September is just around the corner and that means that it's time for our annual insurance conference at the J W Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California. This year the convention runs from September 24th through the 27th. Why, you might ask, is it at the end of September? The best answer we can give you comes directly from golfing legend Arnold Palmer: "You don't go to Palm Springs in the summer unless you're building a golf course."

Speaking of Golf

After a reception for exhibitors on Wednesday evening, events hit full speed with a 7:00 am shotgun start for our annual golf tournament, followed by an awards luncheon at 1:00 pm. Continuing education and workshops commence following lunch and continue until 6:00 pm.

It's Not All about Golf

The golf tournament is sort of an ice-breaker. That may be something some will need even after a late September round. Last year, Ken May reminded us that, "It's important to listen to those who have been successful and who are industry leaders." He said that within the context of a number of things that are vitally important for independent agents to succeed in an age when technology and commerce are changing almost constantly:

• Being open-minded to changing the way we have always done things.


• Being lean and properly utilizing our resources of money and time.


• Leaving our agencies to meet the influencers in our communities to help fill our pipeline of prospective clients.

In a very real sense, we need to, and we will, continue to build our convention workshops on these same themes. The need remains the same, but some change in methods may be necessary to stay in the forefront.

It's Not All about Workshops

With over 100 exhibitors, the tradeshow and convention is the largest P&C insurance conferenc in the West. This year's keynote speaker for our general session will be G.A. Bartick, author of the national bestseller, Silver Bullet Selling: Six Critical Steps to Opening More Relationships and Closing More Sales. His address is slated to include topics like:

• How to Outsell the Big, Direct Writers


• The Secrets of Converting Leads to Sales


• How to Differentiate Your Agency and Make More Sales


• Ways to Become a Trusted Advisor for Your Best Clients

It's Not All about Education and Inspiration

We like to have a good time meeting old friends, building new relationships, networking and enjoying some time away from the grind. Expect to have fun in the desert sun and in the shade of San Jacinto Mountains.

It's All about You

The American Agents Alliance annual insurance conference is all about empowering YOU. It's about empowering independent insurance agents and brokers to become more successful. We take your success seriously. We understand that some days it feels like an uphill climb, so we want to help equip you to make those times more productive and worth all of your dedication and effort. It's a golden opportunity prepared especially for you. Your success is our business. Contact us for more details and mark your calendars now.