Wow, We Took Compliance to New Heights in Orlando!
Conference Overview
The Conference Planning Committee’s goal for the AICP 29th Annual Conference was to give attendees ways to take compliance to new heights — and we delivered! With over 60 sessions to choose from and 48 regulators from various states in attendance, it was easy to understand why we had 602 attendees, including 141 First Timers!
Sunday afternoon began with our always-popular Q & A’s and a First Timer’s orientation session. Over the next three days, we covered a wide range of topics that our members asked for — from “Creating Advertising Materials the Right Way” to “Insuring Marijuana — Emerging Market or Illegal Substance?”, and of course, including our annual View from the Top and Regulator Roundtable sessions.
Our keynote speaker for Monday’s breakfast was John McGuire, former U.S. Navy Seal, and owner of SEAL Team PT. He spoke about principles of team and leadership lessons and also shared his leadership insights based on his life experiences at our Volunteer Recognition Lunch and his afternoon session, attended by a full house. All throughout the Conference, you could hear attendees repeating his oft-used Navy Seal phrase, “Hooyah!”
We were excited to put on a fabulous Gala that captured the essence of Chicago’s casual food scene to complement the nostalgic, rockin’ sound of the Jake and Elwood Blues Brothers Revue which had everyone singing and dancing the entire evening — when they were not taking fun photos produced by Outta the Box!
Program Seminars
Session offerings were designed to help individuals take compliance to new heights. They began with the every-popular Q & A sessions on Sunday afternoon and “101” sessions for persons new to compliance.
On Monday, Commissioner David Altmaier (FL), Mike Chaney (MS), Bruce Ramge (NE), Al Redmer, Jr. (MD), and former Commissioner Scott Kipper (NV) shared their insights on hot topics with participants.
All sessions delivered information, taught best practices, and facilitated networking. Numerous state regulators presented along with industry experts on such topics as long term care challenges and opportunities, the Deemer, breed exclusions, and market conduct exams.
Business Partners and Sponsors
This year, we were excited to roll out our new Mobile Conference App, an initiative which had its origins in discussions with our Business Partners. And we delivered! Many attendees participated in the new Click Game on the app that gave our Business Partners the opportunity to share valuable information with Conference participants. We welcomed back many of our regular Business Partners and added a few new ones — all of whom we hope to see in years to come.
We cannot discount the participation and assistance of our Sponsor in the success of our Annual Conference. We’re very happy to have so many who contributed to our success! A warm welcome, too, to our new 2016 sponsors, too!
Thank you all!
Giving Back to the Community
The proceeds of our 2016 Silent Auction and sale of Conference Pins were donated to an awesome charity, Just1Book. This local charity, started in 2010 by Sarah Dewitz when she was just ten years old, distributes books to community populations that would not otherwise have access to them.
Due to the generosity of our attendees, we were able to present a check to Sarah in the amount of $8,000 and donate lots of children’s books to fill her bookmobile! You can still donate to Just1Book via their website, www.just1book.org.
Keynote Speaker
John McGuire, a former U.S. Navy Seal and owner of SEAL Team Physical Training, inspired our audience with his remarkable stories and insights from his life experiences, which have taught him the principles of teamwork and leadership. When John spoke, it was clear that his message had a profound impact on our audience. Throughout the Conference, you could hear individuals using “Hooyah” to punctuate their conversations. John was good enough to also speak at our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and an afternoon session in which he expanded upon the topics he touched on in his keynote speech.
First Timers Orientation
A full house of first-timers attended this fun meet and greet, where they had an opportunity to network with others and hear from not only industry members of AICP but also regulator members. Thanks to Matt Brasch, Bri Dahl, and Ryan Blakeney, a regulator from Mississippi, for making our first timers feel welcome and comfortable.
Volunteer Recognition
AICP is an all-volunteer organization and it is the members whose dedication, commitment, and work make AICP the premiere compliance organization it is. We held a volunteer luncheon on Monday to recognize these individuals and to thank them for their help. John McGuire presented on volunteerism and how meaningful it is to everyone and spoke in depth about topics he presented on in his keynote speech.
