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, networking breaks with exhibitors/sponsors and an Annual Business Meeting.
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
Local Events
Meeting/Program Formats & Ideas
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 provided 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
State Legislative Day Kit
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
NAIFA Vice President of Professional Development, Alaina Faiello, provides a deep dive into building successful chapter programs.
NAIFA Director of Events, Shara Wells, goes through site selection, contracting, event orders, AV and budgeting.
NAIFA Director of Professional Development, Brendan Bernat, presents the basics on continuing education credit for chapter programs.
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