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The premier virtual conference for independent agencies looking to advance their knowledge of using available cutting edge tools and best practices to meet their clients where they are at today, tomorrow, and beyond. Register today!
New conference environment! Exciting speaker line-up! Connect with other independent agents. And...it's free!
Dale Steinke leads the Agent for the Future Advisors team for Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance. Under his guidance, this crack team of small business consultants helps independent insurance agencies attract and retain more business. A skilled public speaker and a former journalist who enjoys discovering and sharing what works, Dale has more than 20 years of experience with digital- first marketing, sales enablement and other technology capabilities relevant to the independent agent channel. His specialties include agency technology, AI, business continuity and sales enablement strategies. When he’s not helping IAs thrive, you’ll likely find Dale on a long-distance bicycle trip or cooking something tasty for family and friends. https://www.agentforthefuture.com/advisor/dale-steinke/ Dale Steinke (pronounced Stein-key) Director, Agent for the Future Advisors Liberty Mutual Small Commercial | Safeco Insurance | State Auto Insurance he/him/his
As SIAA’s Chief Information Officer, David oversees a sophisticated, multi-platform and multi-state IT system that encompasses computing, telecommunications, networking, security, and acquisition integrations. Recognized as an international executive and business leader, David has over 20 years of tangible results in applying business acumen, technical expertise, and commercial and financial knowledge to ensure IT creates business value, supports corporate vision, improves the customer journey, and drives strategic initiatives through innovative technology leadership. Prior to joining SIAA, David served as CIO and Vice President of Information Technology at TÜV SÜD America, a subsidiary of the Munich-based TÜV SÜD AG, a global inspection, testing, and certification company. In that role, he was responsible for developing and executing IT strategy, operations, and security across multiple entities in several countries. He was also involved in seven acquisitions, including the largest acquisition in TÜV SÜD's 150-year company history. David holds a Master of Science degree in International Economics from Eastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Gordon College where he was a member of the Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society for Business Administration. In addition, he earned a Certificate in Strategy and Innovation from the MIT Sloan School of Management and has completed their Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy Program. He has also attained both ITIL v3 Certification and CISSP Certification.
Elizabeth is a content marketing manager with a deep understanding of the startup landscape. She specializes in driving impactful content strategies for early-stage companies. Having honed her skills within a dynamic small marketing agency environment, she has extensive experience across crafting compelling content and growing community engagement. Elizabeth Reed Content Marketing Manager @ Canopy Connect
Jack serves as the Chief Growth Officer at SIAA, leveraging his extensive experience in recruitment, sales, and strategic growth initiatives. Joining SIAA in 2018, Jack has consistently played a pivotal role in the organization’s expansion efforts, most recently as the Senior Vice President of National Recruiting & Sales before taking on his current position. As Chief Growth Officer, Jack is responsible for driving SIAA's growth strategy, focusing on recruiting new members nationally and fostering the organic growth of existing members through a range of training and growth coach resources and programs. Jack's tenure at SIAA is marked by significant achievements, including a transformative approach to Life and Benefits. His strategic enhancements to traditional Life Insurance products have markedly increased their revenue potential for both member and master agencies, demonstrating his ability to innovate and lead within the insurance sector. Prior to SIAA, Jack’s career in the insurance industry spanned various significant roles at renowned companies such as New England Financial, American General, Chubb, and Lincoln Financial, where he supported independent insurance distribution channels. His extensive experience is highlighted by over two decades at Liberty Mutual, where he held several key leadership positions. In these roles, he was instrumental in directing learning and development initiatives, overseeing technology solution implementations, and leading business process improvements. Jack attended Southern New Hampshire University, majoring in Communications, and Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH. This background in communications has played a crucial role in his leadership and strategic initiatives within the insurance industry. As the Chief Growth Officer, Jack Calabrese remains a cornerstone of SIAA’s mission, harnessing his deep industry knowledge and dedication to excellence to steer the organization toward sustained growth and success.
