How Can I Maximize My Conference Experience?

How Can I Maximize My Conference Experience?

Author: Heath Shearon August 20, 2026 Duration: 51:15

This week Drake Lawhead comes to visit us in Insurance Town to talk all things conference , and maximizing the conference experience. We get into what all goes into building a major industry event and how attendees can actually get value from showing up. They also dig into how ITC evolved from an investor-focused conference into a broader experience for agents, brokers, carriers, and the tech vendors serving them.We discuss why in-person networking still matters, how to prepare before a conference, and what makes ITC’s agent and broker programming different from a typical trade show.

 

00:00 - Welcome to Insurance Town and sponsor shoutouts
  08:25 - What conference planning really looks like behind the scenes
  09:36 - How conference teams handle complaints and reduce friction
  11:42 - How attendees should prepare before a conference starts
  13:25 - Why some people should attend with a plan and others should leave room for serendipity
  15:46 - Why staying present beats taking conference-day Zoom calls
  18:48 - Why in-person networking still beats digital connection
  19:49 - How ITC’s app and meeting system help people connect fast
  28:35 - Why insurance is a natural fit for technology and AI
  31:09 - What ITC Agents attendees can expect from Tuesday through Thursday
  33:43 - Expo hall, main stage, happy hours, and the closing concert
  38:05 - Why ITC was built for introverts too
  39:43 - Quiet zones, lounges, puppy park, and low-pressure networking
  42:31 - How ITC borrows ideas from other conferences
  45:01 - Why intentional networking matters more than just putting people in a room
  46:45 - Why Drake enjoys the independent agency world
  47:58 - Dates, location, and how to register
  48:59 - ITC events around the world
  50:49 - Final push to register and use the app
  51:47 - Closing thanks and signoff

 

Thank you to my Sponsors: 
 
 Canopy Connect
 1fort
 Viva Virtual Solutions

 


Heath Shearon has spent years navigating every corner of the insurance industry, and in Insurance Town, he acts as your guide through its often complex landscape. Think of each episode as a casual, informative conversation held on the front porch of a town built entirely on insurance knowledge. Heath, who jokingly refers to himself as the Mayor, doesn’t just lecture; he brings in the many friends and colleagues he’s met over his career for genuine discussions that break down real-world scenarios. You’ll hear practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights, and straightforward explanations designed for both industry newcomers and seasoned professionals. This isn't about dry theory-it's about the tangible how-to and the why behind common business and personal coverage questions. The tone is welcoming and grounded in experience, set to a bluesy soundtrack courtesy of Daddy Long Legs. Tune into this podcast for a unique blend of business education and relatable storytelling that makes the intricacies of insurance feel approachable and even engaging.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Insurance Town
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