2026 Big I MN INSURCON - Superheroes of Insurance

Everyday Heroes: 5 Keys to Rise Above Chaos + Reignite Purpose

In times of disruption, the real heroes are the everyday leaders who stay grounded, adaptable, and purpose-driven. In this keynote, Janine reveals five essential keys that help individuals rise above chaos, reconnect with what matters, and lead with clarity even when everything around them shifts.

You’ll learn her DROP Method, a practical framework designed to stabilize your mindset, sharpen your focus, and build resilience under pressure. Through memorable storytelling and real-world examples, Janine shows how ordinary moments can become turning points for extraordinary leadership.

The session builds to her signature “Mountain Toss” experience—a powerful, interactive moment where attendees commit to decisive action on their top goals. Participants leave with a renewed sense of purpose, a momentum-building mindset, and tools they can apply immediately in both work and life.

Whether navigating constant change or guiding others through uncertainty, this keynote gives audiences the mindset and method to become everyday heroes—steady, impactful, and ready to rise to the moment.

Expo Speakers & Panelists

State of the Association Breakfast: Join your Big I MN Leadership to hear updates on the overall health of the association, successes from 2025, and initiatives for 2026.

April 30: Morning Breakout Sessions

9:00 AM Breakouts

The Leadership League - Strategies for Elevating Engagement
Lena Scullard, LMS Productions (Isanti III)

Level Up Leadership equips formal and informal leaders with the mindset and tools to foster trust, motivate teams, and drive meaningful results. By shifting from traditional, title-driven leadership to a servant leadership approach, participants learn to prioritize people over processes, address fundamental human needs, and build authentic connections. This program helps leaders uncover what motivates their teams, create a culture of trust, and empower individuals to take ownership of their growth and contributions. Through self-reflection, meaningful conversations, and intentional action, Level Up Leadership transforms how leaders inspire, engage, and achieve outcomes. Investing in this program fosters a workplace culture where employees feel valued and motivated, leading to higher engagement, productivity, and team cohesion.

Claims Session- Title TBD- (1 CE?)
John Buckley, Western National Insurance Group (Owatonna)

10:00 AM Breakouts

Beyond the Hype: Turning AI into Real Value for Your Insurance Agency
Jason Gobbel, Kite Technology (Isanti I & II)

Everyone is talking about AI, but many insurance professionals are still unsure how it actually fits into everyday work. Interest is high, tools are readily available, and yet meaningful results often feel out of reach.

In this session, we move past the buzz and focus on how agencies can use AI to create real value. Rather than theory or vendor hype, the discussion centers on practical workflows and real examples using tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to reduce manual effort, save time, and improve consistency.

You will leave with a clearer understanding of where AI can help, where caution is required, and how to approach adoption in a way that delivers results without increasing risk.

Modernize Your Marketing: Power Up Your Agency Presence
Joseph Cox, Trusted Choice (Isanti III)

Get simple, actionable marketing tips tailored for independent agents—no marketing degree required. Learn how to boost your online visibility using free Trusted Choice® resources, including automated social posting, customizable ad campaigns, social media resources, and time-saving guides. Walk away with easy wins you can start using right away—all included with your Big “I” membership.

11:00 AM Breakout

Carrier Crusaders: Protectors of the Policyverse 
Chad Bjugan (moderator) - Richfield State Insurance, Patrick Roe - Arlington/Roe, Josh August - EMC Insurance, Jim Flynn - AAA The Auto Club Group (Owatonna), Patrick Gallagher -National General, an Allstate company, and Bill Meyer -The Hanover Insurance Group

Join senior leaders from leading insurance carriers for a candid and insightful discussion on the forces shaping today’s insurance marketplace. As carriers, agents, and insureds continue to adapt to economic pressures, evolving risk profiles, leveraging data and technology, and heightened expectations from policyholders, this panel will explore how insurers are responding and positioning themselves for the future and the impact on agents.

Exhibitor Schedule – Thursday April 30, 2026

Exhibitor Move In: 10:00am – 2:00pm (check-in at Registration, Minnetonka Pre-Function)

Event Hours: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Exhibitor Move Out: 5:00pm

Booth Cost:  Affiliate Partner Member:  Free | Non-Member: $1750.00

Booth Description: Each 8’ x 10’ Booth Includes: 8’ High Back Drape 3’ High Side Drape 1 – 6’ x 30” Draped Table 2 – Side Chairs 1 – Wastebasket 1 – ID Sign Drape Colors

Complimentary Exhibit Hall Registrations:
Chairman & Diamond Partners: 8 | Platinum Partners: 7 | Gold Partners: 6 | Silver Partners: 5 | Non-Member: 4

_{Each booth gets complimentary registrations for booth personnel, which can be redeemed with a promo code that was provided to your organizations Exhibitor Coordinator}

New This Year: Big I MN Super Snap!

After five fun years, we’re retiring Expo Bingo and rolling out a fresh social promotion to drive traffic to your booth. During the INSURCON 2026 Expo, attendees can snap photos with exhibitors, post on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram with #BigIMNInsurCon and each qualifying post becomes an entry to win a $500 prize.

Best Booth Competition – INSURCON 2026: Superheroes of Insurance!

Transform your space into a superhero‑themed booth that shows how you “save the day” for clients. Dress your team as heroes, deck out your booth like a hero headquarters, and showcase your superpowered solutions. The most creative transformation wins Best Booth!

Exhibitor Checklist

✓  Order Booth

✓  Reserve Hotel Room

✓  Register Booth Personnel (Individuals need to be in the database before they can register.)

✓  Download and Review 2026 Mystic Lake Exhibitor Guide

✓  Log-in to Chrome Expo Services to access Exhibitor Kit/Shipping (Individuals need to be set up by Chrom before they can access the portal)

✓  Order Electric/Dedicated Internet (if needed) 

CHROM Expo Services

Chrom Expo Services is the official service contractor for the Big I MN Expo.  You will be receiving an email from them for their Chrom Expo Services Portal where you can access the Exhibitor kit and set up shipping.

Brad Allred          (952) 994-4137       exhibitorservices@chromexpo.com 

This portal is only for Exhibitor Coordinators who have been granted access by CHROM Expo Services. If you did not receive login credentials from CHROM, please contact them before trying to access the portal

CHROM Exhibitor Portal (Exhibitor Kit)

Electric & Internet – Mystic Lake Convention Center

Electric, Internet and AV are managed by Mystic Lake Convention Center. If you need electric, dedicated internet or AV please work with Thomas Wangerin at Mystic Lake to get the items or services you may need for your booth. Please download the Electric Internet Order Form.

Thomas Wangerin               952-496-7172      Thomas.Wangerin@mysticlake.com

2026 Mystic Lake Exhibitor Guide with Maps

Electric/Internet Order Form

Free wi-fi throughout the property.

Shipping – Chrom Expo Services

The exclusive shipping provider is Chrom Expo Services.  You can access the shipping form through Chrom Expo Services portal above.  

Do not ship directly to Mystic Lake Center, they do not have the resources or availability to handle any shipments.  Big I MN is not responsible for any shipping issues.

Hotel Info

You can click the link below to reserve your hotel room at Mystic Lake Convention Center.  You may also call the Reservation Center at 952-445-9000, available 24/7, to book reservations. Guests should state the dates they would like to stay and mention the "Big I Minnesota 2026."  The cutoff date for reservations is extended to 03-23-26.

Hotel Reservation