InsurEXPO26
September 17 to 18, 2026
Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem
About
Speakers
Schedule
Registration
Exhibitor Information
Hotel Information
FAQs
Every customer interaction is a hidden growth opportunity. This session shows service professionals how to naturally uncover revenue during everyday calls and emails. Walk away with a refreshed mindset and actionable tactics to confidently advise, educate, and recommend solutions while building deeper client loyalty.
About the Event
The One Event NC Agents Can't Afford to Miss.
Stop searching. Start finding.
Find new markets. Find innovative solutions. Find valuable connections. Find practical ideas you can put to work immediately.
Join 800+ insurance professionals September 17–18 in Winston-Salem for InsurEXPO26, North Carolina's largest insurance conference and trade show.
- 125+ exhibitors
- Inspiring keynote speakers
- Actionable educational sessions
- Up to 5 hours of CE credit
- Unmatched networking opportunities
Whether you're looking to grow your agency, strengthen carrier relationships, improve operations, or develop your team, InsurEXPO is where the industry comes together.
As an IIANC member, your agency's event registration fee is already included with membership. That means your entire team can take advantage of North Carolina's largest gathering of independent insurance professionals for FREE*. Register today.
IIANC member agents attend free with a $50 deposit, returned after attendance via a $50 Amazon gift card. No-shows or cancellations within 10 days of the conference forfeit the deposit.
Contact Information
Allyson Knott, CMP
Event Speakers
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Byron Reese -
Eric BaileyPresident, Bailey Strategic Innovation Group
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Jessica Yarbrough, CIC, CISR, AFISFounder, Agency Ops Advantage
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Marit PetersPresident & Executive Director, IIAT
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David Smith JD, REBC -
Tammie D'AlluraTammie D’Allura Insurance Educators | Grisso Insurance and Financial Services
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Aubie Knight, CIC, CRMChief Executive Officer, IIANC
Cary, NC
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Joe StewartChief Advocacy Officer, IIANC
Cary, NC
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Mitchell DeHaven, AAI, TRADirector of Technology & Innovation, IIANC
Cary, NC
Schedule
Expand each day below to explore the schedule.
Thursday, September 17
9:00am
Registration Open
9:00am - 10:00am
The Morning Mingle: Coffee & Connections
Join us bright and early for Coffee & Connections, the official warm-up to InsurEXPO26. Grab your badge, enjoy some morning refreshments, and mingle with fellow attendees before the opening keynote. Whether you're here to reconnect or meet someone new, this is the place to start building energy, buzz, and relationships that last beyond the day. Don’t just arrive. Arrive ready.
*The first 100 agents to grab their badge will receive exclusive InsurEXPO merch!
10:00am - 11:30am
Opening General Session - "AI, Insurance, and the Future We Choose"
*Pending CE Approval
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs
Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of business, and the insurance industry is no exception. From underwriting and claims to customer service and agency operations, AI is creating new opportunities to work smarter, serve clients better, and reimagine what's possible.
In this thought-provoking keynote, futurist and bestselling author Byron Reese explores how AI is reshaping the future of insurance and why the most successful organizations will be those that approach change with curiosity, adaptability, and optimism. Rather than focusing on disruption and uncertainty, Byron offers a practical and inspiring perspective on how emerging technologies can enhance human potential, strengthen relationships, and create new opportunities for growth.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of AI's impact on the insurance industry, insights into where technology is headed next, and a renewed sense of confidence about the opportunities that lie ahead for agencies, carriers, and insurance professionals alike.
11:30am - 5:30pm
Networking Hall Open
🎉 The wait is over - the InsurEXPO26 Networking Hall is officially open for business (and fun)! 🎉
Get ready to explore a buzzing hub of 125+ exhibitors, each with tools, tech, and services that could be total game changers for your agency. Whether you’re scouting for fresh ideas, cool innovations, or just some good ol’ inspiration, this is the place to be. Plus, all attendees will have the opportunity to receive a complimentary professional headshot - the perfect chance to refresh your LinkedIn profile, company website, or marketing materials while you're at the event.
