PIANJ/PIANY: Take Over Atlantic City 80's Style!

Agents, insurance professionals, and industry experts from New Jersey and New York came together for the PIANJ/PIANY Annual Conference June 9-11, 2019, at Harrah's Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. The event--a jam-packed two days--brought networking opportunities, a premier trade show and education sessions providing continuing-education credits--as well as a lot of fun for attendees while celebrating PIANJ/PIANY's 80th anniversary.

The conference was the venue for PIANJ's presentation of the Awards of Distinction and the installation of the 2019-20 PIANJ officers and directors.

TRADE SHOW AND NETWORKING

The biggest insurance exhibition in the Northeast kicked off with giveaways and a Welcome Cocktail Reception on the trade-show floor. Hors d' oeuvres and drinks were served while insurance professionals made valuable contacts and built relationships to help grow their businesses. The trade show continued through a second day, with hundreds of vendors eagerly meeting with insurance professionals and sharing the latest industry innovations. The event wrapped with a Wine and Cheese Reception on the final day.

The event also brought VIP guests to the trade-show floor. PIA National President and PIANJ past President Keith A. Savino, CPIA, and PIA National Executive Vice President Mike Becker rubbed shoulders with agents and exhibitors alike, and shared what is happening on the national stage within our industry. Dan Maher, the executive director of the Excess Line Association of New York attended the event; as well as Herminia Bonillia, president of the Latin Agents & Brokers Association; and Wendy-Leigh Certo, president of the Surplus Lines Association of New Jersey.

KEYNOTE LUNCHEON WITH AGT ENTERTAINMENT

The Networking Luncheon is always known to be a fun event, and this year it was no exception. PIANY President Jamie Ferris, CIC, AAI, CPIA, opened the luncheon, recognizing PIA past presidents, and the PIANY board of directors. PIANJ outgoing President Lloyd "Rip" Bush, CPIA, introduced the new PIANJ officers and newly inducted PIANJ President, Bruce Blum, CPIA. Blum had the honor of recognizing the newly indicted NJYIP officers, and stressed the importance of growing the next generation of industry leaders.

Finally, Eric Dittelman, a mentalist featured on "America's Got Talent," wowed the crowd with his mind-reading abilities. PIANY President-elect John Tomassi, CPCU, had the pleasure of duct-taping Dittelman's face. And, participants...