PIANY PIANJ Annual Conference
Good Vibes. Big Ideas. Bright Future.
Hosted by PIA of New Jersey and New York, the Annual Conference sets the scene for sharpening your expertise, swapping ideas with industry insiders, and staying perfectly in sync with what’s next in insurance.
Step Into the Spotlight.
Join a crew of sharp, seasoned professionals for a multi‑day blowout packed with chances to learn new moves and tighten your strategy until it hits like a power chord. Whether you’re hunting for new tools, chasing fresh markets, or gearing up for your next big break, this is the place where careers stop playing backup and start headlining.
Stay Ahead of the Curve.
Every year, thousands of insurance professionals roll into Annual Conference to get an edge, score top‑tier resources, and fine‑tune their success like a band dialing in the perfect riff before a sold‑out show.
Why You Should Attend:
Industry Insights
That Hit Like a Killer Hook.
Just like a Stones classic, winning in insurance is all about connection. Build real, lasting relationships with fellow agents and industry icons who’ve got the kind of wisdom you can’t fake.
Experience That’s Loud, Live, and Electric.
From the trade show and networking hangouts to lively panels and high‑energy education, Annual Conference brings the vibe of a packed arena—fueling your fire long after you’re back at your desk.
A Setlist of Knowledge.
PIA delivers nothing but the good stuff. Our CE sessions sharpen your skills, boost your edge, and keep you leading the pack in an industry that never stops moving.
Bring the swagger and step into the spotlight.
Your next big career move is waiting for you at the PIA Annual Conference—don’t let the lights go up without you.
Platinum Hosts:
Check Out This Killer Set List of Events:
Turn up the attitude and mix it up with colleagues and friends at our rock‑and‑roll‑ready networking events:
Rockin' Cocktail Reception
Sunday, June 7, 5-6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: Jimcor Agencies
Kick off the conference with undeniable energy. Roll into the networking lounge, catch up with old mates, and meet the new faces ready to shake things up. Enjoy tasty bites, bold cocktails, and conversations that set the tone for an unforgettable event.
YIP After‑Hours Rock ’n’ Roll Revue
Sunday, June 7, 9–11 p.m.
Join the YIPs for the hottest party in town at Hard Rock Café Backstage! A late‑night blowout with the energy of a backstage party after a stadium show. Great music, dancing, and craft cocktails await as the rising stars of the insurance industry let loose and have a little fun.
Trade Show–The Deal‑Makers’ Main Stage
Sunday, June 7, 4–6:30 p.m.
Monday, June 8, 9 a.m.-Noon; 1:45–4 p.m.
The Trade Show at Annual Conference is where the real action happens—handshakes, big moves, and spotlight‑worthy ideas. Discover the latest tools and techniques that will keep your business in the spotlight.
Wine and Cheese Reception: Monday 1:45–4 p.m.
Sponsored by Price & Price Enterprises Inc.
Ease into the afternoon with a little rock‑and‑roll refinement. Sip smooth wine, savor standout cheeses, and unwind with industry professionals in a laid‑back setting that feels like the calm between encores. It’s the perfect breather before the next big set of the conference.
Networking Lunch featuring CEO Panel
Monday, June 8, 12-1:45 p.m.
Networking Lunch sponsored by: Plymouth Rock Assurance
CEO Panel sponsored by: Utica National Insurance Group
Carrier movers and shakers will take center stage at a CEO panel as part of this year’s Networking Lunch. The CEOs from Plymouth Rock Assurance, Preferred Mutual and Utica Mutual Insurance Co.: Ethan Tarby, R. Benedikt Sander, and Kristen Martin, respectively, will share initiatives and insights affecting carriers and independent insurance agents.
Ethan Tarby, president and CEO, Plymouth Rock Assurance Corp.
Ethan Tarby’s responsibilities include leadership of Plymouth Rock’s Independent Agency Group. He joined Plymouth Rock in March 2021 as chief marketing officer of the Independent Agency Group. As CMO, he was responsible for marketing and distribution in the independent agency channel across the six states in which Plymouth Rock operates. Immediately prior to Plymouth Rock, Tarby spent 14 years at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he held multiple senior leadership positions. He has more than 25 years of industry experience across diverse responsibilities, including distribution management and analytics in multiple channels, product management, corporate finance, operational excellence, and innovation and growth strategy. He holds a bachelor’s of arts degree from Williams College and an M.B.A. from Duke University.