John has 30 years of insurance experience, starting in claims for 8 years then moving onto being a captive for another 8 and finally becoming independent since 2010 when he and his agency became members of SIAA. Focusing mostly on Personal Lines, CSIG has grown to helping over 1,100 households in Colorado and throughout the west. The agency focus is to get big by acting small, focusing on expertise and professionalism and utilizing technology wisely to facilitate communication efficiently while not losing the human touch with our clients and partners. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his wife, 3 kids and tribe of friends and family!
Karamarie Morton, a Marketing & Organizational Development expert at Eastern Insuring Agency, brings over 25 years of experience in crafting impactful marketing strategies and leading business development. Known for her success in boosting customer engagement by 30% and enhancing operational efficiency by 40%, Karamarie excels in insurtech integration and innovative solutions. Previously, she founded Markovent, where she built strong client relationships across diverse sectors. Based in North Carolina, Karamarie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, boating, and volunteering in her community.
Lisa is an innovative, highly-experienced insurance executive who combines her deep decades of experience serving as CXO (CFO, COO, CSO) for some of the largest insurance institutions (e.g., MunichRe, Famers/Zurich, ING/Voya, PwC) with her entrepreneurial drive to rapidly help startups succeed in the insurance industry in North America. Her thought leadership, ability to create innovative and ingenuitive insurance solutions across P&C, life and health insurance marketplace provides targeted guidance and solutions to expedite launching insurance innovation and insurtechs across North America and globally. Lisa is the host of InsuranceUnplugged podcast “In the Hot Seat” where she interviews leading C-Suite executives on going beyond the hype and probes for insights on what’s truly transforming the insurance industry.
Lucas has over 13 years of digital marketing experience, 9 of which years have been spent marketing for insurance agencies. He's been a guest speaker for brands such as Progressive and the Big i. Lucas has led Lift Local to a 4.9 star satisfaction rating from the 3,000+ agencies they've serviced. When he’s not working, Lucas loves spending time with his wife and 3 children, boating, golfing, bowling and riding his Harley.
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.
Matt is an entrepreneur with the unique ability to bridge tech platforms. In 2012, Matt co-founded Insurance Agent App - the premier client service platform for independent insurance agencies & brokerages. Insurance Agent App connects policyholders with their agency and carriers BEFORE, DURING & AFTER events happen, and automates digital convenience to increase agency retention & profitability. The award-winning Insurance Agent App is available on Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store and continues to innovate with deep API integrations with agency management systems including EZLynx, QQCatalyst, Hawksoft, NowCerts and several planned for 2025. Recent feature enhancements also include custom agency app icons, online client portal access for policyholders and multiple language options. Prior to Insurance Agent App, the bulk of Matt’s career was in media and entertainment with Paramount Pictures and CBS Corporation. Matt is an alumnus of Brown University, earned his MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School, and resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife and two sons. Contact info: Matt Aaron Co-founder Insurance Agent App Charlotte, NC 980.288.7723 [email protected]
As CEO of SIAA, Matt Masiello has responsibility for executive management of the largest alliance of independent insurance agencies in the United States and its related companies, providing leadership to senior executives of SIAA and Master Agencies across the country. His more than 30 years of industry experience have instilled in him the skills, knowledge, and expertise to lead SIAA. Matt has responsibility for the alliance’s overall success, including providing strategic vision for its future and piloting the organization in the execution of that vision. SIAA has 49 master agencies covering all 50 states with 13% of all U.S. independent insurance agencies as members, which write over $12 billion in premium, making SIAA the largest national independent insurance agency partnering network. In his tenure with SIAA and the insurance industry, Matt has: • Developed SIAA’s internal operations and executed its strategic direction as Chief Operating Officer. • Provided leadership and operational management for SAN Group (SIAA’s founding and largest Master Agency), as President and CEO. • Engaged all 49 SIAA Master Agencies in the implementation, operations and growth of their organizations, based on the systems and experience developed in SAN Group; and consulted with Strategic Partner Companies in developing and deepening relationships with SIAA and the Master Agencies across the U.S. • Published Insurance Agency 4.0, a book featuring ways independent agents can prepare their agency for the future, develop their digital road map, and increase profit, scalability and time (November 2020). • Received the Insurance Business America Hot 100 Award in 2017, which recognizes leaders for shaping the future of the insurance industry. The Hot 100 is a list of the hottest influencers, innovators, and game-changers in America’s insurance industry and is comprised of those who have been nominated by their peers for their influential work in the industry. • Led SIAA, its member agencies, master agencies and strategic partners in donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to Wounded Warriors Project, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Veterans Count, and a number of other worthy organizations. In the last 30 years, Matt has become a subject-matter expert in the field of insurance and agency development and is a frequent contributor to many industry publications, including Insurance Journal, Property Casualty 360, National Underwriter Magazine, PIA Magazine, Independent Agent, Best’s Review and The Standard. He is a frequent presenter at a variety of insurance conventions, meetings and events. He has served on regional and national advisory councils for numerous insurance companies and serves on the Board of Trustees of Tilton School. Matt resides on the seacoast of New Hampshire with his wife and three sons. When not working, you can find him and his family boating, fishing, hiking, traveling, or skiing.
