Praise for the INA
“[The] INA meeting was the first time all stakeholders could meet at a forum dedicated to fostering better alignment between carriers and agency networks. While agency networks are appreciated as reliable sources of new business growth, carrier/network interaction is not yet optimized. Attending carriers and networks each have distinctly different business models, products, pricing structures, and services…I found that improved understanding of these differences combined with face-to-face communication with key executives, laid the foundation for enhanced interactions in the future.” Steve Pearson, ISU Steadfast Insurance Agency Network
“Why would a Network join an Alliance of their competitors? That idea crossed our minds many years ago when a carrier partner invited us to our first Insurance Network Alliance meeting. The INA was relatively new, and we attended out of respect for his recommendation. The annual INA meeting affords us quality time with our existing carrier partners at the national level and the opportunity to meet new carriers and vendors. The educational programs and peer to peer exchange bring value not only to our organization but ultimately to our member agencies as well. These are just a few reasons why joining the INA was a terrific decision for FirstChoice. Our carrier partners tell us it’s one of the best events they attend every year, and we can’t agree more.” Diane Wagner, FirstChoice, a MarshBerry Company
“The INA conference provided valuable opportunities to network with industry experts and insurance carriers while learning about and discussing this rapidly changing industry. Getting to connect with carrier partners and other networks…that’s really the biggest benefit of being part of the INA.” A.J. Lovitt, Combined Agents of America
“The event was not only a great way to meet other professionals in the industry, but it also provided an amazing opportunity to learn about some of the successes of other Networks. The application of those learnings in your agency can help drive continued success.” Sabrina Freiberg, Nationwide Insurance
“Every year, the INA and its annual conference deliver more value to our network. The investment INA makes to understanding the ever-evolving network space through its research study has proven insightful. It’s refreshing to be part of an organization that is for networks and served by leaders who are dedicated to this space.” Rene Swan, Renaissance
“I found the INA conference to be an outstanding venue for solid interaction between carriers and key agency networks. The service providers were also well-positioned to serve the audience and subject matter. One panel discussion provided a wonderful example of available technologies that serve agency networks, carriers, and policyholders through transparency of data and information. This approach very much aligns with Nationwide as we place agencies and members at the center of everything we do.” Jay Larsen, Nationwide Insurance
“The spirit of the 2020 conference was about the interdependence and collaboration that exists between agency networks and insurance carriers. The presentations were well done and informative and the networking time was very beneficial. I felt that it compared favorably to CIAB and I look forward to attending next year’s INA conference as well.” Dave Keller, Keystone Insurers Group
“Insurance networks are now at a point where they’re competing against each other. The INA is not a forum for agencies to go in and share their secrets. Rather, it’s a collaborative body where networks can discuss how to expand the traditional operating model and take it forward as the industry evolves…I believe we are well on our way to accomplishing the mission to promote productive relationships with carriers, associations, channel partners and peers to increase value of insurance networks.” Mike Strakhov, Westfield Bank
“INA is important for our organization because it represents a unique opportunity to meet and network with all our carrier partners on one trip. Many of these we handle with one-on-one meetings during the year, but this provides a time to see any partners we may not have get to see until later in the year. It also opens us up to other partners from a service provider standpoint along with a chance to hear from experts in the industry on assorted topics during the event.” Andrew Caldwell, Worldwide Insurance Network
“INA has provided a great platform for keeping up to date with industry leaders on, for instance, upcoming changes and advancements to in technology. It also drives networking with numerous carrier representatives and other agency groups.” Mike Griffin, First Choice Agents Alliance
“I’ve been a member of INA for 6 years and a committee member for 5. The group has grown exponentially over the last few years and the value is evident with the annual conference and periodic webinars. There are three primary benefits with your membership; greatly expanding your network, learning, and meeting many carriers and service providers at one venue. Through INA, I’ve developed strong relationships with friendly competitors which have proven invaluable. The intellectual capital we share with one another has enabled us to collectively bring tremendous value to independent agents across the country, regardless of their affiliation. With the rapid pace at which our industry is changing, it is essential to proactively network with other networks.
Meeting with so many carriers across the country can be a challenge. INA provides the ideal opportunity to meet with so many in a short period of time. The INA conference agenda builds in time throughout the event, to meet with various carriers in a separate meeting room. The has become one of the greatest benefits for our leadership to meet with the leadership of many carriers in one short period of time. Attempting this on your own would require months and a tremendous amount of travel.” Elizabeth Schenk, Agency Network Exchange
“I have personally engaged with more leaders of Insurance Networks at INA than in any other forum. No other event in the IA channel comes close. Applied and the brands within its portfolio will continue to participate at the highest level possible. When networks come together, with a unified voice, carriers and technology partners must listen. INA has potential to become much more than it is today.” Shaun McNeill, Applied Systems
“I have found participation in the INA to be a great way to understand the unique issues affecting network insurance agents and their members. The Annual Meeting is a setting to set up a number of very productive meetings with networks and their services providers.” Mark Angelucci, Utica National
“INA provides Chubb with an opportunity to engage with nearly every agency network, obtain feedback, and share additional information about our broad array of products and services. As a fast-growing, innovative insurer, Chubb values the ability to listen to the issues that are driving the decision-making at leading agency networks.” Paul Morrissette, Chubb
“As a carrier representative who attends many conferences across the country, I would say the INA conference is one of the most valuable conferences I attend all year. Having the chance to meet with so many senior leaders of important distribution partners is an incredibly efficient use of my time and productive in creating deep and long-term business relationships. I would highly encourage any carrier representative thinking of attending to do so, there are very few other conferences that brings together this many agent, vendor and carrier representatives in a format that is this conducive to having meaningful discussions.” Marcus Reidell, Travelers
“As a member of the Insurance Network Alliance for the past 7 years and serving on the advisory board, I have experienced firsthand the tremendous benefits that come with being part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. The Alliance provides a valuable platform for networking with industry experts, sharing best practices, and staying updated on the latest trends and innovations in the insurance sector. Now serving on the advisory board has allowed me to contribute my insights and expertise, shaping the direction of the Alliance and ensuring that it continues to meet the evolving needs of its members. I highly recommend the Insurance Network Alliance to anyone looking to grow their professional network, expand their knowledge, and make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.” James Bastian, Advantage Partners Inc.
“At the annual INA conference, our team found a goldmine of strategic opportunities. The event gathers company leaders from across the nation, providing a rare platform to efficiently connect with numerous key partners. Not only did we strengthen existing relationships, but we also forged valuable new connections with carrier partners previously untapped.
Moreover, the conference showcased an impressive array of InsureTech innovations and expertise. The involvement of top-tier tech vendors brought cutting-edge offerings and insights into a single space, fostering deep and meaningful conversations during networking opportunities. Overall, the INA conference proved to be an invaluable investment for our business, offering unparalleled access to industry leaders and cutting-edge technologies. We eagerly anticipate our continued participation in this transformative event.” Nicholas Petrocelli, ASNOA
“EMC Insurance has been a member and sponsor of INA since 2020. It has been a very valuable experience for us to meet with our agency partners in attendance and have business conversations about how we can better partner to align and grow profitably together. It has also been beneficial to hear the same messages and information being discussed about our industry and how networks and member agencies are impacted by what is happening around them.” Jessica Hendricks, EMC Insurance
“Being a member of INA has offered me the opportunity to engage in so many industry resources I was unaware of. From technology to up and coming markets, to learning industry updates, INA has been a great value to our network.” Niki Toon, Combined Agents of America