R. Benedikt Sander, president and CEO, Preferred Mutual Insurance Co.
R. Benedikt Sander is responsible for leading Preferred Mutual’s strategic direction, setting and syncing short-, medium- and long-term goals. Currently, he serves on the board of directors at Preferred Mutual. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO, Sander served as the executive vice president of Insurance Operations where he was responsible for building the vision for and driving execution within underwriting and sales/distribution for Preferred Mutual. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry and in consultancy. Sander has a master of philosophy degree in economic theory from Cambridge University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. He holds multiple insurance designations.
Kristen H. Martin, president and CEO, Utica National Insurance Group
Kristen Martin was named president and CEO of Utica National Insurance Group in 2024, having previously served as president and COO since 2019. She also was elected to the position of director of the Utica Mutual Insurance Co., Graphic Arts Mutual Insurance Co., and Republic-Franklin Insurance Co., in 2019. She joined Utica National as an examiner in 2001 and, following several promotions, was named corporate secretary in 2013, executive vice president in 2013, and director of underwriting operations in 2014. She was named executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2016. Martin holds a juris doctorate from Albany Law School, a bachelor’s degree in economics and government, from St. Lawrence University, and the Associate in Claims professional designation.
Sunset Groove Beach Bash
at LandShark Bar & Grill
Monday, June 8, 6:30–9 p.m.
Sponsored by: Selective Insurance
Once again, we’re taking over LandShark Bar & Grill for a full throttle, rock‑and‑roll‑ready party. Forget the quiet nights—this is where the amps go up, the crowd comes alive, and the GoodMan Fiske Band brings the kind of heat that turns a regular evening into a legendary one. Kick back and let the music carry you through the night.
Fun Run to Benefit Special Olympics New Jersey
Tuesday, June 9, 7:30-10 a.m.
Sponsored by: Franklin Mutual Insurance
A 42‑year tradition keeps on rolling with Fun Run 2026. Whether you’re running, jogging, or taking a laid‑back stroll, every step fuels something bigger. Lace up, hit your stride, and help power the incredible athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey. It’s a morning with heart, grit, and just the right amount of rock‑and‑roll spirit.
To date, PIANJ and NJYIP have raised more than $5 million for SONJ—let’s make this year the best one yet!
Education
Featured Instructors:
Steve Lyon has more than 35 years of agency-management experience owning, operating and managing an independent insurance agency. He uses his experience to conduct more than 150 insurance-related classes each year for agencies and companies throughout the U.S.
John Fear has worked in the independent agency profession for more than 30 years in a variety of roles and business areas. He specializes in agency operations, process improvement and sales proficiency to help insurance professionals provide outstanding service for their clients.
Sunday, June 7, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Real Claims, Real Coverage: Lessons from the Field
Steve Lyon, CIC, CRM, CPCU, ARM, AAI, AFIS, CRIS, AIS, MLIS, TRIP
Submitted for NY, NJ & PA CE credits.
Sponsored by: Brooks Insurance Agency
What could be better than using real-life claims examples to study policy coverages and endorsements? This class will cover both personal and commercial lines forms, and allow you to take a fresh new look at old issues and concerns—which will help you become a better advocate for your clients. This session is guaranteed to hold your interest and surprise you.
Monday, June 8,
8-10 a.m.
Technology: Impacting You and Your Clients
John Fear, CISR, CPIA
Submitted for NY, NJ & PA CE credits.
Sponsored by: TBA
Technological advances are changing every aspect of the insurance industry—affecting the products insurance companies dynamically develop and underwrite. They also affect how agents interact with current and prospective clients, and how claims are handled. Understanding how this will impact your ability to provide proper risk assessment for your clients, and how to integrate those processes and procedures throughout your agency and staff, will make your interactions with your clients more effective.
Monday, June 8, 3–5:50 p.m.
I Didn’t Know That! Policy Wording That Can Ruin or Make Your Day
Steve Lyon, CIC, CRM, CPCU, ARM, AAI, AFIS, CRIS, AIS, MLIS, TRIP
Submitted for NY, NJ & PA CE credits.
Sponsored by: TBA
Join us for an action-packed session of coverage surprises and misunderstandings. This class will address issues with insuring drones, medical/recreational marijuana, misclassifying workers, the difference between delivery and livery, anticoncurrent causation language—and the problems it creates—along with discussions on why every client needs a pollution policy. The discussion also will include why umbrellas do not follow form, and some nasty endorsements you don’t want on your clients’ policies. You won’t want to miss this class.
