2026 Agency Leaders Executive Retreat

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March 15 to 18, 2026 Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
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About the Event

Step away from the day-to-day grind and into the serene luxury of the iconic Omni Grove Park Inn for the 2026 Agency Leaders Executive Retreat, an exclusive experience crafted for agency owners, principals, and rising leaders looking to elevate their leadership and strengthen the future of their organizations.

This year’s retreat features an exceptional lineup of nationally recognized thought leaders who will challenge how you think, lead, and operate:

  • Robert “Cujo” Teschner, former USAF F-15 fighter pilot and sought-after leadership expert, will deliver high-impact insights on trust, accountability, and building elite teams.
  • Larry Linne, back by popular demand from 2025's Retreat, a renowned business strategist and author of Leading Performance Because It Can’t Be Managed, will guide agency leaders through a modern approach to performance, culture, and execution.
  • Carey Wallace, respected industry analyst, will break down the financial clarity every agency needs - valuation, perpetuation, and the data that drives smart decision-making.
  • Jackson Rollo, dynamic agency leader and President of Rollo Insurance, will share real-world strategies for growth, operational excellence, and navigating today’s evolving marketplace.

Connect with like-minded agency leaders from across North Carolina in an intimate, collaborative environment designed to spark bold thinking and real transformation. Between sessions, enjoy time to unwind, recharge, and soak in everything Asheville has to offer, from breathtaking mountain views and championship golf to world-class spa experiences and exceptional dining.

And this year, we’re closing the retreat Tuesday evening in unforgettable fashion…
Join us for a glitzy Vegas-style Casino Night celebration! 🎲 
Expect dazzling décor, high-energy gaming tables, music, and plenty of fun as we wrap up the retreat in true high-roller style.

We can’t wait to see you there!

 

A Note for Vendors and Industry Partners:
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to build meaningful relationships with agency decision-makers in a relaxed, intimate setting. While there’s no trade show component, the retreat offers unparalleled access for genuine conversation, high-value networking, and relationship-building.

 

Contact Information

Allyson Knott, CMP

aknott@iianc.com

Event Speakers

Schedule

Expand each date below to explore the schedule and agenda. 
Sunday, March 15
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Welcome Networking Reception

Kick off the retreat with an evening of relaxed networking and stunning views. Connect with fellow attendees, enjoy light refreshments, and take in the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains as we officially begin our time together. It’s the perfect setting to ease into the week and start building meaningful connections.


6:00pm
Dinner on Your Own

Some nearby restaurants to consider include:

  • Cúrate – Award-winning Spanish tapas.
  • Rhubarb – Seasonal, farm-to-table Appalachian cuisine.
  • Tupelo Honey – Modern Southern comfort food.
  • Posana – Contemporary American dining; entirely gluten-free kitchen.
  • Chai Pani – Creative Indian street food; James Beard Award winner.
  • Limones – Mexican–Californian fusion with standout margaritas.
  • The Lobster Trap – Fresh seafood and raw bar favorites.
  • Chestnut – Upscale American dishes and craft cocktails.
  • Benne on Eagle – Modern Appalachian cuisine with cultural roots.
  • White Duck Taco Shop – Fast-casual, inventive tacos perfect for groups.
 

Monday, March 16
7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast

8:30am - 10:00am
General Session - Debrief to Win
Speaker: Robert "Cujo" Teschner
 
In this powerful keynote, Robert “Cujo” Teschner shares the high-performance debriefing process used by elite fighter-pilot teams—and shows agency leaders how to apply it to build stronger, more accountable organizations.

Attendees will learn how to use a practical, repeatable “mission-cycle” framework: plan with clarity, brief with intent, execute to standards, and debrief for learning rather than blame.

You’ll walk away with tools to:
  • Foster honest, judgment-free communication that strengthens trust
  • Replace ineffective post-mortems with clear root-cause analysis and actionable next steps
  • Establish visible procedural and behavioral standards to eliminate ambiguity
  • Create a daily rhythm of continuous improvement that drives better results
Whether your agency is growing or refining its operations, “Debrief to Win” offers a proven pathway to elevate team performance, strengthen culture, and make accountability a competitive advantage.

10:00am - 10:15am
Break

10:15am - 11:15am
Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: Session TBA
Speaker: Larry Linne
 
 

#2: Debrief to Win Breakout
Speaker: Robert "Cujo" Teschner

Take the concepts from Cujo’s powerful general session even deeper in this interactive breakout. Attendees will practice the “Debrief to Win” methodology, learn how to implement a high-performance feedback rhythm within their teams, and walk away with practical tools to improve communication, alignment, and accountability. This hands-on session is designed to help you turn insight into action and immediately elevate your team’s performance.


