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Mark Your Calendar: We’re Back on Kent Island!

Join us August 26–27, 2026 at the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows for the Big I Maryland Annual Conference & Showcase
Beyond the Horizon: Leading Insurance Through AI & Innovation
This premier event brings together independent agents, carriers, and industry leaders for two full days of education, connection, and celebration. Attendees can look forward to installing our incoming Board of Directors, participating in impactful education sessions, and enjoying meaningful networking opportunities throughout the conference. We are also excited to feature Cruise & Connect, our reimagined vendor showcase that provides an engaging way to meet with partners and explore valuable resources. More details will be coming soon!
@bigimd / #BigIMaryland #MDBigIAnnual #BeyondTheHorizon

Conference Schedule

8:30AM
Registration Desk Opens
Queen Anne Ballroom (Pre-Function Area)
8:30AM-9:30AM
Charting the Course Breakfast
Kicking off the conference with fresh ideas and forward-thinking conversations.
Queen Anne Ballroom
9:30AM-10:30AM
General Session: What’s New in Insurance Agents E&O?
Speaker: James Redeker – Swiss Re
Pending 1 P&C CE
This one-hour session revisits a 1972 E&O presentation and compares it to today’s E&O risks, revealing that many of the same mistakes from over 50 years ago are still occurring. We will explore why these errors continue to happen and how emerging tools like AI can be used to reduce these persistent risks and strengthen agency practices.
Queen Anne Ballroom
10:45AM-11:45AM
General Session: AI in the Agency – What’s Useful, What’s Noise, and Where to Start
Speaker: Angela Ford – Catalyit
Pending 1 P&C CE
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering the insurance marketplace but not every AI tool adds value, and some introduce new operational and liability risks. This course provides independent insurance agencies with a practical, non-technical overview of AI, helping participants distinguish between meaningful applications and unnecessary noise. Attendees will learn where AI can support agency operations, where caution is required, and how to begin evaluating AI tools responsibly while managing Errors & Omissions (E&O) exposure.
Queen Anne Ballroom
12:00PM-1:00PM
Captain’s Table – Buffet Lunch
Gather with fellow attendees for a casual and delicious buffet lunch before heading into the afternoon!
The Gallery Main
1:15PM-2:30PM
General Session: Topic TBA
Speaker: Pat Lucas – Coalition
Meeting Rooms A&B
2:30PM-4:00PM
Cruise & Connect – Vendor Showcase
This isn’t your typical exhibit hall—it’s a coastal connection experience where vendors are the featured ports of call, and attendees cruise the room with their personalized Cruise Passports, stopping at each station to engage, connect, and collect stamps.
Queen Anne Ballroom
5:00PM-6:30PM
Setting Sail Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference with food, cocktails, and networking as we set sail beyond the horizon. Join us for the installation of our incoming Board of Directors and an evening that brings together leadership, connection, and the future of our industry.
8:30AM-9:30AM
Beyond the Horizon Breakfast
Start your morning with a hot breakfast, followed by a powerful opening session featuring Maryland Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant. Set the tone for a day focused on innovation, insight, and meaningful connection—all with a view of the Chesapeake.
Queen Anne Ballroom
9:30AM-10:30AM
General Session: AI in Insurance – Transparency, Fairness, and the Role of the Agent
Speaker: Maryland Insurance Commissioner, Marie Grant
This session will provide an educational, discussion-based overview of how artificial intelligence and automated decision-making are influencing the insurance marketplace, with a focus on consumer protection and agent responsibility. The discussion is not intended to advocate for or against the use of AI, nor to address specific policy initiatives, but rather to offer a balanced perspective on emerging issues facing the industry.
Topics explored will include how regulators are thinking about AI, algorithms, and automated decision-making in insurance; expectations around transparency and explainability for consumers; the agent’s role in helping clients understand increasingly complex insurance outcomes; and how innovation and consumer trust can coexist in a changing marketplace.
Attendees will gain insight into how thoughtful communication, education, and human judgment remain critical as technology continues to shape insurance decision-making.
Queen Anne Ballroom
10:45AM-11:45AM
General Session: Small AI Wins – Practical Automation for Independent Insurance Agencies
Speaker: Angela Ford – Catalyit
Pending 1 P&C CE
Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly becoming embedded in agency management systems, CRMs, email platforms, and carrier portals. While these technologies offer efficiency gains, improper implementation can create significant Errors & Omissions (E&O), compliance, and data security exposures.
This course provides a practical, risk-aware ¬framework ¬or identifying and implementing “small AI wins” within an independent insurance agency. Participants will learn how to distinguish between low-risk automation that supports licensed professionals and high-risk applications that may cross regulatory or professional responsibility boundaries.
The session emphasizes governance, documentation, and oversight standards necessary to adopt automation responsibly while maintaining compliance with licensing, fiduciary, and client communication obligations.
Queen Anne Ballroom
12:00PM-1:00PM
General Session: What Potential Risks does AI Pose for Insurance Agents?
Speaker: James Redeker – Swiss Re
Pending 1 P&C CE
A one-hour session looking at how an agent can get in over their head when using AI. This session will include over reliance on AI, AI hallucinations, AI biases, not fully understanding AI software, dissemination of protected client information and other potential ways AI could lead to data breaches. We will look at realistic case examples for these scenarios.
Queen Anne Ballroom

