: $1,850 | Catalyit Basic: $1,950 | Non-Member: $2,350 | Electricity Add-On: $100
April 14th – Go Big
Chair/Diamond: Free | Platinum/Gold: $1,050 | Silver/Friends: $2,100 | Catalyit Premium/Catalyit Platinum: $2,100 | Catalyit Basic: $2,200 | Non-Member: $2,600 | Electricity Add-On: $100
ADDITIONAL TICKETS
Pricing for each additional person in the exhibit space is below. The reception, all sessions, and lunch are included.
Through February 28
Support NY (all levels) or Catalyit (all levels): $250 | Non-Member: $300
March 1st -April 13th
Support NY (all levels) or Catalyit (all levels): $275 | Non-Member: $325
April 14th – Go Big
Support NY (all levels) or Catalyit (all levels): $300 | Non-Member: $350
Support NY members receive a discount on an exhibit booth! Contact Allison Just at ajust@biginy.org to register.
May 4-5 | Turning Stone Resort Casino
There are two ticket options available this year.
*Contact Allison Just with any questions or assistance with registration.
Go Big: All Access
This ticket option includes all sessions on both days, as well as the reception and lunch.
Now – April 13
Member: $275 | Non-Member: $325
April 14 – Go Big
Member: $299 | Non-Member: $349
Go Big: May 5th Only
This ticket option includes all sessions on May 5th and lunch.
Now – April 13
Member: $225 | Non-Member: $275
April 14 – Go Big
Member: $249 | Non-Member: $299
A discounted room block at Turning Stone Resort Casino will be available for Go Big attendees. Rooms are located in the Tower at a special rate of $259/night.
Be sure to book by April 24 to guarantee this rate.
Group Code: HBIGI26
Password: guest
Please note: The check-in and checkout dates auto-populate. You will need to manually type in the dates you need.
We have the best sponsors because they believe in independent agents and support the work you do.
Premier SNY Sponsors
SNY Platinum
SNY Gold
American European Insurance Group
Merchants Insurance Group
Motiva Networks
Progressive
Security Mutual Insurance Co.
Travelers
Utica National
SNY Silver
AmTrust
Andover Companies
Chubb
Cincinnati Insurance
Dryden Mutual
ELANY
Hanover Insurance Group
HawkSoft
Jencap
Johnson & Johnson
MarshBerry
Michigan Millers
Narragansett Bay
PMC Insurance Group
RLI
Sterling Insurance
Utica First
Vermont Mutual
Lanyards Sponsor
Convention Bags Sponsor
Are you a member of Support NY?
You have the first opportunity to exhibit and sponsor at Go Big! Contact Christine Neet at cneet@biginy.org to get started.
QUESTIONS?