Michael Streit is the President of EZLynx. With nearly a decade of experience in Private Equity operations, where he focused on helping technology businesses grow, Streit has become well-versed in the mechanics of deals and integrations, offering invaluable insights and contributions to the insurance industry.
Sean Kirby is an accomplished insurance professional and entrepreneur, recognized as the Indiana PIA Young Agent of the Year in 2022. As the founder of Performance Insurance Group, Sean has established a reputation for delivering client-focused insurance solutions and driving innovative growth in the industry. His leadership extends beyond his business, as he also served on the INDIEtech board during its inaugural year, helping shape the future of technology in insurance. Sean has a deep understanding of the evolving insurance landscape. His entrepreneurial endeavors also include Performance Tax and Performance Financial, where he continues to expand his reach in the financial services sector. Beyond his business ventures, Sean is passionate about coaching, community involvement, and mentoring the next generation of professionals. His leadership is driven by a commitment to innovation, service, and personal development.
Tamara, originally from Riverview, Michigan, is the Principal and Owner of the Champagne Agency. With over 22 years of experience in the insurance industry, she began her career on the financial side, helping educators secure retirement plans. Over time, Tamara expanded her expertise to offer insurance solutions, assisting her community in protecting their homes, autos, and lives. Her passion for connecting with clients and providing personalized solutions has been the hallmark of her career. Tamara’s deep-rooted commitment to her community extends beyond her profession. She is an active member of her local American Legion, where she volunteers and serves on the board, advocating for veterans and their families. Outside of work, Tamara enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, children, and grandchildren and loves creating memories with them, especially during trips to northern Michigan.
Thomas Mann is the Director of Customer Success at Aureus Analytics, a leading InsurTech company focused on AI and business intelligence. He is passionate about the Insurance space after growing up in the industry. He joined the industry a decade ago as an agent himself and has worked as both a captive and independent agent, gaining unique perspective. Thomas joined the InsurTech sector with AgencyZoom, running their Customer Success team through the Vertafore acquisition and joined Aureus in 2022.
Tony Veteto is a seasoned professional in the insurance industry, with a deep passion for the dynamic and ever-evolving world of Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance. He is vice president of Tague Alliance, which is a SIAA Master Agency consisting of 115 independent insurance agencies in Southern California. For the past twenty years Tony has worked closely with carrier and wholesale partners, vendors, staff, and the SIAA team to ensure Tague Alliance is providing the resources necessary for their new and existing members to grow and develop. As a self-described "creative analytic," Tony brings a unique blend of people skills and a love for data and macro trends to bring context around the trends impacting member agencies. Tony Veteto is extremely bullish on the P&C industry and excited to be a part of the evolution the insurance industry is undergoing and the opportunities it presents for all the people working within it. When not immersed in the insurance world, you will find him surfing, bodyboarding, or bodysurfing in his favorite ocean, the Mighty Pacific, whether in San Diego or the beautiful shores of Costa Rica. Tony is married and has two children in college.
Torey co-founded ClientCircle with his brother, Carl Maerz. Throughout his career, Torey has spent 20+ years building software and leading technology teams in a variety of businesses across a range of industries—from education to asset management.
