Top-Notch Speakers to Present at NAIFA Performance + Purpose

By Tara Laptew

NAIFA Performance + Purpose is more than just the annual meeting of your association. It is inspiration, motivation and education for you and every advisor looking for success in today’s competitive market. The conference, which takes place Sept. 13-16 in San Antonio, Texas, promises to be an unforgettable event chock full of offerings for all attendees.

You know Leigh Anne Tuohy, the keynote speaker for the Friday General Session, from Michael Lewis’ book and The Blind Side movie, which starred Sandra Bullock in an Academy award-winning performance.

Tuohy will explore the importance of recognizing the full potential of individuals, inspire us to recognize the value in those that society has deemed valueless and challenge us to give whatever we can, whenever we can. Her latest book, Turn Around: Reach Out, Give Back, and Get Moving, will make you rethink what it means to be generous.

Rich Karlgaard, the keynote speaker for the Sunday general session, is one of the most influential figures in the technology, economic and business worlds. At the vanguard of developments in the global economy, politics, business and technology, Karlgaard is the thought leader that Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and national associations turn to for a reliable roadmap of what’s to come.

Karlgaard is the publisher of Forbes magazine, where he also writes a biweekly column, “Innovation Rules,” known for its witty and honest assessment of technology trends and current business issues. Drawing from his roles as a Silicon Valley-based journalist, investor and board director, Karlgaard’s business consultant-like approach will help you gain a practical understanding of the events changing our world and their impact on business and industry.

Barbara Pietrangelo, one of the Big Ideas speakers for the Saturday general session, specializes in helping clients meet their protection needs through a variety of insurance products. Pietrangelo is an MDRT member with several Court and Top of the Table qualifications. She is also the past president of the MDRT Foundation.

It’s true that most agents don’t have a plan for their business succession. In “Insuring Success and Succession,” Pietrangelo will discuss why it’s so important to have a plan. She will also talk about practical ways to begin the process of insuring what you have worked so hard to build. If you are looking to build your business, this session is for you — with practical tips on how to approach colleagues about building a relationship that would benefit everyone involved.

Big Ideas speaker Marc Silverman is a 33-year MDRT member with 23 Top of the Table and six Court of the Table qualifications. He currently serves as a member of the Leadership and Volunteer Development Committee and is an Excalibur Knight of the MDRT Foundation.

Silverman will talk about how an agent can obtain Top of the Table status in “Prospecting and Marketing Your Way to the Top.” You will walk away from his presentation with proven successful prospecting ideas you will be able to put to work immediately and not spend a fortune implementing. Your second takeaway will be how to have others prospect for you, rather than trying to do it all yourself. This session will be informative and uplifting and will provide you with many new prospecting ideas. Visit the AT Blog for more information on what Silverman will share during his presentation.

NAIFA Performance + Purpose is committed to being the top professional-development event for all agents and advisors. Find out more about this exciting conference at www.naifa.org/conference, and tell a friend to check it out, as well!

Tara Laptew is NAIFA’s Marketing & Program Manager-Professional Development & Education. Contact her at tlaptew@naifa. org