Contact information: Executive Director Dave Sherrill, 321-244-0427; www.fahu.org.

Applying a racing theme –”Kick It Into Overdrive” — FAHU exudes a high level of enthusiasm and confidence that its strong offering of continuing education courses, including SHRM- approved continuing education courses for human resource managers, will have broad appeal.

Keynote speakers include Bryan Dodge and NAHU President-Elect Russ Childers.

This convention was re-created in the form of an Educational Symposium in 2006, and is promoted as “the prime educational/networking event available to health insurance professionals in Florida.” Attendance has varied depending on date and location, but holds strong, according to Sherrill. In 2009, attendance of 300-400 would match last year's. All registration costs for sponsors and attendees are the same as they were in 2008.

“Our members say it is a great value,” Sherrill reported. “Critiques always praise the speakers and presenters.”

Specialty Agents of Florida

20th Annual Trade Fair

May 14-16, Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa, Lake Buena Vista

Contact information: President Curtis Tyre, 888-290-8436; [email protected]; www.specialtyinsuranceagents.org.

The Specialty Agents' Trade Fair affords lots of chances to network one-on-one with political officials and Florida congressional leaders. An expert panel will add to members' understanding of legislative effects on policy that relate to this industry. New officers will be elected at the convention and take office in June.

This year the prediction for numbers of attendees is the same as last year, around 450.

The schedule includes the annual golf tournament. Spa facilities might also tempt those looking for some relaxation when they're not networking to find new companies and carriers. Of appeal to attendees with families is the host hotel's proximity to theme parks and a planned Disney Character Brunch.

Planners said this meeting has grown steadily each year, and that prices have been the same for the past few years.

Florida Insurance Council

2009 Summer Insurance Symposium

May 31-June 3, Destin Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Contact information: Dianne Rowe at [email protected]; 850-386-6668, ext. 225; www.flains.org.

FIC has named its 2009 gathering the “Summer Insurance Symposium.” The agenda includes the installation of new officers and updates from member companies and invited experts. For relaxation, attendees can unwind at both a golf and drift-fishing tournament.

Attendance varies among members, as property insurance challenges, insolvencies, mergers, and the like impact Florida's insurance world. FIC will be holding costs down, just as all of the other associations. In today's economy, even door prizes and gift bags get reviewed.

Meeting Planner Dianne Rowe says program content and the location of the annual event get the most appreciation from members. Since they are meeting at one of the state's most popular beaches, critiques this year should be very positive.

Florida Association of Insurance Agents

105th Anniversary Convention and Education Symposium

June 18-20, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort & Golf Club, Orlando

Contact information: Meeting Planner Cindy Molnar; www.faia.com.

With “Failure Is Not An Option” as FAIA's convention theme this year, the gauntlet has been thrown to an expected 1,700 registrants.

Many of the attendees at the state's largest agent gathering bring their families to take advantage of the theme parks and numerous attractions in the Orlando area. During the limited free time at the convention, golf also is a major draw.

Veteran FAIA Meeting Planner Cindy Molnar reports, “We have added more value with breakout sessions for continuing education credits, and entertainment during our opening party that draws attendees. Our tradeshow continues to grow and that increases day registrations.”

She said FAIA offers a “very reasonable registration fee that is affordable to attendees.”

When asked about the importance of an association going to this huge effort every year, Molnar said, “We feel it's a benefit for agents and partners to get together face-to-face during this time. It's also the time we elect our officers and directors and take care of the business of the association.”

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors-Florida

77th Annual Career Advancement Conference & Expo

July 13-15, Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Contact information: CEO Sharon G. Heierman, CAE, or Communications Director Bob Lotane, 850-422-1701; www.faifa.org.

Leaders from the national organization will be on hand at this year's NAIFA-Florida gathering in Sarasota. NAIFA President Cliff Wilson and NAIFA CEO John Healy, CAE, will participate. Florida CFO Alex Sink has also been invited.

Following a theme of “Exceptional Learning 2009,” attendees will be offered continuing education classes in their specialties along with ongoing NAIFA long-term care training. A lot of what they will hear, according to association CEO Sharon Heierman, will help them stay strong in the difficult economy. Pertinent topics among presenters, such as “How to Fill Up Your Pipeline in a Down Economy,” abound.

The popular President's Dinner brings an opportunity to dress up, and with the Ringling Museum, the beaches, lots of shopping and restaurants, it is doubtful anyone will be bored.

As a precaution against unforeseen interruptions, event cancellation insurance was purchased for the 2009 meeting, where attendance is predicted to be 250-300 — a little higher than last year.

Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies

39th Annual Convention

July 13-19, Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, Hollywood

Contact information: 305-477-1442; [email protected]; www.laaia.com.

LAAIA is looking forward to a 25 percent increase in attendees to this year's “Driving Success Home” baseball-themed convention, predicting some 1,500 participants. Newly elected officers will be introduced and continuing education will be offered.