11:15am - 11:30am
Break
 
11:30am - 12:30pm
General Session: Ownership Roadmap - Structuring the Future of Your Agency
Speaker: Carey Wallace

In this insightful general session, Carey Wallace breaks down the essential components of designing a clear, strategic pathway to agency ownership. From phantom stock and incentive compensation to minority ownership opportunities, Carey will walk you through the pros, cons, and real-world considerations of each option.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Evaluate different ownership models and determine which aligns with your goals
  • Build compensation structures that reward performance and inspire loyalty
  • Create a scalable plan that supports succession, perpetuation, and long-term agency value
Whether you’re preparing future leaders, planning your own exit strategy, or exploring ways to retain top talent, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create an ownership pathway that works for you, your team, and the future of your agency.


12:30pm
Lunch on Your Own 


1:30pm
Optional Brewery Crawl – Monday Afternoon ($50/person)

Explore Asheville’s world-class craft beer scene with fellow attendees during this relaxed, fun afternoon outing. Your registration fee covers round-trip transportation to several local breweries; all food and beverages are on your own. It’s the perfect way to experience a taste of Asheville while connecting with peers in a laid-back setting. Cheers! 


5:00pm
Private WIN Function
Location: Lobby Bar 

Tuesday, March 17
8:00am - 9:00am
Breakfast

9:00am - 10:15am
General Session: Creating a High-Performance Culture
Speaker: Jackson Rollo


10:15am - 10:30am
Break

10:30am - 11:30am
Breakout Sessions (choose one):

#1: Building a Brand Foundation
Speaker: Jackson Rollo

 


#2: Session TBA
Speaker: TBD

 

11:45am - 1:15pm
Networking Lunch & Panel Discussion


1:15pm - 1:30pm
Break
  

1:30pm - 2:30pm
General Session: How to Build an Agency with No Competition 
Speaker: Larry Linne

In this forward-thinking keynote, industry leader Larry Linne challenges agency owners to rethink what truly sets them apart in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. By blending modern leadership insights with the realities of AI, shifting consumer expectations, and changing distribution dynamics, Larry reveals how agencies can create a value proposition so strong and so distinct that competition becomes irrelevant.

Attendees will explore:

  • The critical elements of a modern, differentiated value proposition
  • How AI is reshaping the customer experience—and how agencies can leverage it to enhance, not replace, human connection
  • The evolving role of the agency and the new expectations of clients and teams
  • Practical steps to design an agency model that delivers unmatched value in every interaction
You’ll leave with a renewed understanding of your agency’s potential, equipped with strategies to stand out, stay ahead, and build an agency that competitors simply can’t replicate.

 
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Casino Royale Closing Night Party

We’re wrapping up the 2026 Agency Leaders Executive Retreat in true Vegas style! Join us for an unforgettable closing night celebration featuring a full casino experience—complete with gaming tables, lively entertainment, themed décor, and plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle, and test your luck. Whether you're rolling the dice, doubling down, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this glitzy finale is the perfect way to celebrate new connections, big ideas, and a retreat well spent.

Registration

Pricing (Agents):

Agents are classified as those who are employed by independent insurance agencies in the state of North Carolina. Company representatives, vendors, and exhibitors are not eligible to register for these functions/pricing (even if they are licensed agents). 

 IIANC Member Agents         Non-Member Agents
Full Conference Registration$399$799
Spouse / Guest*$299$299

*This registration is for a personal spouse/guest (cannot be a co-worker or someone in the industry). This registration fee will cover spouse/guest attendance at the Sunday evening Welcome Reception and Tuesday evening reception, dinner, and entertainment. The spouse/guest will be on their own for all other meals.

 

Pricing (Company Representatives):

 PARTNERS          Non-PARTNERS
Networking Pass                             $599$1199
Spouse / Guest*$299$299
   

*This registration is for a personal spouse/guest (cannot be a co-worker or someone in the industry). This registration fee will cover spouse/guest attendance at the Sunday evening Welcome Reception and Tuesday evening reception, dinner, and entertainment. The spouse/guest will be on their own for all other meals.

 

Cancellation Policy
Notice of cancellation for individual registrations for IIANC's Agency Leaders Executive Retreat must be submitted in writing to acruickshank@iianc.com. Refunds will only be given to cancellation requests received by close of business 10 business days prior to the event. Substitutions of attendees may be made in writing until five business days prior to the event. Any changes (including substitutions) made to an existing registration will incur a $25 processing fee. This cancellation policy will remain in effect in cases of inclement weather as long as the event/conference is not cancelled.

Omni Grove Park Inn

290 Macon Ave., Asheville, NC, 28804

Serving guests for over a century, The Omni Grove Park Inn welcomes you with a tradition of southern hospitality amidst the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Relax in the unique subterranean spa with an indoor pool or enjoy a round of championship golf on their Donald Ross-designed course. When it’s time to dine, enjoy one of four locally-sourced restaurants. Then, retreat to stylish 5 star hotel rooms with stunning views and plush bedding. We know you’ll enjoy the classic comfort and modern convenience of this amazing resort.

We have a discounted group rate of $269++/night (plus $30 resort fee). This rate will be available until February 9 or when the block sells out, whichever occurs first. Upgraded rooms are available at an additional fee.