Agenda

Keynote Remarks:

Looking Forward: Future Trends in the Economy, Labour Markets and the Insurance Industry

Ms. Swift will discuss the importance of the many significant changes taking place in the domestic and international economy as well as the political landscape over the next few years.  Of particular concern are the looming labour shortages in every developed economy, and their impacts on business and the economy overall.  She will also note the challenges presented by successive minority governments in Canada, and their relevance to the insurance sector.

Presenter:
Catherine Swift, Chairwoman, President and CEO, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Session Two: Process: Purchase and Sale Ready Actions

Once you have decided to sell your brokerage or buy a brokerage, you will need to design and carry out appropriate action plans and implement measures that will help you to receive or pay an appropriate price in the transaction.  This session will focus on what “purchase and sale ready actions” will help to maximize your transaction value and to avoid costly pitfalls and potential obstacles to completing a successful purchase or sale.

Presenter:
Eric Walker, Partner, Cookson Walker Consulting Group

Session Three:

The Bottom Line: Financing Growth is Critical, But How Do You Pay For It?

In this presentation, Rick Morris will touch on the types of growth there are to finance (e.g. growth through acquisition, organic growth); sources of growth capital (existing shareholders/management, traditional financial institutions, insurance companies, etc.); types of capital (e.g. debt capital, equity capital) and the characteristics of these types of capital (documentation, terms, repayment, control, etc.). Finally, he will briefly touch on the tax implications of financing growth.

Presenter:
Rick Morris, Director of Broker Financial Solutions, ING Insurance (ON)

Panel Discussion:

Back to the Future

As the marketplace continues to evolve, what will the Canadian broker landscape look like 10 years from now? These industry experts will offer their predictions for the future and how to prepare for it.

Participants:
John Belyea, President, Belyea Consulting Group Ltd.

Gregory Belton, President, HKMB HUB International

Brenda French, President, The French Group

Ken Orr, President, Principal, Orr & Associates Insurance Broker Ltd.

Bryan Yetman, First Vice-President, Insurance Association of Ontario Board of Directors, Manager of Special Lines, First Durham Insurance & Financial

Lunch Break

Stress Management

Expert Michael Clarkson puts a whole new spin on coping with the pressures of today¹s world -- Stress is a product of our fear, and it can be used to our advantage. Whether at work or at home, stress can turn into a valuable tool. If we can learn to harness stress and use it as nature intended, we can lead happier lives and even make more money.

Presenter:
Michael Clarkson, Author, Quick Fixes for Everyday Fears

Session Five:

Positioned For Success – The Role of Technology

Technology is the “assembly line” of the insurance business, at the heart of each and every activity. It is used not only to monitor and maintain your business, but also to differentiate your service, lead your growth, and enable success. No wonder it is crucial in succession planning, with technological choices impacting your attractiveness in mergers and amalgamations, but also impacting the success of such ventures. What systems are the most important, what can you do to position yourself for success?

Presenter:
Glen Pillar, President and Chief Executive Officer, iter8

Session Six:

Transition and Integration: Making Your Integration Work

Successful acquisitions are more than just the deal itself. Many good acquisitions fail due to poor planning or execution of the subsequent integration. This session will present one approach to maximizing the value of your opportunity while retaining clients and the right staff. It will also look at ways to make this all happen without compromising the smooth operation of your day-to-day business.

Presenter:
Tom Reid, Chief Operating Officer, Canada Brokerlink

Session Seven:

The Youth Factor

How do you attract and retain younger workers to the brokerage business and turn them into the leaders of tomorrow? Research of 30-year-olds across Canada will be highlighted. The presentation will also feature practical tips on recruiting and engaging Generation Y.

Presenters:
Don Bisch, Publisher, Canadian Insurance
Judy Huard, Consultant, The French Group

Session Eight:

A Family Affair

Do you want your kid to step into your shoes? This session will provide insight on how to address the challenges of family succession and make it work for broker principals, their employees and their insurer partners alike.

Presenter:
Brenda French, President, The French Group

If you would like to attend, please register at https://www.exporeg.com/spc2008/