Agenda
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2025
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Exhibit Set Up
Welcome & Registration
Exhibit Exposition & Welcome Refreshments
Exhibit Exposition & Welcome Reception
Exhibit Tear Down
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
8:00 am - 10:00 am
8:30 am - 11:30 am
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Registration
Opening Business Session
State of the Industry, Tommy McDonald, MarshBerry
LDI State of the Union, Tim Temple, LDI Commissioner
BE ALL IN: Getting to 100%, Craig Zablocki, Keynote Speaker
Lunch On Your Own
Afternoon Continuing Education Sessions
State of the Agency, Tommy McDonald, MarshBerry
Agency Claims Handling After a Storm, Ben Albright
Fortified Homes 101 for Agents, Ben Albright
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Frozen Drink Treats, Sponsored by the IIABL Young Agents
Sunset Cocktail Reception
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Morning Continuing Education Sessions
Selective Flood Course, Daniel Pena & Don Burke
Beach Tailgate, Games Sponsored by the IIABL Young Agents
Ice Cream & Beer Party
Country Club Casino Night
WEDSDAY, JUNE 18, 2025
8:00 am - 10:00 am
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Breakfast Buffet
Closing Business Session
IIABL Awards
Installation of IIABL Officers & Directors
Outgoing & Incoming President’s Address
Top Initiatives from IIABA, Angela Ripley, Chairman Elect
IIABL Legislative Update Teaser, Ben Albright, CEO
GeneralInformation
Table of Contents
Schedule of Events
General Information
Welcome
IIABL Officers & Board of Directors
Speakers
Program - Sunday, June 15
Exhibitors
Program - Monday, June 16
Program - Tuesday, June 17
Program - Wednesday, June 18
Lou Daniel & Jeff Albright Award Recipients
Table of Contents
IIABL Registration Center
The IIABL staff is ready, willing and able to assist you Convention registration and program information is available at the IIABL Registration Center If you have questions, need information or assistance, contact the IIABL staff at the registration center
Convention Registration, Badges, Tickets & Wristbands
Each and every person attending the Convention must be registered. Convention attendees are issued badges which are to be worn in order to be admitted to all convention activities. Lost or damaged badges can be replaced at the IIABL Registration Center The green wristbands can be worn for outdoor activities in lieu of the convention badge
Individual registrations for separate convention functions are not available.
Some convention functions require tickets for drinks or door prizes Tickets are included in your registration packet. Please make sure to bring your tickets to each function Lost or damaged tickets can be replaced at the IIABL Registration Center
Staff
Ben Albright, President & CEO
Karen Kuylen, Director of Accounting & Finance
Jamie Newchurch, Director of Insurance Programs
*Kathleen O'Regan, Director of Communications & Events
Karson Roberts, Communications & Events Administrator
Lyra Roberts, E&O Administrator
*If you need immediate assistance, please call (225) 733-8317*
Continuing Education
Convention business sessions and CE seminars are approved for Continuing Education credit Attendance is required for the complete program to qualify for CE credit Please be sure to scan the QR code at the end of each session you attend and complete the electronic form to qualify for CE credit. Convention CE certificates will be posted to your IIABL Community Hub account within 2-4 weeks after the conclusion of the conference and you will be notified by email when this occurs CE credit will not be provided to attendees who do not attend the entire seminar and/or fail to complete the electronic CE form at the end of each individual CE session.
Convention Attire
Casual attire is appropriate for all Convention activities. Exhibitors are encouraged to dress on theme and decorate their booths for Sunday’s exhibit hall kickoff to help set the tone for a fun and engaging start For Casino Night, attendees are invited to embrace the Country Club theme think golf polos, tennis skirts, or your best clubhouse-inspired look.
Attendance Prizes
Door prize drawings will be held at all business sessions and seminars using the electronic CE form You must be present to win!
WELCOME!
Dear Attendees,
IIABL CHAIRMAN
Bret Hughes Hughes Insurance Services Gonzales, LA
Welcome to the 2025 Annual Convention of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL)! It’s a pleasure to gather with you once again at the beautiful Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, where we look forward to a week of learning, collaboration, and connection.
This convention remains one of our most valuable traditions a time to step away from the daily routine, gain fresh perspectives, and engage with the people who make our industry stronger. With a full agenda of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and community-building events, I encourage you to take advantage of everything this week has to offer.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our sponsors, exhibitors, and staff for their continued commitment and hard work. It’s because of your dedication that this event continues to grow and thrive.