And don’t forget to participate in the digital Passport Contest via the Whova mobile app. Visit with exhibitors, have your badge scanned, and receive entries to win one of our awesome prizes, including the $1,000 Grand Prize! More booth visits = more chances to win, so get out there and start networking!
Let the networking (and prize hunting) begin!
11:30am - 1:00pm
Networking Lunch with Exhibitors
Take a break, grab a plate, and keep the conversations going! This is your chance to refuel with fellow attendees and connect with exhibitors over a relaxed lunch.
Whether you're wrapping up a great morning or gearing up for a busy afternoon, this midday gathering is all about making meaningful connections in a casual setting. Find a seat, strike up a conversation, and enjoy good food and even better company.
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Optional Breakout Sessions (choose one):
#1: Leading with Influence: The Change Management Sales Process
Speaker: Jessica Yarbrough
*Pending CE approval
Recommended for: Agency Owners/Principals
This session teaches leaders why even the most extensively planned changes often don't go as planned, and how to make sure that never happens to them again. The same skill set that converts a prospect is the exact skill required to move a team. But when leaders treat change like a logical decision they're announcing instead of a sales opportunity, they get compliance at best and sabotage at worst.
Jessica's 5-step Change Management Sales Process gives leaders a simple, repeatable framework for the three most common types of change every leader faces. Attendees leave with the full framework and a chance to apply it either to an upcoming change they're planning or to one they wish they could do over.
Change management is the #1 leadership skill for the 21st century. Every mishandled change costs real money, erodes team trust, and chips away at agency valuation. But when leaders get this right, the result is a team pulling with leadership against shared problems, instead of against leadership in a game of tug-of-war.
#2: From the General Assembly to Main Street: Issues Impacting Independent Agents
Speakers: Joe Stewart, Sen. Vickie Sawyer
*Pending CE Approval
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs
IIANC Chief Advocacy Officer Joe Stewart is joined by NC Senator (and IIANC member agency owner and WIN member) Vickie Sawyer. Joe and Sen. Sawyer will talk about the issues of interest to independent insurance agents likely to come up in the 2027 Session of the General Assembly that starts in January, and examine the transportation infrastructure and highway safety issues facing North Carolina (Senator Sawyer is also a chair of the Senate Transportation Committee).
#3: Build Your Career Around Your Strengths: Energize and Sustain!
Speaker: Marit Peters
*Pending CE Approval
Recommended for: Producers
Your superpower is your competitive advantage. In this session, you'll learn how to identify your unique strengths, attract your best clients, and create a career that fuels your energy instead of draining it. Stop trying to fit someone else's mold and start building success around what you naturally do best.
#4: 15 Strategies to Ditch Busy and Boost Productivity
Speaker: Stephen Harrington-Descoteaux
*Pending CE Approval
Recommended for: CSRs and Account Managers
Stop letting reactive firefighting and duplicate work hijack your workday. This fast-paced, 60-minute session delivers 15 actionable time-management hacks and philosophies designed to help your team reclaim hours, reduce stress, and eliminate "Time Vampire" workflows. Learn how to transition from chaotic busyness to intentional productivity so you can finally create space for high-value, proactive growth.
3:15pm - 4:15pm
Optional Breakout Sessions (choose one):
#1: 10X Your Book of Business
Speaker: Marit Peters
*Pending CE approval
Recommended for: Producers
In this sales-focused session, IIAT President & Executive Director Marit Peters will show you how to take a fresh look at your book of business, identify your highest-impact clients and opportunities, and focus your time where it can create the biggest return. Inspired by the concepts in 10X Is Easier Than 2X, this session will help agents and producers rethink growth, double down on the top 20% that drives real results, and build a more intentional path to bigger, better business.
