Program Book
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Welcome back to Foxwoods for the 2026 Connecticut Convention.
Thank you for being a part of this annual tradition, which is also one of the biggest insurance gatherings in the Northeast—PIA Connecticut Convention.
This year's event brings the insurance community together for an elevated, high-impact experience designed to spark ideas, strengthen connections and drive momentum.
Highlights
This year's Connecticut Convention will feature an address from PIA National President Mark Suhr, CIC, CPIA—who will discuss how the insurance industry has changed through the years—at the Networking L unch. At that time, we'll also celebrate the achievements of this year's PIACT Awards of Distinction recipients. Please be there to congratulate the winners: the A gent of the Year Joseph K rar, CPIA, from Joseph K rar & A ssociates; the Community S ervice award winner Stephen Todd, CPCU, CIC, from Brooks, Todd & McNeil; the Company Representative of the Year Robert Dunn from the Hanover Insurance Group; and the L egislator of the Year Rep. Kerry Wood, D-29.
Enjoy the music of DJ Mike Nigretti while you mingle with peers and meet members of the PIACT and CTYIP board of directors at the Networking Reception. It's a great opportunity to network in a relaxed environment.
CE sessions
The PIA Connecticut Convention is the place to be if you need continuing-education credits. On Thursday morning, you can attend The New E&O Frontier: Technology, Compliance and Emerging Liabilities. This high-impact session will dive into the hottest issues agents and brokers face today: artificial intelligence tools and policy comparison technology, soft markets, duty of care and shifting regulations.
In the afternoon, you can take part in Cyber Coverage Explained in Depth—Finally!, which will help you prepare to assess clients' cyber security risks and help the find the right coverage for their needs.
More information about these classes can be found in this program book.
A social event
Thank you to the Connecticut Young Insurance Professionals for hosting the Welcome Reception Wednesday night at Axcitement and MONZA Karting. We hope everyone who attended enjoyed the networking and axe throwing—and still has all their fingers.
The CE sessions, the networking and the trade show and you are all the elements that make the PIA Connecticut Convention a success. Thank you for being a part of it.
Kevin P. McKiernan
Kevin P. McKiernan, CIC, CPIA President,
PIACT
As of publication date. For more information go to pia.org. As of 3/16/26
Schedule
Wednesday March 18
5-9 p.m
CTYIP Welcome Reception | Axes & Accelerators
Additional registration fee required. Foxwoods, Axcitement and MONZA Karting
Thursday
March 19
7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. PIA Registration Desk open
8:30-11:30 a.m
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Education Session: The New E&O Frontier: Technology, Compliance and Emerging Liabilities Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., and Christopher Weldon, Esq.
Trade Show open
-Bloody Mary/Mimosa Bar
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. PIACT Annual business meeting
12:30.-1:30 p.m
1:30-3 p.m.
2:30-4:30 p.m.
4:30-6 p.m.
Networking Lunch
-PIACT National President Mark Suhr, CIC, CPIA
-PIACT Awards of Distinction winners
Trade Show open
-Coffee & Dessert Reception
-Exhibitor and cash drawings
Education Session: Cyber Coverage Explained in Depth—Finally! Jim Venezia, CPCU, CCIS, CCIC
Networking Reception
-Open bar/food stations
-Raffle prizes
-Coffee and dessert
March 20 Friday
9-10 a.m.
9-10 a.m.
PIA Registration Desk open
Farewell Breakfast Buffet with Bloody Marys & Mimosas
Education
The New E&O Frontier: Technology, Compliance and Emerging Liabilities^AZ^UN
Thursday, March 19, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Approved for 3 CT CE credits. (6000212500)
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., and Christopher Weldon, Esq.
Sponsored by: Quincy Mutual Group
Errors-and-omissions risks are changing fast—and so is the insurance landscape. Are you ready? This highimpact session will dive into the hottest issues agents and brokers face today: artificial intelligence tools and policy comparison technology, soft markets, duty of care, and shifting regulations—including excess and surplus lines placement changes. If you want to avoid costly mistakes and future-proof your business, this is a must-attend session. This class will break down real court cases, documentation pitfalls, and emerging exposures like e-bikes—plus the trends shaping tomorrow, from AI to mobility innovations. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to protect your agency, stay compliant, and get ahead of the curve.
^AZ^UN—This course has been approved for E&O loss-prevention credit by Utica National & Allianz. Call the PIA E&O Dept. for details.
Cyber Coverage Explained in Depth–Finally!
