Second Annual Spark Conference – Intimate, Impactful, Human
NetVU’s second annual Spark Conference took place earlier this month in New Orleans, giving NetVU members a sneak peek at New Orleans as a host city for Accelerate in 2024, and an intimate setting to discuss the biggest non-tech issues facing their agencies.
“The thing that strikes me about Spark is that there are no borders, no lanes we need to stay within.
Why it matters?
- In an industry more and more reliant on technology with Insuretech events and conferences in abundance, Spark is focused more on people-centric content while working ON the business.
- Spark offers intimate and intentional networking for those looking to lift their organizations. With breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. and evening receptions that ran well past their end times more than 12 hours later at 7:30 p.m., attendees connected and networked with each other in ways that can’t be done at most industry conferences. According to one attendee, “the conversations were priceless, I have 16 pages of notes just based on the conversations I had while at Spark.”
- Three powerful keynotes from industry influencers with follow up discussions that set the stage for three days of intentional focus on talent, growth, and operational efficiency.
- James Jenkins, podcaster, agency owner, and author, focused on the courage it takes to be bold in challenging times.
- Dr. Billy Williams, author and investor in more than 100 independent insurance agencies, focused on overcoming sales objections and establishing a sales culture in your organization.
- IIAT President and Executive Director Marit Peters shared concepts and ideas on moving your team culture and performance from average to awesome.
- A who’s who of industry heavy hitters and up-and-comers were on hand to facilitate 24 sessions on growth, talent, and operational efficiencies, including Angela Adams, Steve Anderson, Chris Cline, Tammy Ditzel, Jody Entrekin, Mariah Gates, Justin Goodman, Vickie Marmon, Stephen Harrington-Descoteaux, CJ Hutsenpiller, Jeff Kite, Peter MacDonald, Brian McNeely, Carrie Miller, Doug Mohr, Jamie Peers, and Anitra Rivera.
- No PowerPoint – attendees weren’t talked to from the stage. They were a part of the discussion. An attendee described the model, saying, “I love that it’s inherently designed to create conversations with facilitators who can engage the audience rather than speak to the audience.”
- New Orleans is known for its food, and Spark didn’t disappoint in this area. “Spark had some of the best served receptions and meals at a conference at which I’ve been in ages.”
There’s an authenticity and realness about everything that takes place at Spark – the people, the sessions, the conversations, the sponsors … everything.
What’s Next?
- Spark will return to Cincinnati at the historic Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza on Nov. 3-5, 2024.
- Registration is open and the registration rate will remain at the 2023 pricing of $449 through Dec. 31, 2023.
- Spark can be viewed as a standalone event from Accelerate – the two events have unique purposes. But they shouldn’t be considered an either/or proposition.
- Owners and decision makers in operations, accounting, and HR leaders who want to be better leaders for their teams are the ideal attendees for Spark as it focuses on how you can achieve operational excellence within your organization.
- Up-and-coming leaders who need a different perspective on operations are also important as it gives them a glimpse into what’s to come.
I was thanked for comments I made in a class that I attended. I was flattered and it made me think we should encourage more people to speak up and share the love and appreciation for one another.