Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

Schedule

Big "I" Fall Leadership Conference

Big "I" Fall Leadership Conference

Event Schedule



ALL SCHEDULED TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Dress Attire

Business Casual unless otherwise noted on the schedule below.  Scroll down for the dress code key.

Button



Print

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Ed Convo - Greetings, Games & Giveaways
Sponsored by ABEN
Location: Pearl Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Executive Committee Hospitality (by invitation, only)
Location: McBride Suite, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Executive Committee Dinner (by invitation, only)
Location: OFFSITE
                  The Chop House Grand Rapids
                  Maduro Room
                  190 Monroe Avenue NW
                  Grand Rapids, MI 49503
                  (616) 451-6184 
        
                

DRESS CODE KEY:

Business:

MEN - Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie
WOMEN - Suit (pants or skirt), Dress, Pants/Skirt & Blouse/Sweater

Business Casual:

MEN - Jacket Optional, Casual Pants (khakis) with Collared Shirt or Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Casual Dress, Sun Dress, Casual Pants/Skirt with Blouse/Sweater, or Golf Shirt

Casual:

MEN - Casual Pants, Jeans, or Shorts with Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Very Casual Dress/Skirt or Sun Dress, Casual Pants, Shorts or Jeans


Print

7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Headquarters Office 
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Open
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ed Convo - Education Directors Networking Lounge
Sponsored by Selective Insurance Company
Location: Lyon Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Ed Convo - Welcome Breakfast & Opening General Session with speaker Claudia St. John
Challenging Conversations - Tools For Improving Emotional Intelligence and Navigating Conflict
Wouldn't it be nice if every situation was free of conflict and disagreement? Unfortunately that is not always the case and employees in businesses can face difficult conversations from time to time and having the skills to prepare for and conduct challenging conversations can mean the difference between collaboration and conflict.  Attend this session to learn the science behind emotional intelligence (EQ), and develop skills to strengthen EQ and prepare for and conduct critical conversations safely and effectively. Join Claudia St. John, President of Affinity HR Group (Workplace Advisors) in a discussion of how to improve emotional intelligence and navigate the workplace challenges of today and tomorrow.  
Sponsored by InsurBanc
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
Continental Breakfast Served at 8:00am
Buffet Lunch Served at 12:00pm 
LocationGrandview A & B Room, Conference Level, 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Ed Convo - Education Events Excellence II
with Sara Bradshaw-Ray 
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
PLC Meeting (by invitation, only)
Lunch Buffet Served at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Thornapple RoomConference Level, 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Ed Convo - Networking Luncheon
Sponsored by IdealTraits
Location: Governor's Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Ed Convo Breakouts - PICK ONE:

Breakout 1: Hands-On Hybrid
with Brett Gerger
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Breakout 2: Hands-On Design and Video Tips
Location: Haldane Room, Conference Level, 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Ed Convo Breakouts - PICK ONE:

Breakout 1: The Institutes
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Breakout 2 - The National Alliance 
Location: Haldane Room, Conference Level, 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Ed Convo - User Group Session: New Level Partners
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Ed Convo - TICKETED EVENT - Founders Brewing Company
Sponsored by IRMI
Location: OFFSITE                 

• 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.: Networking, Music, Food, Drinks
• 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.: Brewery Tour


6
:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Executive Committee, Diversity Council, and Invest Board Reception & Dinner (by invitation, only)
 Reception - 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
 Dinner - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m
LocationGerald R. Ford Ballroom, Lobby Level,1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

6
:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
PLC Dinner (by invitation, only)
Location: OFFSITE
                Reserve Wine & Food
                Champagne Room & Lounge
                201 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 100
                Grand Rapids, MI 49503
                (616) 855-9463



DRESS CODE KEY
:

Business:

MEN - Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie
WOMEN - Suit (pants or skirt), Dress, Pants/Skirt & Blouse/Sweater

Business Casual:

MEN - Jacket Optional, Casual Pants (khakis) with Collared Shirt or Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Casual Dress, Sun Dress, Casual Pants/Skirt with Blouse/Sweater, or Golf Shirt