Registration Information

Full Conference Registration Passes
Members
  • $125 (before 5/31/26)
  • $150 (after 5/31/26)
NonMembers
  • $175 (before 5/31/26)
  • $200 (after 5/31/26)
Single Day Conference Registration Passes
Members
  • $100 (Day 1) – Not eligible for early bird discount
  • $75 (Day 2) – Not eligible for early bird discount
NonMembers
  • $125 (Day 1) – Not eligible for early bird discount
  • $100 (Day 2) – Not eligible for early bird discount
Register Now
Early Bird Registration Discount
Save $25 on your registration if you register before May 31! 
Set sail with Maryland’s independent agents, carriers, and industry professionals at this can’t-miss event on Kent Island. Gain valuable exposure, strengthen relationships, and connect with agency decision-makers from across the state.
This isn’t your typical exhibit hall. Our high-energy Cruise & Connect experience turns you into the port of call, with attendees exploring the room through interactive passports designed to spark meaningful engagement and discovery.
Learn More & Get Involved
Monday, April 20
Registration opens to all attendees and member vendors
Early Bird pricing begins – $25 off
Monday, April 27
Registration opens to all vendors
Sunday, May 31
Early Bird pricing ends – Ends at 11:59PM
Thursday, August 20
Registration closes for all attendees and vendors

