As agents face an increasingly tough market, it will be essential to embrace change and adapt to survive and thrive in a progressively competitive industry. Join fellow agents, colleagues, and industry experts as we discuss ways agents can pivot to gain resiliency and success.

Registration has closed. You may still register on-site, but we cannot guarantee meals.

When: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Where: Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel and Conference Center
1001 E McCarty Ln
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 392-6450
View on Google Maps

Pricing

  Member Non-Member  
Regular $95 $125 Register
Expo Free
Expo Walk-in $35 $45

Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel Conference Center

Please use our booking link below
Room Reservations for the 2024 PIA Texas Convention & Expo

There will be a charge of $12.00 for guest overnight self-parking.

Room Options: Inclusions: Local Attractions: View the Visitor Guide:
  • 2-Room Suite, 1 King Bed
  • 2-Room Suite, 2 Queen Beds
  • Sofa Bed
  • 2 TVs
  • Wi-Fi Access
  • Complimentary Made-To-Order Breakfast
  • Complimentary Evening Reception

Agenda

Monday, September 30, 2024

Welcome Reception
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


Tuesday, October 1, 2024
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Registration Opens
8:00 a.m.


Exploring Ethical Principles and Practices (3 CE Credits)
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Instructed by Heath W. Shearon, Mayor/Host, Insurance Town Podcast | Read bio
Located in Veramendi J

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of ethical principles and practices essential to the insurance industry. Through a combination of educational content, real-world case studies, and interactive activities, participants will deepen their understanding of ethical behavior, regulatory compliance, and best practices for fostering an ethical workplace.


Workers' Compensation 101 (3 CE Credits)
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Instructed by Tai Jenkins Williams, M.Ed., MS, ITP, MCCT®, Senior Customer Engagement Training Consultant, Texas Mutual Insurance Company | Read bio
Located in Veramendi I

This course is your ticket to understanding the complexities of Texas workers' compensation. Dive deep into coverage options, policy nuances, and the art of risk assessment. Learn how to navigate NCCI, decipher those puzzling experience rating worksheets, and ensure your clients are properly classified.


Luncheon
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Located in Veramendi GH
*Complimentary Lunch is only available if selected during online registration.


The Greatest Insurance Product Ever Invented (2 CE Credits)
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Instructed by Charlie Matejowsky, CIC, LUTCF, Vice President, Van Dyke, Rankin & Co. | Read bio
Located in Veramendi J

This course is designed to introduce the Life insurance product to agents. Throughout this session, agents will be able to discover the different types of life insurance, learn its history, understand its relation to taxes, and how an agents' clients can use it as a financial tool in times of need.


ISO BOP Form Review (1 CE Credit)
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Instructed by Tim O'Neill, CPCU, CLU, AIC, Founder, Test Crushers | Read bio
Located in Veramendi I

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Businessowners Policy, commonly known as BOP, an easy-to-use policy that consolidates both property and liability coverage, specifically designed to cater to the needs of qualifying small businesses.


ISO CGL Form Review (1 CE Credit)
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Instructed by Tim O'Neill, CPCU, CLU, AIC, Founder, Test Crushers | Read bio
Located in Veramendi I

This course serves as a review of Commercial General Liability coverage forms, commonly abbreviated as CGL. These policies offer commercial entities comprehensive coverage in the event of damage or injury resulting from business operations or products, or occurred on its premises.


E&O: Cleaning Up the Neighborhood (2 CE Credits)
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Instructed by Heath W. Shearon, Mayor/Host, Insurance Town Podcast | Read bio
Located in Veramendi J

This course will help agents understand E&O claims and their impact on insurance agencies. Throughout this session, agents will be able to identify the common mistakes leading to E&O claims, determine areas of improvement, design effective workflows, optimize processes, and mitigate further risk.


Bond Business Essentials (1 CE Credit)
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Instructed by Tim O'Neill, CPCU, CLU, AIC, Founder, Test Crushers | Read bio
Located in Veramendi I

This course will cover the essentials for agents seeking to establish a career in the bond business. The discussion will revolve around the topics of Surety and Fidelity bonds, emphasizing on their distinctions and uses, illustrated through examples of commonly placed bonds.


ISO Cyber Form Review (1 CE Credit)
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Instructed by Tim O'Neill, CPCU, CLU, AIC, Founder, Test Crushers | Read bio
Located in Veramendi I

This course provides agents with a comprehensive review of cyber security liability insurance forms. These policies act as a safeguard from cyber security risks, providing liability coverage to eligible instances of loss or misuse of digital assets, and first-party coverage on the impact of such cyber incidents.


Reception & Game Night
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Located in Veramendi F
Join fellow colleagues for a competitive event where you can get your game on and enjoy food, fun and prizes.


Wednesday, October 2, 2024
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration Opens
8:00 a.m.


Annual Meeting
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Located in Veramendi IJ

PIA Texas has formed a strategic alliance with FirstChoice, a MarshBerry Company. Learn how FirstChoice can help support your growth goals through:

    • Enhanced Revenue with Your Direct Carriers
    • Market Access – Small & Mid-Market Commercial & High Value Property
    • Strategy, Education, Operational Resources
    • Technology Consultation & Data

Thriving in a Hard Market: Empowering Insurance Professionals with Strategies for Success
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Presentation by Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA, Director, RGS Limited, Cyber Program Managers
President-Elect, National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) | Read bio
Located in Veramendi IJ

The hard market presents challenges, but it also offers opportunities for insurance professionals to rise above and excel. By focusing on building strong client relationships, diversifying product offerings, and embracing innovation, agents can navigate the complexities of this market with confidence. It's time to sharpen your skills, leverage your expertise, and stay resilient. Together, we can turn challenges into victories and continue to protect and guide our clients to the best solutions available. Let's turn this hard market into a stepping stone toward growth and success.


Break
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.


Panel Discussion
The Hard Market Playbook: Insights and Strategies from Industry Experts
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Moderated by Heath W. Shearon, Mayor/Host, Insurance Town Podcast | Read bio
Located in Veramendi IJ

Panelists:
Michael Ley, Director of Network Relations, HawkSoft®
Debbie Moses-Dziga, Owner, Dziga Insurance
Carrie Cheeks, Associate Vice President, National Client Relationships, Jencap® Group

Join us for this discussion, where industry experts will address how they manage risk with carriers and relationships with both carrier and InsureTech vendors. They will also discuss strategies for staying resilient, managing client expectations, preparing submissions to align with tightened standards, and communicating value to clients beyond policy placement.


Break
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


Keynote Luncheon
Unveiling the Current Landscape + What's Coming Next: Insurance Industry Trends for 2024 and Beyond
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Presentation by Andrew Katz, Senior Vice President, Business Growth & Strategy, FirstChoice, a MarshBerry Company | Read bio
Located in Veramendi GH

Step into the heart of the insurance industry's present landscape with Andrew Katz, Senior Vice President at MarshBerry. He offers a comprehensive overview of: prevailing trends & challenges in 2024 and the importance of understanding sales velocity for 2025. In addition, learn the keys to driving organic growth from those agencies that are excelling in the market and why their mantra for peak performers is “predictable, profitable, organic growth.”

*Complimentary Lunch is only available if selected during online registration.


Expo, Reception & Prize Giveaways
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Located in Veramendi F
*Free registration if Expo-Only. Walk-in fees apply.
**Attendees will be given 2 complimentary drink tickets and dessert.


A special thank you to our 2024 Partners for their support