The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) has announced the rebranding of its annual convention, renamed IBAOcon.
With 103 years of history, IBAO’s annual convention is one of the largest gatherings for insurance professionals in Canada. Its new name is part of a long-term brand strategy to modernize and position the event for continued growth.
IBAOcon’23 is set to take place on October 18-19 in Toronto and will offer attendees an opportunity to connect with the insurance community and discuss industry trends.
“We’ve seen our convention grow over the years, evolve to virtual during the pandemic and reemerge last year with the largest attendance in its history,” said Norah Black, IBAO’s VP, marketing & communications.
“We’re fortunate to have such an active, engaged community. In return we’re delivering a refreshed event with a new identity and brand that’ll be adaptable and relevant for years to come. IBAOcon’23 attendees can expect new features and ideas alongside their favourite elements.”
As part of the event, IBAO is introducing the Broker Hacks competition, aimed at exploring the creative ways brokers leverage free AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance their workflows.
IBAO will collect and share the most innovative “tricks of the trade,” and the best entries will be presented during IBAOcon’s broker workshop, with cash prizes for the top applications.
Additionally, IBAO is hosting an influencer contest, conducted in partnership with Toronto-based production house KM4 Productions.
For this contest, participants must convey why they should be chosen to document their event experience in a short film focused on industry recruitment. The winners will enjoy complimentary admission to IBAOcon’23, including accommodations.
IBAOcon’23 attendees will also hear from world-renowned, award-winning photographer Plato, whose keynote address will offer insights on leadership, communication, and shifting perspectives.
Moreover, this year’s event will feature a revamped BIP Talks session, offering twice as many topics and speakers.
“Our goal is heightened engagement, with incentives to share, for the betterment of the broker channel,” said Black. “We have so much to learn from one another.”
IBAOcon'23 will also mark the return of the IBAO Awards of Excellence, with updated categories and recognition.
Several awards have been renamed, including Small and Large Brokerage, Rising Talent, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and Affiliate Awards. There is also the new Initiative Award, which honours the work done by Ontario brokers to drive the industry forward through media channels, recruitment events, charity initiatives, or technological innovations.
This year’s winners will receive sponsored awards or donations to charities of their choice, according to IBAO.
“We’re always pushing to make our events better and better,” said IBAO president Suzanne Pountney. “In my experience, the latest IBAO Convention is always the greatest. I’m sure this year will be no exception.”
Considering recent wildfire incidents across the country, IBAO has also pledged to donate a percentage of every event registration fee to Trees For Life, a charitable organization dedicated to funding and supporting community-led tree-planting initiatives.
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