Additional Information

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the event will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be issued for any cancellation requests received within 15 days of the event. No refunds will be provided for no-shows. Registrations may be transferred to another individual within the same organization at no additional cost. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to events@bigimd.com.
Payment Policy
Payment may be made by credit card or check. All payments must be received within one (1) week of submitting registration.
Exhibitors who do not submit payment within one week of registration may risk losing their booth reservation. Exhibitors will not be permitted to access or participate in the event until full payment for all booth fees and related items has been received.
Dress Code – Business Casual
We want you to feel comfortable while looking polished and professional. For men, appropriate attire includes casual pants such as khakis paired with a collared shirt or golf shirt. For women, options include a casual dress or sundress, or casual pants or a skirt paired with a blouse or sweater.
Stay at The Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina
Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina offers an unforgettable waterfront experience with breathtaking Chesapeake Bay views, modern amenities, and walkable access to restaurants and local charm.
Big I Maryland has secured a discounted room block exclusively for registered attendees. Hotel booking information will only be provided once registration is complete and full payment has been received. No exceptions will be made.
We encourage you to register early, as rooms are limited and expected to fill quickly.
There are also several nearby hotels within walking distance or a short drive from the venue (no room blocks available at these locations):
Meet Our Conference Speakers
Speaker: James Redeker – Swiss Re
James Redeker is Vice President and Senior Underwriter at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions based in Kansas City, with 27 years of experience in the insurance industry. He earned his Juris Doctor with honors from Washburn University School of Law and began his career practicing insurance defense law in Kansas and Missouri. Since joining Swiss Re in 2002, Jim has held leadership roles in claims, risk management, and underwriting, bringing deep expertise in Agents E&O, claims strategy, and risk management.
Speaker: Angela Ford – Catalyit
Angela Ford brings more than 25 years of insurance industry experience, with a passion for helping agencies improve their technology, workflows, and business processes. She has developed and delivered continuing education and professional training programs nationwide for agencies, brokerages, and organizations such as NetVU.
Meet Our Cruise & Connect Vendors
Our vendors are the featured ports of call at the Big I Maryland Annual Conference. Each one brings unique expertise, resources, and solutions to help independent agencies thrive. As you explore Cruise & Connect, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with these industry partners, learn how they can support your business, and strengthen the connections that keep our insurance community moving forward.
Meet Our 2026 Sponsors
A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the 2026 Big I Maryland Annual Conference & Showcase! Their partnership helps make two days of education, networking, and industry innovation possible. As we look Beyond the Horizon and explore the future of insurance through AI and innovation, we are grateful for their commitment to the independent agency community and their role in making this event a success.
Stay at The Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina
Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina offers an unforgettable waterfront experience with breathtaking Chesapeake Bay views, modern amenities, and walkable access to restaurants and local charm.
Big I Maryland has secured a discounted room block exclusively for registered attendees. Hotel booking information will only be provided once registration is complete and full payment has been received. No exceptions will be made.
We encourage you to register early, as rooms are limited and expected to fill quickly.
There are also several nearby hotels within walking distance or a short drive from the venue (no room blocks available at these locations):
Monday, April 20
Registration opens to all attendees and member vendors
Early Bird pricing begins – $25 off
Monday, April 27
Registration opens to all vendors
Sunday, May 31
Early Bird pricing ends – Ends at 11:59PM
Thursday, August 20
Registration closes for all attendees and vendors
Business Casual
We want you to feel comfortable while looking polished and professional. For men, appropriate attire includes casual pants such as khakis paired with a collared shirt or golf shirt. For women, options include a casual dress or sundress, or casual pants or a skirt paired with a blouse or sweater.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the event will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be issued for any cancellation requests received within 15 days of the event. No refunds will be provided for no-shows. Registrations may be transferred to another individual within the same organization at no additional cost. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to events@bigimd.com.
Payment Policy
Payment may be made by credit card or check. All payments must be received within one (1) week of submitting registration.
Exhibitors who do not submit payment within one week of registration may risk losing their booth reservation. Exhibitors will not be permitted to access or participate in the event until full payment for all booth fees and related items has been received.
Dress Code – Business Casual
We want you to feel comfortable while looking polished and professional. For men, appropriate attire includes casual pants such as khakis paired with a collared shirt or golf shirt. For women, options include a casual dress or sundress, or casual pants or a skirt paired with a blouse or sweater.
Stay at The Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina
Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina offers an unforgettable waterfront experience with breathtaking Chesapeake Bay views, modern amenities, and walkable access to restaurants and local charm.
Big I Maryland has secured a discounted room block exclusively for registered attendees. Hotel booking information will only be provided once registration is complete and full payment has been received. No exceptions will be made.
We encourage you to register early, as rooms are limited and expected to fill quickly.
There are also several nearby hotels within walking distance or a short drive from the venue (no room blocks available at these locations):
Monday, April 20
Registration opens to all attendees and member vendors
Early Bird pricing begins – $25 off
Monday, April 27
Registration opens to all vendors
Sunday, May 31
Early Bird pricing ends – Ends at 11:59PM
Thursday, August 20
Registration closes for all attendees and vendors
Business Casual
We want you to feel comfortable while looking polished and professional. For men, appropriate attire includes casual pants such as khakis paired with a collared shirt or golf shirt. For women, options include a casual dress or sundress, or casual pants or a skirt paired with a blouse or sweater.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the event will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be issued for any cancellation requests received within 15 days of the event. No refunds will be provided for no-shows. Registrations may be transferred to another individual within the same organization at no additional cost. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to events@bigimd.com.
Payment Policy
Payment may be made by credit card or check. All payments must be received within one (1) week of submitting registration.
Exhibitors who do not submit payment within one week of registration may risk losing their booth reservation. Exhibitors will not be permitted to access or participate in the event until full payment for all booth fees and related items has been received.
Dress Code – Business Casual
We want you to feel comfortable while looking polished and professional. For men, appropriate attire includes casual pants such as khakis paired with a collared shirt or golf shirt. For women, options include a casual dress or sundress, or casual pants or a skirt paired with a blouse or sweater.

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!