Thank you for being part of this year’s convention. I hope you leave feeling inspired, energized, and more connected than ever.
See You on the 19 Hole, th Bret Hughes Chairman, IIABL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN
Bret Hughes Hughes Insurance Services
CHAIRMAN-ELECT
Ross Henry Henry Insurance Service
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Joe King Montgomery Community Financial Insurance Center, LLC
NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Johnny Beckmann, III AssuredPartners
PAST PRESIDENT
Armond K. Schwing Schwing Insurance Agency
YOUNG AGENTS CHAIR
Maggie Landry Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency
IASC REPRESENTATIVE
Joey O’Connor AssuredPartners
Dominique DiCarlo Crouch Riverlands Insurance Agency
Ann Bodkin-Smith Thomson Smith & Leach Insurance
Matthew deBlanc Continental Insurance Services
Christy Desoto 1st Insurance Marksville
Rob W. Eppers Risk Services of Louisiana
Matt Graham Lincoln Agency, Inc.
Christopher Haik Higginbotham Insurance Agency
Stuart Harris McClure, Bomar & Harris, LLC
Beau Hearod Jeff Davis Insurance
Charles "Chuck" Leblanc Bourg Insurance Agency, Inc.
Craig Martel Insurance Unlimited of LA, LLC
Lydia McMorris Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Eugene Montgomery Community Financial Insurance Center
Hartwig "Robby" Moss Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency
Seth Ostendorff Dethloff & Associates
Robert Palmer, Jr. Insurance Underwriters, Ltd.
Randy Perise Blumberg & Associates, Inc.
Robert Stone Stone Insurance, Inc.
Loyal to Louisiana businesses. Loyal to Louisiana workers.
From taking on the risks of Louisiana businesses with stable, reliable workers' comp coverage to offering expert guidance on accident prevention for safer Louisiana workplaces, at LWCC loyalty to Louisiana drives everything we do.
is loyal to the future of our home state, because it’s more than just our job to make sure Louisiana thrives It’s our purpose.
DYNAMIC
S P E A K E R S
Ben Albright, IIABL
Ben Albright is the President and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana (IIABL), where he leads the association’s strategic initiatives, legislative efforts, and member engagement. Before taking the helm in 2024, he served as IIABL’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, focusing on market access, technology innovation, and agency management resources. Ben began his insurance career at an IIABL member agency and has additional experience on the carrier and tech sides of the industry. A Baton Rouge native, he is a graduate of LSU with degrees in Economics, Political Science, and Psychology.
Don Burke, Selective Insurance Company
Don Burke is the Assistant Vice President of Flood Field Operations at Selective Insurance Company of America. With a career spanning over 15 years in flood insurance, he has held key roles including Director of Flood Marketing and Flood National Marketing Manager In these positions, he has led initiatives in underwriting, education, and marketing, collaborating closely with insurance agents to enhance flood insurance offerings. Don holds an MBA and is recognized for his expertise in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), contributing to industry discussions and educational efforts.
Tommy McDonald, MarshBerry
Tommy is a Managing Director and shareholder at MarshBerry with over 16 years of experience in the insurance distribution space He specializes in M&A advisory, growth strategies, financial management, valuation, and strategic planning, bringing strong analytical skills and industry passion to each client engagement. Since joining MarshBerry in 2008, he has held several leadership roles, including overseeing product development and leading the Connect executive peer exchange network A frequent keynote speaker and published author, Tommy has contributed to over 100 industry articles and is recognized as a thought leader in insurance. He holds multiple FINRA registrations and earned a business administration degree from John Carroll University
Daniel Pena, Selective Insurance Company
Dan Peña is the Senior Flood Territory Manager for Selective Insurance Company of America, bringing over 28 years of experience in the insurance industry. He has held a variety of roles throughout his career, including positions in claims, training, and sales management, which have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry Dan’s background includes experience in both the independent and captive agency environments, providing him with a broad and informed perspective. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso and currently resides in Houston, Texas
Angela Ripley, IIABA Chairman Elect
Angela Ripley is president of VW Brown Insurance Service in Columbia, Maryland. She began serving as Big “I” chair-elect in the fall of 2024 and will be installed as chair at the Big “I” Fall Leadership Conference in 2025 Bringing more than 25 years of experience as an independent insurance agent, Ripley has held numerous positions at the national level for the Big “I,” including Big “I” Government Affairs Committee chair and Board of Directors member She has also served as Maryland state InsurPac chair from 2011-2020 and was chair of Big I Maryland in 2014. She has served on several agency advisory boards and was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Association of Registered Agents & Brokers (NARAB) Board
DYNAMIC
S P E A K E R S
Commissioner Tim Temple, LA Department of Insurance
Tim Temple was elected Commissioner of Insurance in 2023. Tim worked in the insurance sector for over two decades and is dedicated to leveraging his extensive industry experience to shape a regulatory and statutory environment that not only ensures competitiveness, but also enhances the attractiveness of Louisiana’s insurance market. As the state’s top insurance official, Tim is committed to protecting the interests of policyholders while promoting a flourishing insurance market that benefits all residents and businesses in the great state of Louisiana.