Casual:

MEN - Casual Pants, Jeans, or Shorts with Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Very Casual Dress/Skirt or Sun Dress, Casual Pants, Shorts or Jeans


Print

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ed Convo - Education Directors Networking Lounge
Sponsored by Selective Insurance Company
Location: Lyon Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Headquarters Office 
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Registration Open
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Ed Convo CLOSED Sessions, Association Staff Only - PICK ONE:

Membership by Size - Small (Up to 250 Members) 
Location: Senator Vandenberg Room A, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Membership by Size - Medium (251 - 450 Members) 
Location: Senator Vandenberg Room B, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Membership by Size - Large (450+ Members) 
Location: Governor's Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Big I Michigan Young Agents Charity Golf Outing
Profits from the event will help both MI Future Foundation and Young Agents provide programs and scholarships to high school and college students pursuing careers and degrees in the independent agency system.

Schedule:
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Registration, Continental Breakfast, Driving Range
9:00 a.m. - Shotgun Start (Format - Four Person Scramble)
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  - Lunch Grill Open
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Reception, Awards and Prizes

Location
: OFFSITE
                 The Meadows Golf Course
                 Grand Valley State University
                 4645 West Campus Drive
                 Allendale, MI 49401
                 (616) 331-1000

Transportation on own.

Click here to register for the golf tournament and additional information.

For questions, please contact Aleisha Wenzlick at (517) 327-8051. 

8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
Continental Breakfast Served at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Grandview A & B Room, Conference Level, 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Invest Board Meeting (by invitation, only)
Location: Gerald R. Ford Ballroom, Lobby Level,1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Diversity Council Meeting (by invitation, only)
Location: Emerald Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Ed Convo - Idea Swap Meet + Gift Exchange and AI, Education and Marketing
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Ed Convo Morning Buzz Sponsor Showcase
Meet Representatives From: A.D. Banker, Exam FX, HSB, IdealTraits, IRMI, WAHVE, WebCE, and The Institutes
Location: Pantlined Ballroom, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Diversity Council and Invest Board Collaboration (by invitation, only)
Location: Emerald Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
Ed Convo Excellence in Education Awards Luncheon
Co-Sponsored by: Trusted Choice and New Level Partners
Location: Governor's Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Joining the celebration: IIABA Senior Staff, Executive Committee, State Executives and Diversity and Invest committees.

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Buffet Lunch Served at 12:30pm
LocationKendall Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

1
:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
AAS Board Meeting (by invitation, only)
Buffet Lunch Served at 12:30pm
Location: Nelson Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Finance Committee Meeting
Location: Winchester Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel


2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Ed Convo - User Group Session Sponsored by ABEN
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Young Agents Committee Meeting (National Young Agents Committee, Only)
Location: Berkey Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Ed Convo - General Session: E&O Risk Management Update
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
FLC Welcome Reception
Drink Ticket sponsored by Big I Michigan
Open to all attendees
Location: Pantlined Ballroom, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
YALI Night Out (Pre-Registration Required)
Hosted by Big I Michigan Young Agents
Location: ONSITE
                  Woodrows Duckpin, Lobby Level, 1st Floor

7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Government Affairs Committee and InsurPac Board of Trustees Dinner (by invitation, only)
Location: ONSITE
                  The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
                  Lake Superior & Lake Huron Rooms
                  Lobby Level - 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Finance Committee Dinner (by invitation, only)
Location: ONSITE
                  The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
                  Lake Michigan Room
                  Lobby Level - 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
AAS/BIA/MSI Board Dinner (by invitation, only)
Location: OFFSITE
                  Leo's Seafood Restaurant & Bar
                  West Room
                  60 Ottawa Avenue NW
                  Grand Rapids, MI 49503
                  (616) 454-6700 



DRESS CODE KEY
:

Business:

MEN - Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie
WOMEN - Suit (pants or skirt), Dress, Pants/Skirt & Blouse/Sweater

