1500+ Attendees Feel the Magic of Orlando and NetVU

This was the year of networking; face-to-face, social, online and mobile, the conference had it all. The theme—The Magic is in the Message—rang true for attendees, exhibitors and speakers alike. 

From the beginning keynote speaker team of Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman, we all learned that in order for everyone to feel the magic, the message has to be crafted for the recipient and each generation likes it differently. From Traditionals to Baby Boomers to Gen Xers and Millennials, what we say and they hear are often two different messages. As more 20-somethings join the workforce and take over small businesses, marketing and managing them will continue to be a challenge.

But NetVU took this advice to heart almost a year ago when it began developing the NetVU Conference mobile app. Downloaded by 1679, the NetVU App put all aspects of the conference directly into the hands of attendees from schedules and session descriptions, to facility and speaker information, to evaluations and special events, it proved to be a winner for everyone.

The mobile app was especially helpful getting around the exhibit area, the largest show in NetVU Conference history. Full of information on new products and services, experts on Vertafore systems and great insight into their future development, the trade show again proved to be invaluable to attendees.

In addition, there was a tremendous amount of dialogue happening between the attendees and the more than 179 speakers throughout over 150 sessions. Also, the completely redesigned Executive Briefing track was a great success helping agency principals boost productivity, manage staff more effectively and so much more.

As always, the conference was where members got to thank outgoing chairman Carl Schlotman, III, CPCU, CIC, for his outstanding year of service and welcome in the new chairman, Gray Nester, and four new directors—Tina Clay, deNise Cowley, Craig McDonald and Janie Ussery. At the same time, a number of people were recognized for their leadership and service to both NetVU and the industry (see awards article below).

Throughout the conference it wasn’t just about learning; there was lots of fun, too. The receptions and lunches, capped off by the Grand Finale Celebration Saturday night, proved once again what NetVU Chairman Carl Schlotman said throughout his term, “When people talk, good things happen.” And they sure did.

Don’t miss out next year when the NetVU Conference will be at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, April 26-28, 2012. Remember, there’s always a place for you in NetVU.  Register NOW! 

Recognizing Leadership and Service to NetVU and the Industry and Support of Improved Agency Productivity 

It takes commitment and dedication for NetVU to succeed. Each year NetVU combs through dozens of nominations to find those individuals and companies that distinguish themselves above all others; 2011 award recipients were chosen from among a deep list of highly qualified candidates.

• Wade S. Dunbar Jr. Award
  • Carolyn “Cal” Durland, director of member relations, ACORD and AUGIE Facilitator
   
• Quantum Awards – National and Regional
  • Allied Insurance (National Category)
  • Selective Insurance (Regional Category)
   
• Automation Excellence
  • Bank of America’s Irvine, CA-based agency, BAISI (more than 25 category)
   
• Louie E. Woodbury Jr. Leadership Award
  • Cyndy Smith, vice president and director of technology, Haylor Freyer & Coon Inc.
   
• James M. Gibson Service Award
  • Craig McDonald, business systems analyst for Gallagher Benefit Services Inc.
   
• Chairman’s Award
  • Todd Doster, CISSP, MCSE, SSA, Sagitta administrator of McQueary Henry Bowles Trop LLP
  • Kathie L. Ryan, AAI, CISR, AIS, training coordinator of J.W. Terrill Inc.
   

What's in a Name? 

Some folks have asked us if the NetVU name is a derivation of "net view" or something else that would shorten to NetVu.  But our U is capitalized for a reason: you!! 

So what's in our name? The Network of Vertafore Users.  At NetVU, the U is for you... the User! 

“Nothing Happens Unless the Sale is Made!” 

Commercial Lines Carrier Session June 9 in Grapevine, TX  

Do you want to find out how to shift your focus away from data processing and back to sales, service and retention? Do you want to hear from agents and carriers on how they successfully have increased their ease of doing business, improved sales and become recognized for quality service? Then you need to attend the Commercial Lines Carrier Session, June 9 at the Embassy Suites, Grapevine, TX.

This complimentary half-day program, hosted by ACORD, includes an agent panel discussion on why it’s important for carriers to support independent agency efficiency and ease of doing business, and how that will enhance its future competitive position.

You’ll also hear from solution providers about technologies that will help your company become easier to do business with and improve your business. This session is open to carriers and agents.

For More Information/Register 

Tornado Preparedness Checklist for Your Agency

The economic impact on the business community has yet to be determined, but one thing is certain, those businesses with a continuity and disaster recovery plan in place are the key to recovery for some of the hardest hit areas.

The following checklist will help mitigate the risk to your agency, and help protect your most important asset – your people. Download Agility's Tornado Preparedness Checklist.  

If you have additional questions, or for information about Agility Recovery, please call (866) 364-9696 or visit www.agilityrecovery.com.