#2: The AI Transformation
Speaker: Aubie Knight
*Pending CE approval
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the insurance industry, creating new opportunities for agencies to operate more efficiently, serve clients more effectively, and remain competitive in a changing marketplace. In this session, Aubie Knight will explore how AI is transforming the independent agency channel, highlight practical applications being used today, and discuss what agency leaders should be doing now to prepare for the future. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking to expand its use within your agency, you'll leave with valuable insights and actionable ideas.
#3: PBM Regulation Updates for NC Agents: The SCRIPT Act + New Federal Transparency & Reporting Requirements
Speaker: David Smith
*Pending CE Approval
Recommended for: All agency roles with a L&H focus, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs
PBMs are under increasing scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers, employers, and consumers. In this session, you'll learn how PBMs operate, what North Carolina's new SCRIPT Act means for agents and employers, and how upcoming federal reforms may reshape the prescription drug marketplace. Walk away with a practical checklist for evaluating PBM arrangements and asking the right questions during quoting, renewals, and stewardship conversations.
4:15pm - 5:30pm
Networking Reception with Exhibitors
It’s your last chance to mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections before the Networking Hall closes its doors! Join us for a high-energy reception where great conversations and final visits with our 125+ exhibitors come together over light bites and drinks. Whether you're wrapping up new partnerships, collecting those last few passport entries, or simply enjoying some downtime with peers, this closing reception is the perfect send-off to a productive and fun exhibit experience.
5:30pm
Networking Hall Closed / Exhibitor Teardown
6:00pm
Dinner on Your Own
After a full day of learning and networking, enjoy Winston-Salem’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene at your own pace. Gather with new connections or unwind solo - the city has plenty to offer just steps from the EXPO venue.
Local Recommendations:
- The Katharine Brasserie & Bar — Upscale French-American fare in the historic R.J. Reynolds building.
- Foothills Brewpub — A local favorite for craft beer and casual bites.
- Sixth & Vine — Relaxed wine bar with tapas and outdoor seating.
- Mellow Mushroom — Funky, laid-back pizza spot great for groups.
- Roar — A lively multi-level venue with food, bars, and duckpin bowling.
- Incendiary Brewing — Craft beer and an outdoor courtyard in the cool Bailey Power Plant district.
- Wise Man Brewing — Another excellent local brewery with a fun atmosphere
Friday, September 18
7:30am - 8:45am
Networking Breakfast
Fuel up for another day of InsurEXPO with a hearty breakfast and even better company. This is your chance to swap ideas, share insights from yesterday, and make new connections before diving back into all the action. Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and keep the conversations, and opportunities, going strong!
8:45am - 9:15am
IIANC Annual Awards Celebration
Join us as we honor excellence across North Carolina’s independent insurance community. IIANC’s annual awards presentations celebrate the standout individuals and agencies who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service in our industry.
9:15am - 10:15am
General Session - The Cure for Stupidity: Using Common Sense in an Uncommon World
Speaker: Eric Bailey
*Pending CE approval
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs
In a world filled with constant distractions, competing priorities, and increasingly complex challenges, success often comes down to mastering the fundamentals. In this engaging and entertaining keynote, Eric Bailey shares the practical lessons behind his bestselling book, The Cure for Stupidity, revealing how simple, common-sense principles can help individuals and organizations achieve extraordinary results.
Through humor, real-world stories, and actionable insights, Eric challenges attendees to identify the habits, assumptions, and behaviors that hold people back from reaching their full potential. Participants will learn how to improve communication, strengthen accountability, make better decisions, and create a culture where people consistently perform at their best.
Whether you're an agency owner, producer, customer service representative, or company professional, this session will provide practical strategies you can apply immediately to improve your effectiveness, strengthen your team, and deliver better outcomes for your clients and organization. You'll leave energized, inspired, and equipped with a fresh perspective on how small changes in thinking and behavior can produce significant results.
