2026 Young Agents Development Conference

October 29 to 30, 2026 Embassy Suites, 9 Estell Lee Pl, Wilmington, NC
About Speakers Schedule Registration Hotel Information

About the Event

Build Your Future. Grow Your Network. Level Up Your Career.

Don't Ghost Your Future.

The Young Agents Development Conference returns to Wilmington, NC on October 29-30, bringing together the next generation of insurance professionals for two energizing days of learning, networking, and career growth. With spooky season in full swing, we've woven a few fun surprises into the experience, but the real magic comes from the connections you'll make and the ideas you'll take home.

If you're 41 or under or simply new to the independent insurance industry, this conference was designed with you in mind. Escape the ordinary and step into an interactive, high-energy experience focused on the skills you need today, and the opportunities waiting ahead.

Here's what you'll experience:

🎃 No Tricks. Just Career Treats.
Choose from engaging breakout sessions packed with practical strategies you can put to work the moment you return to your agency.

🕸️ Connections That Won't Vanish Overnight
Meet insurance professionals from across North Carolina, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will support your career long after the conference ends.

🔮 See What's Lurking Around the Corner
Discover the latest AI tools, technology, sales strategies, leadership insights, and industry trends shaping the future of independent insurance.

🦇 Learn from Industry Trailblazers
Hear from respected leaders and innovators who have navigated the industry's twists and turns and are ready to share what they've learned.

👻 Networking That's More Fun Than Frightening
From our themed networking events to conversations with peers who understand your challenges, you'll leave with a stronger network and plenty of new ideas.

Don't let your career get haunted by "what if." Invest two days in yourself, gain practical knowledge, build lasting relationships, and leave with the confidence to take your next big step.

Best of all? It's FREE for IIANC member agents.*

 

Please note: The Young Agents Development Conference does not include a trade show or exhibit hall. Instead, company representatives are invited and encouraged to join us for an event packed with high-value networking and learning opportunities. Connect with independent agents in a relaxed, high-energy environment, and gain insights from industry thought leaders who are shaping the future of insurance.

*IIANC member agents can attend the Young Agents Development Conference for FREE! A $50 registration fee will be charged and refunded as a $50 Amazon gift card (emailed 2–3 weeks after the event) to those who attend. This fee helps reduce no-shows. If you don’t attend or cancel at least 10 business days in advance, the fee is forfeited. Offer valid for IIANC member agents only (does not apply for company/vendor representatives).

Contact Information

Allyson Knott, CMP

aknott@iianc.com

Schedule

Expand each date below to explore the schedule. 
Thursday, October 29
10:30am - 11:45am
General Session: Grow Your Book Faster And BOR New Business In Two Meetings Or Less 
Speaker: Nick Aube

If you're looking to build your book of business faster and stand out early in your career, this session is for you. Nick Aube will share practical strategies for using the Broker of Record (BOR) process to create more value for prospects, shorten the sales cycle, and confidently win new accounts in two meetings or less. Walk away with proven techniques you can immediately apply to grow your pipeline, earn trust, and accelerate your success as a young insurance professional.


11:45am - 1:15pm
Networking Lunch


1:30pm - 2:30pm
General Session: Leading the Way - Lessons from Leaders
Panelists: April Jones, Alexandra Lysik, Adrienne Moore, Jennifer Nielsen
Moderator: Merritt Tongen

What does it really take to grow from an emerging professional into a confident leader? Join iLEAD Chair Merritt Tongen for an engaging panel discussion featuring accomplished members of IIANC's Women IA-Executives Network (WIN) as they share their personal leadership journeys. Through candid conversation, panelists will discuss the pivotal experiences, mentors, challenges, and decisions that shaped their careers. You'll gain practical insights on building leadership skills, creating meaningful professional relationships, seeking out mentorship, and positioning yourself for future opportunities. Whether you're just beginning your career or preparing for your next leadership role, you'll leave with inspiration and actionable advice to help guide your own path.