Craig Zablocki
Making a profound difference for nearly 25 years, Craig has spoken to over one million people internationally and in all 50 states From cops to gang members, from surgeons to school superintendents, from lawyers to realtors; he addresses corporate executives, child-abuse-prevention specialists, and social service advocates of all kinds, college professors, federal prison workers, mental health specialists and the armed forces. Thousands of organizations rely on Craig to help them transform the obstacles that keep them stuck, lift them up and breathe new life into their purpose! Aside from numerous interviews and articles written by or about Craig, he authored the book Improv 101, Unleashing Your Creative Spirit and has an audio program The Intelligence of Fun, Live with Craig Zablocki.
Sunday,
June 15, 2025
Welcome Refreshments
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom
Bring Your Drink Ticket for a Welcome Cocktail!
Convention Registrants ONLY!
After the trip from home, stop and quench your thirst and enjoy a box of popcorn with our Welcome Refreshments
Registration Center
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom - Pre-Function Area
Exhibit Exposition
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom
Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests ONLY!
Children are NOT eligible to participate in the exhibits, exhibit games, or to win prizes!
Visit our awesome exhibitors and don't forget to fill in your IIABL Convention door prize tickets that each exhibitor has waiting for you. Door Prizes will be drawn every hour!
Exhibitors
Accentus Insurance Group
AFCODirect
Agile Premium Finance
Allied Trust Insurance Co.
AmTrust North America
AmWINS Access Insurance Services
Applied Systems, Inc.
Assurant Specialty Property
Bass Underwriters
BBSI
Belfor Property Restoration
Burns & Wilcox, Ltd.
Commercial Sector Insurance Brokers
CRC Group
Dealer Plus Insurance
Welcome Reception & Exhibit Exposition
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom
Bring Your Drink Tickets!
Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests ONLY!
Children are NOT eligible to participate in the exhibits, exhibit games, or to win prizes!
Enjoy food & drinks while visiting with our exhibitors at the Opening Reception. A great way to start off a great convention! This is also another opportunity to check out the exhibitors and get your IIABL Door Prize Tickets from the exhibitors you visit! Door Prizes will be drawn every hour!
*CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANED BY AN ADULT AT ALL TIMES IN THE EXHIBIT HALL*
Doxa Casualty
ePayPolicy
Equipment Insurance International
HawkSoft, Inc.
Homebuilders SIF
IIABL Insurance Services
IIABL Young Agents Committee
IPFS Corp
Jencap Insurance Services
Johnson & Johnson
Lane & Associates, Inc.
LCI Workers' Comp
LHBA GL Trust
LUBA Workers' Comp
Monday, June 16, 2025
Registration Center
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Emerald Ballroom - Pre-Function Area
Opening Business Session
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Emerald Ballroom
Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
State of the Industry
As the insurance industry evolves, staying competitive requires more than just keeping up with trends – it demands a compelling value proposition that resonates with clients and partners Join Tommy McDonald, MarshBerry Managing Director, for a deep dive into the current state of the industry, exploring key market dynamics, emerging challenges, and growth opportunities Discover actionable strategies to refine your value proposition, differentiate your business, and strengthen your position in a rapidly changing landscape.
State of the Industry Address: Charting a New Course for Louisiana Insurance
Commissioner Tim Temple will address the insurance crisis in Louisiana and legislative actions taken in the 2025 session to tackle it. He will outline the Department of Insurance initiatives supporting agents, customers, and companies to revive the insurance industry Attendees will gain insights into challenges faced, legislative measures enacted, and departmental efforts fostering a future focused on a vibrant insurance marketplace in Louisiana.