Business Casual:

MEN - Jacket Optional, Casual Pants (khakis) with Collared Shirt or Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Casual Dress, Sun Dress, Casual Pants/Skirt with Blouse/Sweater, or Golf Shirt

Casual:

MEN - Casual Pants, Jeans, or Shorts with Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Very Casual Dress/Skirt or Sun Dress, Casual Pants, Shorts or Jeans


Print

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Steering Committee Meeting (by invitation, only)
Continental breakfast served at 7:15 a.m.
Location: Fine Arts Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Ed Convo - Closing General Session: Sharing and Wrap Up
Buffet breakfast served at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Haldane Room, Conference Level, 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Headquarters Office 
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Open
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
InsurPac Board of Trustees Committee Meeting 
LocationBerkey Room, Conference Level, 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
MSI Board Meeting (by invitation, only)
Continental Breakfast Served at 8:30am
LocationNelson Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
YALI Opening General Session & Keynote Speaker - Robyn Benincasa
Open to all registered attendees
Breakfast On Own
Location: Ambassador Ballroom, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

11:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
YALI Networking Luncheon
Location: Governor's Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
State Lobbyist Meeting 
Buffet Lunch Served at 11:45am
Location: Emerald Room, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Woodworth Memorial Luncheon (by invitation, only)
Attire: Business
Location: Thornapple Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
SAPPS Luncheon (by invitation, only)
Location: Kendall Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
YALI Workshop 1: How to Become a Hard Market Hero
Location: Ambassador Ballroom, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
YALI Workshop 2: Tackling Hard Conversations
Location: Ambassador Ballroom, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
YALI Speed Networking: Cultivating Connections
Location: Gerald R. Ford Ballroom, Lobby Level,1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
YALI Happy Hour & Awards Reception with Big "I" Leadership
Location: Pantlined Ballroom, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Past Presidents'/Chairmen's Reception & Dinner (by invitation, only)
Attire: Black Tie Optional
Location: Imperial Ballroom, Lobby Level,1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

DRESS CODE KEY:

Business:

MEN - Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie
WOMEN - Suit (pants or skirt), Dress, Pants/Skirt & Blouse/Sweater

Business Casual:

MEN - Jacket Optional, Casual Pants (khakis) with Collared Shirt or Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Casual Dress, Sun Dress, Casual Pants/Skirt with Blouse/Sweater, or Golf Shirt

Casual:

MEN - Casual Pants, Jeans, or Shorts with Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Very Casual Dress/Skirt or Sun Dress, Casual Pants, Shorts or Jeans


Print

7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
IAAE Meeting
Buffet Breakfast Served at 7:15 a.m.
Attire: Business

Location: Grand Gallery Overlook G/H, Overlook Level, DeVos Place

8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Headquarters Office 
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel


8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Registration Open
LocationOttawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
CLOSED Board of Directors Meeting
Only Directors, Executive Committee, IIABA President & CEO, IIABA COO & CFO, and IIABA General Counsel to Attend

Buffet Breakfast Served at 7:45am
Attire: Business
Location: Steelcase Ballroom, Ballroom A, Street Level, DeVos Place

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

YALI State Idea Share: Inside Award Winning Committees
Buffet Breakfast Served at 8:30am
Attire: Business Casual

LocationAmbassador Ballroom, Concourse Level, 2nd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Board of Directors Spouse/Guest Continental Breakfast and Volunteer Opportunity
Please join us for a fun activity that will benefit Kids' Food Basket, an organization that provides healthy, ready-to-eat meals daily to thousands of children across Western Michigan. We’ll learn more about the issue of food insecurity, pack sack suppers for area children and, if you want to get creative, decorate bags with messages to make the kids smile. Spouses and Guests of all Big “I” Board Directors, Officers, and State Executives are welcome!  
LocationGerald R. Ford Ballroom, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

9
:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
OPEN Board of Directors Meeting
All Attendees at the Fall Leadership Conference are Invited to Attend
Attire: Business
LocationSteelcase Ballroom, Ballroom A, Street Level, DeVos Place

