Attending a professional conference is one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your agency. While educational sessions are certainly a highlight, the true value of a conference extends far beyond the classroom.
The 2026 Big I Maryland Annual Conference & Showcase, taking place August 26-27 at the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina, offers opportunities to learn, connect, and discover new ideas that can benefit your agency long after the conference ends.
Whether this is your first Annual Conference or you’re a returning attendee, here are a few ways to make the most of your experience.
Plan Your Schedule Before You Arrive
Take a few minutes before the conference to review the agenda and identify the sessions that interest you most.
This year’s conference features presentations on artificial intelligence, agency technology, insurance agents E&O, and emerging trends affecting independent insurance professionals. Planning your schedule in advance allows you to maximize your time and avoid missing sessions that are most relevant to your role.
Visit the Cruise & Connect Showcase
The Cruise & Connect Showcase is an opportunity to meet with insurance carriers, technology providers, staffing professionals, and industry partners in one convenient location.
Take time to visit each booth, ask questions, explore new products and services, and learn how exhibitors can support your agency’s goals. Whether you’re looking for new technology, carrier relationships, or business solutions, the showcase offers valuable opportunities to make meaningful connections.
Network With Your Peers
One of the greatest benefits of attending the Annual Conference is the opportunity to connect with fellow insurance professionals from across Maryland.
Conversations between sessions, during networking events, and throughout the Cruise & Connect Showcase often lead to new ideas, valuable relationships, and practical solutions that can benefit your agency long after the conference concludes.
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and share experiences with others in the industry.
Come Prepared with Questions
Our speakers bring a wealth of industry knowledge and real-world experience.
If there’s a challenge your agency is facing or a topic you’ve been wanting to learn more about, write down your questions before arriving. Taking advantage of the opportunity to engage with presenters can make the educational sessions even more valuable.
Stay at the Conference Hotel
Booking a room at the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina allows you to make the most of your conference experience.
You’ll be just steps away from educational sessions, networking opportunities, the Cruise & Connect Showcase, and evening activities. Staying on-site also gives you more opportunities to connect with fellow attendees throughout the event.
If you haven’t reserved your room yet, remember that the conference room block closes July 25.
Bring Back More Than Notes
The best conferences don’t just provide information. They inspire action.
As you attend sessions and meet with exhibitors, think about ideas you can implement when you return to your agency. Whether it’s adopting a new technology, improving a workflow, strengthening client relationships, or exploring a new product, even one idea can make a lasting impact.
The 2026 Big I Maryland Annual Conference & Showcase is designed to help independent insurance professionals prepare for what’s next while creating opportunities to build lasting connections with peers and industry partners.
We hope you’ll join us August 26-27 at the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina for two days of education, networking, and innovation.
If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time.
Ready to join us? Register today at bigimd.com/annual.
For additional information or questions:
Our Events Team is here to help with any questions you may have. For support, contact our team at events@bigimd.com and we will be happy to assist you!