BE ALL IN: Getting to 100%
Don’t miss keynote speaker Craig Zablocki, whose powerful presentation “BE ALL IN: Getting to 100%” will challenge and inspire you to show up fully in every area of life. With over 25 years of experience and more than one million people impacted across the globe, Craig brings a dynamic blend of humor, authenticity, and transformation His keynote will push you to face fear head-on, embrace vulnerability, and unlock the kind of personal and professional growth that leads to real change
CE Seminar (3 CE)
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Coral Ballroom A
State of the Agency
Join Tommy McDonald, Managing Director at MarshBerry, for a 60-minute session exploring how high-performing agencies can adapt, grow, and thrive in today’s evolving landscape Through real-world insights, case studies, and practical strategies, Tommy will cover key areas including organic growth, strategic planning, and talent development. Attendees will walk away with actionable tools to fuel growth, drive innovation, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
Agency Claims Handling After a Storm
Join Ben Albright, IIABL President & CEO, for a focused discussion on post-catastrophe claims handling and how recent legislation is changing the process for agencies and their policyholders
Fortified Homes 101 for Agents
Join Ben Albright, IIABL President & CEO, for a practical overview of the Fortified Homes program. Learn what agents need to know about costs, benefits, grant access, the roof installation process, and the insurance discounts policyholders may qualify for.
Frozen Drink Treats
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Veranda
Wear your green wristbands!
Convention Registrants, Spouses/Guests & Children! Enjoy these frozen concoctions poolside with adult & kid-friendly varieties.
Sunset Cocktail Reception
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Pool Deck
Bring your Drink Tickets!
Convention Registrants, Spouses & Guests!
Unwind and connect with fellow attendees at our Sunset Cocktail Reception on the pool deck Enjoy refreshing drinks, light bites, and great company as the sun sets over the Gulf an ideal way to kick off an unforgettable week at the convention.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
CE Seminars (3 CE)
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Coral Ballroom A
Selective Flood Course
Join Daniel Pena and Don Burke from Selective Insurance for an informative session designed to enhance your understanding of flood insurance. This course will cover key aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), provide updates on policy changes, and offer practical insights to help you better serve your clients. Whether you're new to flood insurance or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will equip you with the tools and information needed to navigate the complexities of flood coverage confidently
Personal Notes
Beach Tailgate
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Center Beach
Wear your purple wristbands!
Convention Registrants, Spouses/Guests & Children! Enjoy a day at the beach with IIABL which includes: Beach set-ups
Spike Ball Corn Hole
Giant Jenga Music Beverages
Ice Cream & Beer
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunrise Deck
Wear your green wristbands!
Convention Registrants, Spouses/Guests & Children! Ice Cream and Beer will be served poolside to enhance your pool activities. In case of rain, relocate to lounge.
Casino Night
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Emerald Ballroom
Bring your Drink Tickets!
Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
IIABL is rolling out the red carpet again for our fan favorite “Casino Night”! Attendees will receive "funny money" that you can use to play casino games that will be set up in the ballroom. We will have evening snacks, a DJ to play all of your favorite music and a 360 Platform Photobooth Machine sponsored by RISCOM to capture your favorite party pics throughout the night. As Casino night comes to a close, winnings will be turned in for raffle tickets to win exciting prizes!
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Breakfast Buffet
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Emerald Ballroom - Pre-Function Area Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
Closing Business Session (2 CE)
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Emerald Ballroom Convention Registrants & Spouses/Guests!
IIABL Awards Presentation
Outgoing Board Member
Stuart Harris, McClure, Bomar & Harris
Armond Schwing, Schwing Insurance
Lou Daniel Award
Armond Schwing, Schwing Insurance
Johnny Beckmann, AssuredPartners
Installation of IIABL Officers & Directors
Outgoing President's Address
Bret Hughes, Hughes Insurance Services
Incoming President's Address
Ross Henry, Henry Insurance Agency
Top Initiatives from IIABA
Get the latest from our national association leadership. Angela Ripley, Chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, will give an update on federal advocacy, industry trends, and what Big “I” is doing to support you and your agency.
IIABL 2025 Legislative Session: A First Look
It’s been a landmark year for insurance reform in Louisiana with new leadership in the Capitol and major decisions impacting our industry Ben Albright will give a brief preview of the key legislation and changes that shaped the 2025 session. Want the full breakdown? Be sure to attend IIABL’s Legislative Update Tour this fall as we travel across the state to unpack the full story and what it means for your agency. Don’t miss it!
