CHAPTER PLAYBOOK

Chapter Programs

Annual Conference

Chapters should host a state-wide professional development program that serves as their Annual Conference. Annual Conferences typically include motivational keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions and networking breaks with exhibitors/sponsors.

State Legislative Day

State Chapters are required to host a State Legislative Day if the state legislature is in session. If the state legislature is NOT in session, states should plan to host state-wide or regional advocacy events. Regardless of whether your legislature is in session or not, State Chapters should also include local legislators and/or Department of Insurance staff in at least one event per year in each Local Chapter or Affiliate. NAIFA has prepared a State Legislative Day Kit to aid in planning and marketing your event.

Continuing Education Programs

With the expansion of the NAIFA family to include the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP), members now have access to an increased offering of qualified continuing education. Qualified programs not only include insurance continuing education, but also include credits to serve our expanded membership of attorneys, certified public accountants and others in the financial services industry.

The Chapter Advanced Continuing Education Credit Guide includes information on each of the continuing education types offered and how to obtain these credits for your Chapter’s programs. In addition, the guide also includes any fees associated with the filing as well.

In addition to the guide, Chapters are encouraged to use NAIFA's attendance tracking form.

Chapters should also follow the below continuing education guidelines:

1. States must either be registered as CE providers with their state OR provide CE through a partnership with a qualified provider.
2. States should file for CE credits for eligible NAIFA programs, including webinars and other programs offered by NAIFA that are eligible for CE credit in the state.
3. States must also file for CE credits for Local Chapter programs at the request of the Local Chapter, with the Local Chapter responsible for associated filing fees for the program.
4. States must also file for CE credits for Affiliate programs that qualify for CE credits, with the State Chapter covering the costs associated with filing CE credits for Affiliate programs.
5. States should also provide CE credit for eligible state programs.

Local Events

Meeting/Program Formats & Ideas

1. Roundtable Discussions – A roundtable discussion is a facilitated discussion that gives each participant the maximum amount of group input on a given subject of common interest in a short amount of time. Discussion groups are usually five to 10 participants, with a facilitator to guide the discussion.
2. Seminars – Seminars are educational programs that feature one or more subject matter experts delivering information primarily via lecture and discussion.
3. Workshops – Workshops tend to be smaller and more intense than seminars and typically involve participants doing hands-on activities or work on an issue during the program.
4. Study Groups – Study groups can be formed with small groups of members who want to increase their production, make themselves accountable for their goals and need a trusted sounding board. Study groups can offer solutions to challenges and assist those working towards a designation. 
5. Social/Networking – Social/networking events.

Promoting NAIFA Chapter Events Across State Lines

The objective of NAIFA’s policy on promoting NAIFA Chapter events across state lines is to establish protocol for the marketing and the communication of an event, whether it be in-person or virtual, so that a Chapter event adheres to marketing guidelines and does not compete with National events in it’s timing, look or production level.

Resources

When hosting a program, there are a lot of things to consider and monitor. One of the most important aspects of program planning is budgeting for the event. A budget spreadsheet can track expenses including venue, food and beverage, marketing, advertising, travel and speaker fees.

It can also track income from tickets, registration, sponsors, etc. Smartsheet has great resources for free event budget templates. Templates include budgets for events, conferences, parties, etc. 

In addition to budgeting, you may also need to keep track of roles and responsibilities of staff members or volunteers. In order to do this efficiently, NAIFA has created a Program Outline Workbook template for Chapters to use. The workbook includes tabs to monitor responsibilities, show flow, speaker information and Zoom information in the case of virtual events. It also includes a RACI tab, which clarifies responsibilities even further into who is responsible, accountable, consulted and informed. 

Lastly, Chapters may want to consider using a High-Level Design Document. This document gets into the specifics of each topic and breaks it down by learning objectives, timing, delivery, instructor, etc. 

Using these tools and their many customizable options can provide you with great budget spreadsheets, program outlines and topic-specific information that will make these important processes for hosting your event easier for you to navigate.

Speaker Resources

Need a speaker? NAIFA has created a Speakers Bureau to provide high-quality presenters and thought leaders for events across NAIFA Nation. Speakers who apply or who are referred to the Bureau are vetted by the NAIFA Virtual Learning Committee to ensure the speaker’s quality, as well as the relevance of the speaker’s presentations to NAIFA audiences.

Speakers who are selected for inclusion in the NAIFA Speakers Bureau are eligible for speaking slots in a variety of programs including events such as Apex and NAIFA Live. All NAIFA Chapters are encouraged to first look to the talent included in the NAIFA Speakers Bureau for experts to speak at future events.

All experts included in NAIFA’s Centers of Excellence are also included in the NAIFA Speakers Bureau.

Guide to NAIFA's Speakers Bureau
NAIFA Model Speaker Policy

Quick Links

State Legislative Day Kit
Chapter Advanced Continuing Education Credit Guide
Attendance Tracking Form
Promoting NAIFA Chapter Events Across State Lines
Smartsheet
Program Outline Workbook
High Level Design Document
Speakers Bureau
Guide to NAIFA's Speakers Bureau
NAIFA Model Speaker Policy
Statement of Compliance with Antitrust Laws