Thursday, March 19, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Approved for 2 CT CE credits. (6000209270)
Jim Venezia, CPCU, CCIS, CCIC
Sponsored by: NLC Insurance Cos.
Cyber liability attacks continue to occur at lightning speed, and they grow more complex and sophisticated. If you sell cyber security coverage, do you feel prepared to assess clients’ risks adequately and provide them with the correct coverage remedy? To date, many of the cyber coverage classes only address the basics, but they did not provide the in-depth knowledge and tools needed to fully understand and confidently offer this vital coverage to insureds. After this class, you should be prepared with the knowledge to examine your clients’ cyber security exposures, then obtain the appropriate limits and coverage for their unique situations.
Christopher Weldon ESQ.
Jim Venezia CPCU, CCIS, CCIC
Trade Show
Thursday, March 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 1:30-3 p.m.
Bloody Mary's & Mimosa's • Sponsored by: Capital Premium Financing Coffee & Dessert Reception • Sponsored by: Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance
Meet vendors and discover markets that will help your business. Browse the trade-show floor for the newest innovations and products for your business. All attendees are qualified to win amazing door prizes and cash giveaways automatically. Stop by the Bloody Mary and Mimosa booth. Enjoy coffee and dessert in the trade show.
Networking Lunch
Thursday, March 19, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: AFCO Direct
Grab some delicious food while listening to PIA National President Mark Suhr, CIC, CPIA, discuss changes to the insurance industry through the years. And, join us as we celebrate the achievements of this year's PIACT Awards of Distinction winners.
Mark Suhr
CIC, CPIA
Networking Reception
Thursday, March 19, 4:30–6 p.m.
Sponsored by: MAPFRE Insurance
Connect with fellow insurance professionals during this lively networking reception featuring an open bar, food stations, coffee and dessert, and raffle prizes. Enjoy the music of DJ Mike Nigretti while mingling with peers and meeting members of the PIACT and CTYIP board members. It's a great opportunity to build valuable industry connections in a relaxed, social setting.
Farewell
Breakfast Buffet with Bloody Marys & Mimosas
Friday, March 20, 9–10 a.m.
Sponsored by: Amwins Access
Join fellow attendees for a relaxed final gathering featuring a delicious breakfast spread and refreshing morning cocktails—the perfect opportunity to share last connections and head home recharged. A memorable send-off to an incredible convention experience.
Administration
2025-2026
PIACT Administration
President
Kevin P. McKiernan, CIC, CPIA
President-elect
Katie Bailey, CPIA, ACSR, CLCS
Secretary
Jeffrey A. Krar
Immediate Past President
Nick Ruickoldt, CPIA, CISR
National Director
Active Past Presidents
James R. Berliner, CPCU
Mark Connelly, CIC
John DiMatteo, CFP, CPFA
J. Kyle Dougherty, CIC
Peter Frascarelli, CPIA
Michael F. Keating
Howard S. Olderman
Bud O’Neil, CPIA
Gerard Prast, CPIA
Shannon Rabbett, CIC
Augusto Russell, CIC
Timothy G. Russell, CPCU
Jonathan Black, LUTCF, CPIA, CLTC, NAMSA, NSSA
Directors
Scott Burns
Anthony DeSalva
Ryan Kelly
Nick Khamarji Jr.
2026-2027 PIACT Administration
President
Katie Bailey, CPIA, ACSR, CLCS
Active Past Presidents
James R. Berliner, CPCU
Mark Connelly, CIC
John DiMatteo, CFP, CPFA
J. Kyle Dougherty, CIC
Jeffrey A. Krar
Secretary Treasurer
Anthony DeSalva
Immediate Past President
Kevin P. McKiernan, CIC, CPIA
National Director
Peter Frascarelli, CPIA
Michael F. Keating
Howard S. Olderman
Bud O’Neil, CPIA
Gerard Prast, CPIA
Shannon Rabbett, CIC
Nick Ruickoldt, CPIA, CISR
Augusto Russell, CIC
Timothy G. Russell, CPCU
Jonathan Black, LUTCF, CPIA, CLTC, NAMSA, NSSA
Directors
Raymond Chase
Nick Khamarji Jr.
2026 Convention Committee
Katie Bailey, CPIA, ACSR, CLCS
James R. Berliner, CPCU
Julia Bridges
Anthony DeSalva
John DiMatteo, CFP, CPFA
Nick Khamarji Jr.
Kevin McKiernan, CIC, CPIA
Howard S. Olderman
Bud O’Neil, CPIA
Gerard Prast, CPIA
Shannon Rabbett, CIC
Nick Ruickoldt, CPIA, CISR
2026 Award Winners
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Joseph Krar & Associates Inc.
Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Stephen Todd, CPCU, CIC
There’s nothing but good vibes at this year’s Annual Conference. Turn on and tune in to the insurance event of the year.
Expand your mind with expert-led education sessions, and further your development as an insurance professional.
Experiment with far-out insurance innovations at the packed trade show.
And, make new friends at the Nighttime Beach Party, featuring the GoodMan Fiske Band.
Guarantee your place at PIA’s grooviest ANNUAL C
GOODMAN FISK BAND
Advantage Partners Inc.
www.advantagepartnersnetwork.com
AFCO Direct
www.afcodirect.com
www.frankcrum.com
www.gfginc.com
Ironpeak Inc.
Amwins Access www.ironpeak.com
Applied Systems Inc.
www.appliedsystems.com
BH Burke & Co.
Georgetown Financial Group Inc. www.bhbco.com
www.bridgespecialtygroup.com
Joseph Krar & Associates Inc. www.amwins.com
www.jencapgroup.com
Jimcor Agencies
www.jimcor.com
Bridge Speciality Group www.jjins.com
Johnson & Johnson Inc.
Capital Premium Financing www.jkrar.com
Lancer Insurance Co. www.capitalpremium.net
Cara www.lancerinsurance.com
Connecticut Young Insurance Professionals
www.younginsuranceprofessionals.org/ct
Enterprise Mobility www.coverflow.com Coverflow
www.enterprise.com
Jencap Group www.getcara.ai
www.nextinsurance.com
www.firstnonprofit.com
Foremost
www.libertymutual.com / www.safeco.com
MAPFRE Insurance
www.mapfreusa.com
McGowan Companies
www.mcgowancompanies.com
ERGO NEXT Insurance www.nationalgeneral.com
NIP Group
First Nonprofit www.nipgroup.com
Liberty Mutual / Safeco Insurance www.foremost.com
National General, an Allstate company
NJM Insurance Group Inc.
FrankCrum www.njm.com
Omaha National
www.omahanational.com
Paul Davis Restoration
Payless Auto Glass
www.paylessautoglass.com
Philadelphia Insurance Cos.
www.phly.com
PIA Northeast
www.pia.org
Prime Insurance Company
www.primeis.com
QuoteWell
ServiceMaster Restore
www.servicemasterrestore.com
SERVPRO
www.servpro.com
Simon Agency
www.simonagency.com
Standard Premium Finance
www.standardpremium.com
The Standard
www.spcpub.com
Travelers
www.travelers.com
United Property Restoration Services www.quotewell.com
www.unitedprs.com
Utica National Insurance Group www.pauldavis.com
www.renaissanceins.com
Risk Ninja AI
Renaissance Alliance www.theriskninja.com
Risk Placement Services
www.rpsins.com
RT Specialty
www.rtspecialty.com
SAN Group
www.sangroup.com
Selective Insurance
www.selective.com
www.uticanational.com/eo
Vertafore
www.vertafore.com
Virtual Insurance Pro
www.vinsurancepro.com
Workers Compensation Trust
www.wctrust.com
XS Brokers
www.xsbrokers.com
Zenith Insurance
www.thezenith.com
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Sponsors
AFCO Direct Networking Lunch
A.I.M. Mutual Luncheon Table Programs
Amwins Access Breakfast Buffet
The Andover Cos. Entertainment
Arbella Insurance Group Convention Badges and Lanyards
Business Risk Partners Meeting Refreshments
Capital Premium Financing Bloody Mary/Mimosa Bar
Central Insurance Cos. Convention Host
Chubb Convention Host
Glass America Coffee & Dessert
The Hanover Insurance Group
Mobile Website
Jencap Group
Tote Bag Booth
Lancer Insurance Co.
Convention Host
Liberty Mutual / Safeco Insurance
Coffee & Dessert Reception
MAPFRE Insurance
Networking Reception
NJM Insurance Group
Hand Sanitizers
NLC Insurance Cos.
Education Session
Ohio Mutual Insurance Group
Convention Host
Paul Davis Restoration
Convention Host
Plymouth Rock Assurance
Convention Host
Progressive Insurance
Grand Door Prize & Convention Host
MILFORD – ORANGE – STRATFORD
SOUTHBURY/TORRINGTON (203) 301-0500
Quincy Mutual Group
Education Session
Selective Insurance
Coffee & Dessert
SERVPRO
Cash Giveaways
Travelers Insurance
Charging Stations
United Property Restoration Services
Convention Host