10:30am - 11:30am
Breakout Sessions (choose one)
#1: Microsoft Copilot Workshop
Speaker: Mitchell DeHaven
*Pending CE Approval
Recommended for: All agency roles, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs
Join us for an interactive Copilot workshop focused on how AI tools can improve productivity and streamline everyday work. We’ll explore Microsoft Copilot capabilities, discuss practical real-world use cases, and demonstrate simple ways Copilot can assist with communication, organization, and daily tasks.
#2: ACA, FSAs & HSAs: Understanding the Health Insurance Puzzle
Speaker: Tammie D'Allura
*Approved for 1 hour CE credit (Health)
Recommended for: All agency roles with a L&H focus, including Agency Owners/Principals, Operations Managers, Producers, Account Managers, CSRs
Healthcare coverage is more complex than ever, and helping clients make informed decisions can have a significant impact on both their financial well-being and access to care. This session provides a practical overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), helping agents understand how these tools work together to fund healthcare expenses and maximize tax advantages.
Attendees will learn the key differences between FSAs and HSAs, explore common enrollment and funding mistakes, and discover strategies to help clients avoid costly errors while making the most of their healthcare dollars.
#3: Cross-Selling Through Service
Speaker: Stephen Harrington-Descoteaux
*Pending CE Approval
Recommended for: CSRs and Account Managers
Registration
On-site registration will be available at the event on Thursday and Friday.
Pricing (Independent 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 | FREE* | $600 |
| Thursday Day Pass | FREE* | N/A |
| Friday Day Pass | FREE* | N/A |
*IIANC member agents attend free with a $50 deposit, returned after attendance via a $50 Amazon gift card. No-shows or cancellations within 10 days of the conference forfeit the deposit. Gift cards will be sent within a month following the event. Offer applies to IIANC member agents only (not applicable for company PARTNERS).
Pricing (Company Representatives):
| PARTNERS | Non-PARTNERS | |
| Networking Pass | $475 ($500 after 8/14; $550 after 9/9) | $950 ($1000 after 8/14; $1050 after 9/9) |
| Additional Company Rep. | $300 ($325 after 8/14; $350 after 9/9) | $600 ($650 after 8/14; $700 after 9/9) |
Exhibit Booth Exhibit booth includes registration for one representative | $1,200 | $2,400 |
Cancellation Policy
Notice of cancellation for individual attendee registrations for IIANC's InsurEXPO event 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.
Exhibit booth cancellations received in writing by August 7, 2026 will be refunded minus a 50% processing fee. No refunds will be issued after this date. Send requests to aknott@iianc.com.
Exhibitor Information
IIANC’s InsurEXPO26 is the can’t-miss event for anyone looking to connect with independent agents across North Carolina. As the state’s largest insurance industry event, and one of the Southeast’s most dynamic trade shows, it features 125+ exhibitors and draws 400+ independent agents from across the region, with total attendance reaching over 800 industry professionals.
Whether your goal is to generate new leads, connect with current clients, or increase your company’s visibility, InsurEXPO26 puts your brand front and center. Even if you're not actively appointing new agencies, exhibiting is a powerful way to support and stay top-of-mind with the agents you already serve.
How to Reserve an Exhibit Booth Space
2. Upon payment, you will receive an email confirmation which contains a link to choose your booth location. It is very important that you complete this as soon as possible - space is not reserved until this step is completed.
What’s Included With Your Booth
Each 8’x10’ exhibit space includes:
- 8’ high back wall and 3’ side divider drape
- Skirted 6’ table, two chairs, and wastebasket
- 7"x44" booth identification sign
- Registration for one company representative (additional reps must register separately)
- Attendee roster (sent ~2 weeks before the event; contains name, agency/company, postal mailing address - DOES NOT contain email address or phone number)
Note: All materials must stay within the dimensions of your booth space unless pre-approved.
Want to see who's exhibiting?
Additional Ways to Participate
Not exhibiting? You can still attend! Networking Passes are available for company reps to connect with agents and participate in the event. Additional attendees from your company can register at a reduced “Additional Company Representative” rate.
