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.

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 
Panel TBD (Owatonna)