Professional Designation Recognition
AICP’s mission is to provide learning opportunities to its members. Each year, we recognize our members who have participated in continuing education to gain more knowledge. The Education Committee conducts an annual review to ensure that our Professional Designation Program is current and remains viable. Each year during our Professional Designation Breakfast at Annual Conference, we recognize those who have earned their ACP, CCP and CE designations during the course of the year.
(7 ACP; 4 CCP, 9 ACP & CCP, 10 CE)
Chapter Officer Training
Each year at AICP’s Annual Conference, new officers for both the National Board and the State Chapters meet with current officers to gain knowledge of processes and procedures and discuss new ideas. In Orlando, Michael Hollar, 2016 Chapter Relations’ Chair, delivered an informative presentation, after which chapter and committee officers had some time for discussion.
Gala Event
On Monday evening, everyone joined in on our “mission from God” and enjoyed the Chicago-themed cuisine, some wonderful desserts in the quiet room, and the great music and antics of the Jake and Elwood Blues Brothers Revenue. Outta the Box brought fun accessories with their instant photo machine for those who wanted to capture the moment in photos.
President’s Receptions
Each year, the current and incoming Presidents hold a reception to recognize the outgoing members of the Board of Directors and outgoing Committee Co-Chairs, as well as welcome the incoming members of the Board of Directors and Committee Co-chairs. The strength and success of the AICP resides with our volunteers, and this is especially true for those volunteers who step up to leadership positions within our organization. The Incoming/Outgoing Board of Directors/Committee Chair reception is one way we thank those who have been national leaders and welcome those who are starting their terms in various national leadership roles.
The current President also holds a small, informal reception for Past Presidents of AICP. This has become a special way to thank those who have helped form the organization and make it the premiere compliance organization it is today.
Annual Business Meeting
During Tuesday’s lunch, we held our annual business meeting. This was a great opportunity for all members to hear about some of AICP’s significant accomplishments and activities during the past year. The Secretary presented a report concerning the Board meetings for the past year, and the Treasurer gave a brief report on the financial strength of the organization. The Chairs of the Education and Publications Committees provided summaries of some of their committee’s initiatives.
The 2015-2016 Board of Directors was recognized and then the 2016-2017 Board of Directors was introduced. The President’s gavel was passed from Roger Osgood to Matt Brasch.
Lennon Award
The Robert W. Lennon Award is the AICP’s most prestigious award. The Lennon Award was named after one of our founding fathers who was not only instrumental in the initial development of our organization but contributed years of service. This year, it was an honor and pleasure to present the Lennon Award to Jim Morgan at our Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Jim has served in numerous roles within AICP throughout the years, both on the Chapter and National levels, planning chapter education days, serving as chapter Treasurer, National Treasurer, and National Finance Committee Chairperson.
The inscription on Jim’s award reads:
“In recognition of your dedication and outstanding service to the Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals, achieved through your tenure twice as National Treasurer and as Great lakes Chapter Treasurer, three years as Finance Committee Chairperson, a frequent volunteer on other committees, as well as all the excellent work you have done at the chapter level planning Education Days, and building sound programs.
You are an inspiration and mentor.
Thank you for the countless volunteer hours you have given to the AICP, upholding its values, and truly MAKING A DIFFERENCE!”
Thank you, Jim, for everything you have done for the AICP and congratulations on receiving the 2016 Lennon Award!
President’s Award
AICP’s President has the honor of presented the AICP’s President’s Award. This award is presented to a member or members who were particularly helpful in contributing to the AICP’s success during the term of the current President through their dedication, hard work, and service to AICP. This year’s President’s Award was presented by President, Roger Osgood, to Karen Crooks.
Roger related that as an AICP Past President, Karen provided him invaluable guidance during his presidency. She was there throughout the year telling him if there was anything she could do for him, she would, whether it was help reviewing quarterly Journal articles or board Update articles. Karen also said she would be available to step in to help if any committee chair stepped down.
Congratulations, Karen, the 2016 President’s Award recipient!
What to Look Forward to at Next Year’s Conference?
On Wednesday morning, Dave Milligan, the 2016 Conference Co-Chair, used another feature of our new Conference App to survey the audience and get their thoughts on a 2017 conference logo. Dave’s humorous logo options highlighted the “best” of Seattle, the location of this year’s Annual Conference. Through this amusing presentation, Dave got everyone psyched to plan on attending Annual Conference in Seattle this year.
