The 21st annual Trade Fair presented by SPECIALTY AGENTS was by far, the most momentus, enjoyable and well attended trade fair since its inception in 1989.
The weekend began on Thursday, May 13th with a Vendor Appreciation party. This was the beginning of a very successful Trade Show with our gracious venders meeting and greeting each other, providing a great unsolicited networking opportunity. As the Specialty Agents Board members walked around greeting the vendors, they were delighted to note the comraderie as vendors circulated the room greeting each other while tasting the magnificent array of hors d'oeuvres and desserts colorfully presented. The general consensus of opinion ranged from wonderful to fantastic to spectacular.
The 21st annual Trade Fair presented by SPECIALTY AGENTS was by far, the most momentus, enjoyable and well attended trade fair since its inception in 1989.
The weekend began on Thursday, May 13th with a Vendor Appreciation party. This was the beginning of a very successful Trade Show with our gracious venders meeting and greeting each other, providing a great unsolicited networking opportunity. As the Specialty Agents Board members walked around greeting the vendors, they were delighted to note the comraderie as vendors circulated the room greeting each other while tasting the magnificent array of hors d'oeuvres and desserts colorfully presented. The general consensus of opinion ranged from wonderful to fantastic to spectacular.
Friday, May 14th began with Executive Director and Trade Show coordinator Susan Graves and her staff welcoming attendees register for the weekend.
Early arrivals who had come just for the CE classes which were presented throughout Thursday and Friday spent the day attending CE classes and ended up taking out membership in the best agent support organizaion in the state of Florida.
Friday evening, May 14th a gala reception was held. Spontaneity between vendors and SA members was electrifying. Gaiety filled the air as attendees headed for the buffet table where the most delectable food was prepared table-side by the culinary staff of the Doubletree Hotel which tempted the most discriminating palate. Highlight of the evening was a 50/50 raffle where a happy member won $75.
Saturday morning was the annual Agent breakfast meeting which was opened by Board member Pat Lorello at 8:30 a.m. with an introduction of the Board as attendees helped themselves to a continental breakfast. She then turned the meeting over to Board member Curtis Tyre, President and owner of Tyre Insurance School who presented a CE class on Rules and Regulations which not only gave all in attendance valuable information but 2 hrs of CE credits.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. Doors of the Trade Show were opened and the Trade Show began.
As the agents entered the Trade Show, the vendors were all in booths meeting, greeting and giving away promotional items. They set up baskets wherein agents would drop their business cards for drawings of fabulous prizes, while receiving in-depth information on their products which ranged from insurance companies seeking to appoint agents to rating systems and ancillary products such as debit cards, car warranties. towing and road service. The theme of this year's Trade Show was "CIRCUS" which was exhibited by Board member Debbie Grey colorfully adorned in a clown costume. An added attraction was a 5 foot tiger elegantly prancing in his cage as onlookers viewed this magnificent creature in awe.
Trade Show was closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 for lunch. The luncheon was a phenomenal success consisting of mile-high sandwiches and phenomenal desserts only to be topped by presentation of guest speakers.
Rep. Loranne Ausley, Democrat candidate for CFO
Sen. Jeff Atwater, Republication candidate for CFO
Ralph Moten, reknowned motivational speaker. Mr. Moten gave a very inspiring speech giving agents points in the development of their business with emphasis on retention of clients
Following the luncheon -- Trade Fair resumed. CE classes were held throughout the weekend and it should be noted that while agents were signing up with new companies, SA members took advantage of the free CE classes held thus maintaining their licenses and gaining new knowledge.
The finale of the weekend was a superb dinner followed by CASINO NIGHT. Excitement ranked high as attendees purchased tickets and placed their bets. The highlight of the evening was when ten very excited people each won a $100 bill when their winning ticket was pulled.
In interviewing both companies and agents -- everyone had very favorable comments. Attendance was high -- accommodations were excellent -- location great, food was superb and the price was right. Not only was it free admission to the Trade Show but the hotel rate was affordable.
Sincere thanks to the following sponsors who made this event possible by their very generous contributions:
AMERICAN SOUTHWEST INSURANCE MANAGERS
ACCU-AUTO INSURANCE TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
A+TRAVEL OF SARASOTA
BRISTOL WEST/FOREMOST INSURANCE GROUP
1ST AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE
GRAVES & COMPANY
INFINITY INSURANCE
IRVING GREEN & ASSOCIATES
KINGSWAY AMIGO INSURANCE COMPANY
NATION SAFE DRIVERS
PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE
QQ SOLUTIONS / QUICK QUOTE
STANDARD PREMIUM FINANCE
TYRE INSURANCE AGENCY SCHOOL OF CE
Last, but not least -- a very special thank you to Susan Graves, Executive Director, and her staff who have worked diligently to present a very successful SA Trade Show
WE WANT TO THANK-YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