Personal Notes
Lou Daniel Award Recipients
Harold Boling
Lou W. Daniel
Herman Katten
Charles E. McKenzie, Jr.
H. Leslie McKenzie
Philip H. Jacobs
Richard L. Katten
Dick Dethloff
Gus Englehardt
William M. Marks, Jr.
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2004 2006
John Guice
Lou W. Daniel
Thomas D. Oglesby
J. David Daniel
Henry C. Mullin
William M Marks, Jr
Ronald S. Paulin
Joseph A. O'Connor, Jr.
Donald E. Beery
Steve Cavanaugh
Lee Schilling
Jeff Albright
Randy Lanoix
Marc Eagan
Barry O. Blumberg
Jeff Mohr
Parke Ellis
Mike Edwards
Rep. Mike Huval
Jeff Albright Award Recipients
2024 David Tatman
Past Presidents
1902-1903
1920-1920
1921-1922
1924-1925
1925-1927
1927-1929
1929-1931
1931-1932
1932-1933
1933-1934
1934-1935
1935-1937
1937-1938
1938-1939
1939-1940
1940-1941
1941-1942
1942-1944
1944-1946
1946-1947
1947-1948
1947-1948
1948-1949
1949-1950
1950-1951
1951-1952
1952-1953
1953-1954
1954-1955
1956-1957
1957-1958
1958-1959
1959-1960
J. W. Alexander*
W. J. O'Pry*
M J Hartson*
J. H. Percy*
George A. Petrie*
Frank G McElroy*
Matt G. Smith*
William D. H. Rodriguez*
Capt Emmett L Kidd*
James E. Hassinger*
Alphonse Davis*
Terrell Woosley*
Thomas G Grace*
Albert M. Dreyfuss*
O. Wharton Brown*
Charles P Gould*
Alvin S. Hahn
Leonard M. Wise*
Edward J Seymour*
Lancaster W. Collens*
W. Eugene Bingham*
A Heath Petrie*
Harold A. Boling*
Cecil R. Middleton*
B Horace Talbot, Jr *
Emmett A. Herring*
Roscoe A. Bolton*
Gibson Stevenson*
E A Veillon*
Harold A. Mouk, Sr.*
I. T. Hart*
A L Schlesinger, Jr *
Philip A. Jacobs*
1960-1961
1961-1962
1962-1963
1963-1964
1964-1965
1965-1966
1966-1967
1967-1968
1968-1969
1969-1970
1970-1971
1971-1972
1972-1973
1973-1974
1974-1975 1975-1976
1976-1977
1977-1978 1978-1979 1979-1980 1980-1981 1981-1982 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989 1989-1990 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993
Felix L. Aucoin, Jr.*
Thomas Q. Winkler*
H Leslie McKenzie*
Hartwell A. Lewis*
Jules H. Dreyfuss*
Lou W Daniel*
Charles E. McKenzie, Jr.*
Herman Katten*
David D Dupuy*
Robert A. Bogan, Jr.
Warren Graham*
William A Baker, Jr *
A G Howard*
H. A. Mouk Jr.*
William T. Lowry*
Arthur G Randol, Jr *
Richard M. Wise*
Jack E. Duke*
David J Dessauer, Jr *
Arthur M. Beveridge*
C. R. Dethloff*
L Brian Duke*
John McCants
John B. Tyner*
Gus Englehardt*
Gerald M. LeBlanc*
Charles Shaver
M J Hartson, III*
M B Kornegay, Jr *
Philip H. Jacobs*
Ben Talbot*
Henry Mullin*
Brian Couvillion
1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024
Ronald S. Paulin
Richard L. Katten*
John Guice
William M. Marks, Jr.*
J. David Daniel
L Brian Duke, Jr
Donald E. Beery
Randy Lanoix
Jeffrey Fields
Joseph A. O'Connor, Jr.
Wayne Cunningham
Craig Thomas H Lee Schilling
John Smestad*
Jeff Mohr
Clay Mullin
Cindy Alexander
Bernard McKenzie*
Brad Bourg
Marc Eagan
Barry Blumberg
Parke Ellis
Mickey Bennett
David Dethloff
Richard Jenkins
Neil Record
Johnny Beckman, III
Joseph A O'Connor, III
Brenda Case
Donelson Stiel
Mike Scriber
Armond Schwing