Vijay Rengarajan’s passion is delighting customers with intuitive products that drive efficiency and growth for agencies. He is an innovative strategist and effective product leader with over 16 years of experience in product management in the IT industry and Property and Casualty Insurance domain. Vijay started his IT career working on the carrier side before shifting to focus on the Independent Agent channel. His commitment, attention to detail, and innate understanding of the insurance landscape propelled his journey through a series of key positions, culminating in his current role as Director of Product Management. Over his career with EZLynx, Vijay utilized his robust understanding of complex market dynamics to develop, manage, and implement strategic product roadmaps. He has been instrumental in launching numerous innovative, customer-centric insurance products. Most recently, Vijay’s passion for increasing agency productivity led to the advancement of EZLynx Automation Center. This tool saves each agency, when used across the customer life cycle, an average of 530 hours (about 3 weeks) per month. His latest addition to the EZLynx Management System helps agencies focus on goal alignment to drive revenue growth. Vijay's unrelenting focus on customer needs was a primary factor in the EZLynx product suite being named one of 2022’s Best In Biz Most Innovative Product of the Year. Vijay holds an MBA from Texas A&M International University, with a specialization in strategic management and proudly holds his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. This rigorous qualification symbolizes his commitment to supporting the high standards and continued success of the insurance industry. Vijay's customer-centric approach to product focuses on understanding and solving customer problems in ways that benefit the agencies.
Wes Williamson is the Principal and Owner of Williamson Insurance & Investments. With over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, Wes began his career in various roles as a captive insurance and investment agent before transitioning to independent operations. His agency stands out by integrating technology through custom workflows and advanced marketing tools, demonstrating how agencies can tailor solutions to fit their specific operational needs. Under Wes’s leadership, the firm is committed to providing personalized portfolios that align with each client’s unique goals, ensuring that no one feels like just another number.
September 17, 2024 11:00 am
David Meinen
Chief Technology Officer, SIAA
Jack Calabrese
Chief Growth Officer, SIAA
Matt Masiello
Chief Executive Officer, SIAA
Join us for an insightful kickoff to IA Evolve 2024 where the SIAA leadership team will welcome attendees and dive into the core reasons behind IA Evolve. They will explore the importance of innovation in the current market, share their perspectives on the future of the independent agency channel, and highlight key themes and takeaways for the conference. Don’t miss this engaging start to our event, setting the stage for a day filled with learning and growth.
September 17, 2024 11:40 am
Sean Kirby
Agency Principal, Performance Group
Tamara Champagne
Agency Principal, The Champagne Agency
Wes Williamson
Agency Principal, Williamson Insurance & Investments
Tony Veteto
Vice President, Tague Insurance Alliance Services
John DePinto
Agency Principal, Centennial State Insurance
Join this panel of agency principals as they dive into what it truly means to embrace digital transformation within an agency. The discussion will explore three key areas: the tech tools currently in use, the implementation process, and the resulting business outcomes. From discovering and evaluating technology solutions to navigating the challenges of adoption, our panelists will share their unique experiences—both the hurdles and the triumphs. Learn how leveraging digital innovation has helped these agencies not just enhance the client experience, but also drive growth, increase competitiveness, and achieve other critical business goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights that can guide your own agency’s digital journey.
September 17, 2024 12:40 pm
Lisa Wardlaw
COO, Irys InsurTech
Margo Giles
CEO, Irys InsurTech
Industry thought leader Margo Giles delivers a keynote that promises to cut through the hype surrounding digital transformation in the insurance industry. Drawing from her extensive experience in leading successful system transformations, she’ll share practical insights on what truly drives business performance. The discussion will explore the foundational elements of transformation, how to effectively leverage AI without getting lost in the noise, and strategies for agencies to manage constant evolution while maintaining core operations. The session wraps up with an interactive Q&A, offering attendees the chance to address their specific challenges and concerns. This is a must-attend session for leaders serious about navigating today’s digital landscape with actionable insights.
September 17, 2024 01:40 pm
Torey Maerz
CEO, ClientCircle
Join ClientCircle’s CEO Torey Maerz to get the latest on the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence. Torey will talk about the latest advancements in AI, share how you can effectively implement AI tools at your agency and provide insights into the potential AI pitfalls you want to watch out for.
