There will be a lot of familiar events at this year's Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America Annual Legislative Conference and Convention next week in Washington, but it will be missing one familiar element–for the first time, there will be no accompanying trade show.

IIABA Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Rusbuldt explained that in part, this is because during the year, state "Big I" affiliate associations hold their own conventions with exhibit areas, where many members have met with some of the same companies attending this year's national conference.

After polling members, Mr. Rusbuldt said it was determined that many did not see much value in duplicating what they experience at their state conferences, especially since those offer a more local connection for them with exhibitors.

The IIABA plans to keep holding its national conference in Washington, D.C., for the next couple of years at least–without the trade show (something Mr. Rusbuldt confirmed had been a real revenue generator for the association). The possibility of resurrecting an exhibit area will be addressed after a period without such a trade show, he added.

However, the main purpose of the gathering–set for March 3-5 at Washington's Marriott Wardman Park Hotel–has not changed, which is to lobby congressional representatives so they understand the concerns of independent agents and how the decisions they make affect the industry and its customers.

Among the major concerns agents will be discussing with their representatives on Capitol Hill, according to Mr. Rusbuldt, are insurance regulatory reform (including how and where–state or federal–agents and the industry should be regulated), excess and surplus lines regulatory reform and flood insurance, which keeps getting temporary extensions while Congress puts off decisions on reform and/or expansion of the program.

Independent agents are "the best lobbyists in the area," said Mr. Rusbuldt, noting that some 1,200 of them will be climbing Capitol Hill in a single day, which has a powerful impact on legislators.

"These are people who are very involved in their community," noted Mr. Rusbuldt. "Many have relationships with their [Congressional representative] or know their staff. Their primary focus will be to advocate and educate members of Congress."

On Wednesday afternoon, March 3, agents will gather with members of the IIABA leadership to review the issues to be discussed with their respective representatives the next day. Mr. Rusbuldt noted that tax issues are looming large for agents as the Bush tax cuts are set to expire, which can impact their business. The estate tax is also set to increase next year–another big concern for family-owned agencies.

Earlier that afternoon, the Young Agents Council and their InsurPac State Legislative chairperson will meet for a luncheon and hear from Rep. Bruce L Brailey, D-Iowa, who will discuss legislative issues and tell agents why they should be involved in the political process.

Kicking off events on Thursday, March 4, before heading off for the day on Capitol Hill, agents are invited to attend a Legislative Breakfast and hear from two Congressional representatives–representing both sides of the aisle. (At press time, the IIABA said the speakers had not been confirmed.)

After a long day lobbying on the Hill, agents will be offered a respite.

For large agents and company executives attending the meeting, there will be a reception and dinner. The evening will also feature Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, who will give his thoughts on regulatory reform.

For those not attending that invitation-only affair, the Young Agents Council will hold a "casino night" fundraiser for InVEST scholarships–the educational foundation that promotes insurance industry education throughout the nation's schools.

On Friday morning, March 5, the association will hold its annual convention, featuring IIABA Chair Dave Daniel delivering the "State of the Association" address.

Mr. Rusbuldt will later moderate the association's insurance company CEO panel, a one-hour roundtable discussion that will touch on the state of the insurance market and the national economy, while looking ahead at the threats and challenges facing the independent agency system.

Taking part in the CEO panel will be:

o CNA Chair and CEO Tom Motamed

o Fireman's Fund President and CEO Michael LaRocco

o The Hartford Chair and CEO Liam McGee

o Safeco President Michael Hughes

While the main membership holds its meetings, affiliated independent agent groups will hold separate events.

The National African-American Insurance Association will convene its own conference in conjunction with IIABA's. Their meeting will feature a diversity lunch at which Chubb Executive Vice President Harold Morrison Jr. will speak.

Also attending this year's meeting will be members of the IIABA's International association, which Mr. Rusbuldt said has grown to about 100 agencies throughout the world.

Mr. Rusbuldt said the association will continue to reevaluate its plans and offerings for each year's meetings. For now, the convention will remain in Washington, but as Mr. Rusbuldt noted, if agents feel there is more value in moving elsewhere, the association will listen.