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Installation of Officers Luncheon
Open to all attendees, Registration and Ticket Required
Attire: Business
LocationSteelcase Ballroom, Ballroom B, Street Level, DeVos Place

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Breakout Session (by invitation, only)
Attire: Business

Facilitator: Mike McBride
Location: River Overlook B Room, DeVos Place

Facilitator: Todd Jackson
Location: River Overlook C Room, DeVos Place

F
acilitator: Lou Moran
LocationRiver Overlook D Room, DeVos Place

Facilitator: Angela Ripley
LocationRiver Overlook E Room, DeVos Place

Facilitator: Greg Sandrock
LocationRiver Overlook A Room, DeVos Place

Facilitator: Bob Fee
LocationChase Boardroom, Overlook Level, DeVos Place

2:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Headquarters Office
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

2:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Open
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Mike McBride Reception & Dinner
(All welcome - registration required)
Hosted by Big I Michigan
Attire: Business or Business Casual

Location: OFFSITE
                  Grand Rapids Public Museum (Click here for Walking Directions)
                  272 Pearl Street NW
                  Grand Rapids, MI 49504
                  (616) 929-1700

                  Transportation:
                  * Directions: https://www.grpm.org/visit/
                  * .2 miles/5-minute walk from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
                  * (2) 27 passenger trolleys will go back and forth between the Amway Grand Plaza
                     Hotel and the Grand Rapids Public Museum on a continuous basis. The first
                     departure from the hotel will take place at 5:30 p.m. and the last departure from
                     the museum will take place at 10:30 p.m.


DRESS CODE KEY
:

Business:

MEN - Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie
WOMEN - Suit (pants or skirt), Dress, Pants/Skirt & Blouse/Sweater

Business Casual:

MEN - Jacket Optional, Casual Pants (khakis) with Collared Shirt or Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Casual Dress, Sun Dress, Casual Pants/Skirt with Blouse/Sweater, or Golf Shirt

Casual:

MEN - Casual Pants, Jeans, or Shorts with Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Very Casual Dress/Skirt or Sun Dress, Casual Pants, Shorts or Jeans


Print

7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Headquarters Office 
Location: Ottawa Room, Lobby Level, 1st Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Big I Reinsurance Company (BIRC) Shareholder Meeting
Breakfast on Own
Location: Steelcase Ballroom, Ballroom A, Street Level, DeVos Place

8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
OPEN Board of Directors Meeting
All Attendees at the Fall Leadership Conference are Invited to Attend
Location: Steelcase Ballroom, Ballroom A, Street Level, DeVos Place

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
CLOSED Board of Directors Meeting
Only Directors, Executive Committee, IIABA President & CEO, IIABA COO & CFO, and IIABA General Counsel to Attend
Location: Steelcase Ballroom, Ballroom A, Street Level, DeVos Place

12:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
CLOSED New Executive Committee Meeting
Location: Thornapple Room, Conference Level - 3rd Floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

5:00 p.m. 
Executive Committee Hospitality & Dinner (by invitation, only)
Reception - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Dinner - 6:00 p.m.
Location: McBride Suite, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel                  

DRESS CODE KEY:

Business:

MEN - Suit and Tie or Jacket and Tie
WOMEN - Suit (pants or skirt), Dress, Pants/Skirt & Blouse/Sweater

Business Casual:

MEN - Jacket Optional, Casual Pants (khakis) with Collared Shirt or Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Casual Dress, Sun Dress, Casual Pants/Skirt with Blouse/Sweater, or Golf Shirt

Casual:

MEN - Casual Pants, Jeans, or Shorts with Golf Shirt
WOMEN - Very Casual Dress/Skirt or Sun Dress, Casual Pants, Shorts or Jeans


image 
 
​127 South Peyton Street
Alexandria VA 22314
​phone: 800.221.7917
fax: 703.683.7556
email: info@iiaba.net

Follow Us!


​Empowering Trusted Choice®
Independent Insurance Agents.