September 17, 2024 02:20 pm
Elizabeth Reed
Content Marketing Manager, Canopy Connect
Tired of the pressure to "go viral?" You're not alone. Social media can feel like a never-ending chore, a constant chase for fleeting fame. This session will show you how to break free from the "viral" trap and unlock the power of authentic connections on social media. We'll explore: Why community matters more than virality: Discover how to cultivate a loyal audience that trusts and values your voice, regardless of follower count. Testing that takes time (and patience): Learn how to experiment strategically without getting discouraged by slow results. Likeability, trust, and intrigue: These are the cornerstones of influencer success, and you already have them within you. We'll show you how to tap into your unique personality and passions to captivate your audience. Beyond the sales pitch: Newsflash, your social media doesn't have to be all about selling. Share your hobbies, interests, and passions to build genuine connections and trust. Stop chasing the next trend and start building a social media presence that reflects your authentic self. You'll be surprised at the influence you can wield when you focus on real people, real connections, and real impact. This is your permission slip to step off the hamster wheel of "going viral" and start building something real.
September 17, 2024 02:20 pm
Thomas Mann
Director of Customer Success, Aureus Analytics
Join us to explore how AI can transform your agency by significantly reducing staff workload and improving overall efficiency. This session will cover practical strategies to use AI for automating routine tasks, enhancing client interactions, and optimizing operations. Learn how to implement AI-driven solutions that streamline processes, cut down manual work, and drive better results with less effort. By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: Learn how to automate routine tasks to reduce staff workload and enhance operational efficiency. Discover techniques to leverage AI for optimizing client interactions and improving customer satisfaction. Understand how AI can help you streamline processes, allowing your team to focus on high-value activities and drive better results with reduced effort.
September 17, 2024 03:00 pm
Lucas Hendricks
Founder & CEO, Lift Local
Join Lucas Hendricks, CEO of Lift Local, for an in-depth session on sourcing high-quality prospects for your agency. Discover what makes referrals so valuable and learn how to identify and target prospects with similar attributes at scale. Lucas will explore strategies for using online channels to connect with high-intent prospects who have validated your brand and distinguish between the profiles of referrals and "price shoppers." Gain insights on leveraging your online presence to attract prospects who prioritize service over price. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your prospecting approach and drive growth for your agency.
September 17, 2024 03:00 pm
Karamarie Morton
Marketing & Organizational Development, Eastern Insuring Agency
Matt Aaron
Co-founder, Insurance Agent App
Do you REALLY know how much "service" is costing your agency.... The hard cost, the opportunity cost, and the total time it takes to service clients? What is the cost to service requests for Billing / Payments, Add/Delete Vehicle/Driver, Claims, Policy Question, ID Cards, or a Coverage Change? While it may not be the “SEXY” end of an agency’s business, taking a deep dive into service metrics will cause your business to re-think HOW you service your clients – just as it did for one agency in New York State - and the tech they deployed to turn service from a cost center into a profit center. Join us to uncover actionable insights and proven strategies to re-engineer “service” for the benefit of all stakeholders AND the bottom line…… AND, the opportunity to turn your service operations into a competitive advantage.
September 17, 2024 03:40 pm
Dale Steinke
Director, Agent for the Future™ Advisors, Social, Liberty Mutual | Safeco Insurance
Dive deep into the art of designing effective prompts to create dynamic blog posts, engaging social media updates, and persuasive marketing automation materials. Transform your content strategy, boost productivity and attract more business through AI-driven creativity. Whether you're a novice or experienced in using generative AI, you'll gain practical insights and tips on generating compelling content to connect with your audience.
September 17, 2024 04:20 pm
Michael Streit
President, EZ Lynx
Vijay Rengarajan
Director of Product Management, EZLynx
Join EZLynx leaders to explore the latest innovations enhancing efficiency in renewals and operations. Discover how EZLynx's new features streamline renewal workflows and learn about EVA, our advanced AI product that simplifies the EZLynx experience. Learn how we are investing in EVA to help save time, reduce manual tasks, and empower agents to focus on business growth. Don't miss this chance to learn how EZLynx is revolutionizing the insurance industry with cutting-edge solutions and AI-driven excellence.
