Big I Maryland - Sponsor & Vendor Information

Mark Your Calendar: We’re Back at 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

Sponsorship Opportunities

Set sail with Maryland’s independent agents, carriers, and industry professionals at this year’s can’t-miss event on Kent Island. Sponsoring the Big I Maryland Annual Conference & Showcase offers your company unmatched visibility, premium brand exposure, and meaningful connections with agency leaders and decision-makers from across the state.

Setting Sail Welcome Reception Sponsor – $3,000 (1)

Kick off the conference in style while gaining premium visibility during this signature networking event. This reception includes the installation of our incoming Board of Directors, making it a key moment of celebration and leadership.

Sponsorship Includes

Featured Speaker Sponsor – $2,500 (2)

Align your brand with one of the conference’s most impactful voices and gain repeated visibility across two education sessions. This exclusive opportunity allows you to sponsor a featured speaker presenting twice during the conference, providing meaningful exposure to engaged attendees across both days.

Sponsors will have the option to select their preferred speaker during registration, including James Redeker of Swiss Re or Angela Ford of Catalyit. Selections are first come, first served.

Sponsorship Includes

James Redeker – Swiss Re

Wednesday, August 26 | 9:00AM-10:00AM

General Session: What’s New in Insurance Agents E&O?

Thursday, August 27 | 12:00PM-1:00PM

General Session: What Potential Risks does AI Pose for Insurance Agents?

Angela Ford – Catalyit

Wednesday, August 26 | 10:15AM-11:15AM

General Session: AI in the Agency – What’s Useful, What’s Noise, and Where to Start

Thursday, August 27 | 10:45AM-11:45AM

General Session: Small AI Wins – Practical Automation for Independent Insurance Agencies

Charting the Course Breakfast Sponsor – $2,000 (1)

Start the conference on a strong note by sponsoring our Day 1 breakfast. This is one of the first touchpoints of the event, offering prime visibility as attendees gather, connect, and prepare for a day of learning and innovation.

Sponsorship Includes

Beyond the Horizon Breakfast Sponsor – $2,000 (1)

Align your brand with a high-impact morning as attendees gather for breakfast following a powerful opening session featuring Maryland Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant.

Sponsorship Includes

Exclusive sponsorship of Day 2 Breakfast
Signage at breakfast area
Recognition in the conference program
Recognition on social media and website
Verbal recognition before the Commissioner’s session

Cruise & Connect Bar & Bites Sponsor – $2,000 (1)

Fuel the energy of our signature networking experience. As attendees explore the Cruise & Connect Vendor Showcase, your brand will be front and center at the bar and snack stations, where connections naturally happen.

Sponsorship Includes

Featured Session Sponsor – $1,250 (1)

Align your brand with a focused, high-impact education session and connect with attendees in a meaningful learning environment. This opportunity offers targeted visibility while supporting the delivery of valuable industry insights.

Sponsorship Includes

Pat Lucas – Coalition

Wednesday, August 26 | 1:15PM-2:30PM

Topic TBA

Notepad Sponsor – $1,000 (1 Available)

Put your brand in front of attendees during every session. Notepads are a conference essential, making this a high-visibility opportunity that keeps your company top of mind throughout the event.

Sponsorship Includes

Pen Sponsor – $1,000 (1 Available)

Keep your brand in hand throughout the conference. Pens are one of the most used and retained items, offering lasting visibility well beyond the event.

Sponsorship Includes

AV Sponsor – $1,000 (1 Available)

Support the technology that powers the conference experience. Your sponsorship ensures every session is seen and heard clearly.

Sponsorship Includes

Lanyard Sponsor – $750 (1 Available)

Your brand worn by every attendee.

Sponsorship Includes

Swag Bag Sponsor – $750 (1 Available)

Be in every attendee’s hands from start to finish.

Sponsorship Includes

Registration Envelope Insert Sponsor – $250

Deliver your message directly into the hands of every attendee. This is a simple and effective way to share promotions, resources, or brand messaging.

Sponsorship Includes

Sponsor to provide printed materials

Vendor Opportunities

This isn’t your typical exhibit hall—it’s a high-energy, coastal connection experience where vendors are the featured ports of call. Attendees will cruise the room with personalized Cruise Passports, engaging with each vendor to collect stamps, insights, and new ideas. With themed decor, interactive setups, and a Chesapeake Bay backdrop, Cruise & Connect offers a fresh, fun, and highly engaging way for vendors to stand out and connect with Maryland’s independent insurance community.

What Makes It Different?

Cruise & Connect is not your average vendor showcase. There are no booths. No pipe and drape. No awkward stand-arounds. Instead, we create a curated, high-energy environment with built-in movement and interaction:

Attendees rotate between vendor tables in structured small groups
Each vendor gets dedicated time to shine
Decorate your station to compete for “Best Port” bragging rights
Enjoy more foot traffic and attention than a traditional exhibit hall ever delivers

Who Should Participate?

Participation is by invitation or application only—we’re curating a select group of vendors whose solutions directly help agents succeed. Ideal participants include:

Insurance carriers (appointed & prospecting)
Insurtech tools (CRM, quoting, automation, retention)
Premium finance, E&O, cyber, or specialty markets
Marketing, branding, and lead-gen providers
AMS platforms and tech integrations
Any partner helping agents grow smarter, sell more, and work better

Vendor Schedule

1:00PM-2:00PM

Vendor Showcase Set-Up

Queen Anne Ballroom

2:30PM-4:00PM

Cruise & Connect – Vendor Showcase

Queen Anne Ballroom

Vendor Registration Fees

Vendor Registration Fee Includes

A dedicated round table—decorate it however you’d like to reflect your brand (and your “port”!)
5-8 minutes per group to share your pitch, offer insights, or demo your product
Guaranteed face time with small rotating groups of independent insurance agents
Increased engagement through Cruise Passport stamp collection
Inclusion in event signage, promotional materials, and digital communications
Light refreshments and snacks provided throughout the showcase
Recognition as a featured vendor in a high-traffic, themed environment

Vendor Registration Fees

Member | $500.00
NonMember | $750.00
Partner (Diamond) | Complimentary
Partner (Gold) | Complimentary
Partner (Silver) | $250.00
Partner (Bronze) | $375.00

Vendor registration provides access to the Cruise & Connect Vendor Showcase on August 26, 2026 only. Access to other conference sessions, meals, and events is not included. To participate in additional conference activities, a full conference registration is required.

Registration Deadlines

Monday, Apirl 20

Priority Vendor Registration Opens: Big I Maryland Partners and Associates will receive exclusive one-week priority access to reserve their spot before general registration opens. Space is extremely limited and will be filled on a first-come, qualified basis. We’re curating a select lineup of vendors whose solutions help agents sell more, work smarter, and grow stronger. If that sounds like you, we want you at one of our ports.

Monday, April 27

Registration opens to all vendors

Thursday, August 20

Registration closes for all attendees and vendors

Meet Our Vendors

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.

Additional Information

Conference Policies

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.

Accommodations

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):

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!