▶️ Click here to learn more about becoming an IIANC PARTNER and gain priority booth selection, discounted rates, access to the IIANC member directory, and more!
Exhibitor Essentials
Networking Hall Hours
Wednesday, September 16
• 2:00–5:00pm: Exhibitor Move-In Only
Thursday, September 17
• 8:00–9:30am: Final Set-Up
• 11:30am–5:30pm: Exhibit Hall Open
• 5:30pm: Booth teardown
Please note: Early teardown without prior approval may affect eligibility for future IIANC events.
Service Contractor
HOLLINS Exposition Services is the official contractor for InsurEXPO26. Come back soon to access the Exhibitor Kit for shipping, move-in/move-out info, and booth services.
Security
Exhibitors are responsible for the safety of their materials and property. IIANC and the Benton Convention Center are not liable for theft or damage.
Hospitality & Offsite Promotion
Hosting a hospitality suite or planning offsite promotions? These must be pre-approved by IIANC. Events may not conflict with official conference hours. For requests, contact aknott@iianc.com.
Cancellations
Cancellations received in writing by August 7, 2026 will be refunded minus a 50% processing fee. No refunds will be issued after this date. Send requests to aknott@iianc.com.
Hotel Information
We have a discounted group rate of $174/night at the nearby Marriott Winston Salem. The group rate will be available until August 17 or when the block sells out, whichever occurs first.
Click here to make your hotel reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where and when is InsurEXPO26 being held?
A: InsurEXPO26 will take place September 17-18, 2026, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
Q: Who should attend InsurEXPO?
A: InsurEXPO is designed to benefit all agency roles. There is something for everyone at InsurEXPO - educational opportunities on a variety of topics, hours of networking time with 125+ companies and vendors, the chance to meet and share ideas with your peers from across the state, and so much more.
Q: I am an IIANC member, but it is charging me $50 to register. I thought it was free?
A: All IIANC member agents can attend InsurEXPO26 for FREE! Members 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 via email 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. Offer applies to IIANC member agents only.
Q: How do I reserve an exhibit booth?
A: Booths are available now but space is limited! Visit the Exhibitor Information page for details and to reserve your booth.
Q: I’m not exhibiting. Can I still attend as an industry representative?
A: Yes! If your company is not exhibiting, you may purchase a Networking Pass to attend. This gives you access to the exhibit hall and networking opportunities with attendees. Additional company representatives can register at a reduced rate.
Q: Which companies/vendors are exhibiting in the Networking Hall?
A: Click here to tour the exhibit hall map and learn more about the 125+ exhibiting companies and vendors.
Q: What is the dress code for InsurEXPO26?
A: Business casual attire is recommended for all conference activities. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater, as meeting room temperatures can vary.
Q: Where should I park for the event?
A: Parking is available in the Cherry-Marshall Parking Deck directly across from the Benton Convention Center (connected via covered walkway). Additional nearby decks and street parking are also available throughout downtown Winston-Salem. Standard hourly rates apply. Be sure to allow extra time for parking, especially during peak arrival hours.
Q: What meals are included with my registration?
A: The following meals are included:
Thursday: lunch, breaks (light refreshments and drinks), and a closing reception (appetizers and drinks)
Friday: breakfast, breaks
Q: Will I receive the attendee email list?
A: No. IIANC has a long-standing policy of not distributing attendee email addresses. This helps us protect the privacy of our members and ensures a positive attendee experience.
Q: As an exhibitor, how can I still reach attendees?
Exhibitors have the opportunity to send both pre-show and post-show emails through our partner, Event Technologies. This provides you with direct exposure to attendees while respecting our privacy policy. Details on how to purchase and schedule these emails will be communicated to all registered exhibitors.
Q: What about other attendee lists?
As an exhibitor, you will receive the attendee roster with names, agencies, and mailing addresses (no emails or phone numbers). This allows you to follow up via direct mail if you wish.