AUGUST 2023 – GLENDALE, AZ
The Annual Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona (IIABAZ) Convention took place at the Renaissance Event center August 9-11 in Glendale, AZ.
The three-day event was filled with guest speakers from the state Department of Insurance, Underwriters, E & O advisors, authors, and more. There were approximately 125 exhibitors and booths featuring and representing insurance companies and products, networking and more.
As part of an esteemed panel of speakers, Whitney Hoelzen, CIC Commercial Lines Advisor at Strong Tower Insurance Group, provided insight and motivation at a round table meeting for the Young Insurance Professionals (YIPS) group.
“In 2014, I was approached to revive the YIPS committee. Serving with the YIPS alongside other independent agents, carriers, brokers, and wholesalers allows competitors to become allies and learn from each other, open opportunity to markets, find people who specialize in your prospect niches, educate one another, stay apprised of Association member benefits, create relationships for those of us new to the industry, bring in fresh ideas and candidates to serve on the Board and so much more.” Says Hoelzen.
After leading YIPS, Whitney served on the Board of Directors to the IIABAZ until she was elected and appointed to the Executive Committee. Hoelzen explains, “Serving on the board has given me a voice to help make impactful decisions for the Association which in turn, as the industry’s thought leader, advocates our daily efforts as agents at the state legislature, regulatory agencies, and the courts.” Hoelzen continues, “Serving in these areas allows me to give back to an Association that dedicates its existence to independent agents.”
The IIABAZ provides agents tools to continually be up to date on coverage as it evolves and why by way of their educational classes, the release of email bulletins, and access to their Virtual University to ask experts of the industry questions on complicated coverage scenarios.
It allows networking opportunities to meet and learn from agents alike.
The Convention ended with the awards ceremony and a speech from Whitney Hoelzen as she accepted her role as President of the IIABAZ for 2023-2024.