  
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Top Gun Graduation Ceremony

Join us as we recognize the inaugural graduates of iLEAD's Top Gun Advocacy Program. This special ceremony celebrates young agents who have completed an intensive leadership and advocacy training focused on the legislative process, grassroots engagement, and the future of independent insurance in North Carolina. Help us congratulate these emerging industry leaders as they take the next step in their professional journey.


3:00pm - 3:30pm
Break


3:30pm - 4:30pm
Breakout Sessions (choose one):

Option #1: From Account Manager to Agency MVP: Standing Out Without a Leadership Title
Speakers: Jennifer Nielsen and Erin Chitwood

You don't need a management title to become one of your agency's most valuable team members. In this session, we'll explore how account managers and service professionals can elevate their impact by taking initiative, strengthening client relationships, sharing knowledge, and becoming a trusted resource for both teammates and leadership. Discover practical strategies to increase your influence, demonstrate your value, and position yourself for future opportunities—all while excelling in the role you have today.

 
Option #2: Build A Systematic Sales System 
Speaker: Nick Aube

Ready to put the Broker of Record (BOR) process into action? In this hands-on breakout session, Nick Aube will walk through the step-by-step sales system he uses to consistently win new business. You'll learn how to structure each meeting, ask the right questions, overcome objections, and confidently guide prospects from first conversation to signed BOR. Whether you're new to sales or looking to sharpen your process, you'll leave with a repeatable framework you can start using immediately to grow your book of business.


5:30pm - 7:30pm
👻 After Hours: Don't Ghost Your Future
Location: Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar, Embassy Suites

When the sessions end, the fun begins.

Join us at Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar for YADC's signature networking event, where you'll enjoy skyline views, drinks, appetizers, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow young insurance professionals.

Feeling festive? Come dressed in costume! Whether you go all out or keep it simple, we'll be awarding prizes for some of the evening's most creative looks. (Costumes are encouraged, but not required.)

Whether you're reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new friends, or continuing conversations from the day's sessions, this is the perfect chance to grow your network in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. We'll provide light appetizers and drinks to keep the conversation flowing. Make plans to grab dinner afterward and keep the night alive with your new connections.

🎃 No tricks. Just great networking, good company, and a little Halloween fun.

 
Friday, October 30
8:00am - 9:00am
Breakfast

 

9:00am - 10:30am
General Session: AI, Live and Unscripted
Speaker: Kimberly Fox and Walker Ross

No script, no slides full of screenshots, just AI tools running live, based on what you want to see. Watch competing AI tools tackle the same prompts side by side and see where they differ. Bring your questions and steer the demo: useful tools, client emails, marketing copy, whatever you're curious about. We'll also cover the essentials: some tips for smart prompting, chats vs. projects vs. agents, free vs. paid subscriptions, and why human oversight not only matters, but sets you apart. Walk away with real tools and techniques you can use in your agency Monday morning.


 

Registration

Pricing (Agents):

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

 IIANC Member Agents             Non-Member Agents
Full Conference Registration              FREE*$500
Thursday Day PassFREE*N/A

 

*All IIANC member agents can attend the Young Agents Development Conference for FREE! You will be charged a nominal fee of $50 upon registering. After attending the event, you will receive a $50 Amazon gift card to offset the cost of registration (sent approximately 2-3 weeks following the event). This is being done in an effort to reduce the number of "no shows" at the event - if you register and do not show up or do not cancel at least 10 business days before the event, you will forfeit the $50 fee that was initially paid. 

 

Pricing (Company Representatives):

 PARTNERSNon-PARTNERS
Networking Pass                        $250                $500
   

 

Please note: The Young Agents Development Conference does not include a trade show or exhibit hall. Instead, company representatives are invited—and encouraged—to join us for an event packed with high-value networking and learning opportunities. Connect with independent agents in a relaxed, high-energy environment, and gain insights from industry thought leaders who are shaping the future of insurance.

 

Cancellation Policy

Notice of cancellation for individual registrations for IIANC's Young Agents Development Conference 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.

Hotel Information

Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

9 Estell Lee Place
Wilmington, NC 28401

We have a discounted group block with a rate of $189/night (standard view) or $209/night (river view). This rate will expire on 9/28/26 or when the block sells out, whichever occurs first. 

Click here to make your reservation