This is known as a “fun” convention, where members have a chance to meet people they work with but may only see a few times a year, and to keep up with changes in the industry.

The association enjoys a fine reputation for its annual lavish Gala evening event with music and dancing, along with a golf tournament and other social and networking events during the gathering. Many companies in attendance host hospitality suites.

With the convention four months away as this is written, organizers report approximately 75 percent of 100 exhibitor booths have been sold. They expect to sell the remainder within the next month. The cost of the convention has remained relatively the same for several years.

Florida Association of Self Insurance

40th Annual Educational Conference & Trade Show

July 19-22, Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Contact information: Executive Director Bill Kautter, CAE, at [email protected], and Meeting Planner Jessie Laux at [email protected]; www.fasi-fl.org.

FASI will celebrate its 40th birthday with this summer's conference in Naples. Typical attendance is 120, with many attendees bringing their families. Special events include a golf outing Sunday morning, a Welcome Reception Sunday night, Tuesday night's Casino/Dinner Party, and installation of new officers.

Meeting Planner Jessie Laux said that although the number of attendees has decreased in the past two years, the content of the program has expanded to include all lines of self-insurance, not just workers' compensation. Along with plenty of networking time, the gathering offers a venue for self-insureds and vendor partners to discuss proposed changes and to continue educating one another on the self-insured market. Laux said her group has had no difficulties securing speakers and sponsors.

“The costs to attend the meeting (both a registration fee and hotel) are a great deal, and FASI attendees appreciate the fact that prices have not increased in the past four years,” reported Laux. To help even more, this year a day registration rate will be available, too.

Risk and Insurance Management Society Florida

34th Annual Educational Conference

July 27-Aug. 2, Ritz-Carlton Resort of Naples

Contact information: Mike Benishek, 941-722-3291; [email protected]; http://florida.rims.org.

Tagged as “the most affordable week-long risk management conference in North America,” the Florida RIMS conference committee, (seven unpaid volunteers) works hard to uphold that claim.

They have taken some creative steps to hold down costs, such as not accepting payment by credit cards to save merchant fees, and including tax ID forms with registration materials to placate attendees' accounting departments (who often request them after the fact). Mike Benishek, longtime RIMS Tampa Bay Chapter officer and convention coordinator, said: “If I include it 'up front' with the registration form, that is 670 fewer letters I have to read and respond to.” Plus, he avoids approximately $300 in mailing costs, if attendance matches last year's count as predicted.

RIMS members can attend for $125 for the entire week, which includes a number of meals and receptions. Hotel rooms are a separate cost, but contracts have been negotiated with the facility through 2014 that will allow room rates to increase a mere $5 each year.

The Florida RIMS Educational Conference is a family-oriented conference, with high numbers of spouses and children typically in attendance.

Instead of participating in an expo, vendors are encouraged to contribute prizes for the “spectacular” Networking Raffle, held one weekday afternoon.

Florida Surplus Lines Association

Annual Convention

July 30-Aug.1, Boca Raton Resort and Club

Contact information: Executive Director Roger Gobler, 904-631-1322; [email protected]; www.floridasurpluslinesassociation.com.

Hot topics at this year's FSLA convention are expected to be the continuing reverberations of Essex v. Zota, the widely controversial ruling issued by the Florida Supreme Court; the effects, if any, of legislative activity during session; and an update on regulatory issues. FSLA Lobbyist Doug Mang, association officers, and staff from the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office traditionally address attendees and provide an impressive array of marketplace insight.

Executive Director Roger Gobler is planning for a high attendance rate this year when the group convenes at a favorite site, the Boca Raton Resort & Club. The resort offers tennis, water sports, swimming pools, and a spa. Included in the registration are two receptions, a dinner banquet and hospitality suite; members can participate in golf and fishing tournaments.

“Our convention gives our agent/broker members and our various company associate members an opportunity to get together and discuss issues that are beneficial to them individually and to the industry as a whole,” Gobler said.

National Association of Insurance Women – Florida Council

Florida Council Meeting

Sept. 11-12, Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club

Contact information: [email protected].

This group's annual meeting rotates locations and brings together members who have worked together and known each other for years.

Some treasured traditions include the Friday night welcome party and the annual public-speaking competition. The winner goes on to represent the state at region and national competitions.

The First Timers/Gold Timers event is a great way for newcomers to get some mentoring from the veterans, learn about conference benefits, make new contacts, and maybe win some prizes. Awards are given to those chosen Insurance Professional, Rookie, and Claims Professional of the year.

Continuing education classes are offered, officers are elected, and interaction takes place with company representatives, premium finance companies, and other vendors.

According to Glenda Griffin, this year's conference chairperson, members report that the key incentives to attend each year are the networking opportunities, which are viewed as vital to career advancement, job placement, and opportunities for personal growth.