© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

National Insurance Industry Organization Announces Springfield As Host City For 2018 Gathering

en.wikipedia.org

    The largest insurance industry trade group in the country is planning to bring an annual convention to Springfield, Massachusetts in 2018.  The mayor said it is a direct spinoff from the decision by MGM Resorts International to build a downtown casino.

   The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, an organization that represents 250,000 small insurance businesses, announced Wednesday that it will hold its 2018 Fall Leadership Conference in Springfield.  The conference will take place August 22-26 at two venues, the Sheraton Springfield hotel and the MassMutual Convention Center.

  Mayor Domenic Sarno and Congressman Richard Neal welcomed the announcement that was made by the national president of the insurance industry trade association at a press conference at the Sheraton.

IIABA president and CEO Bob Rusbuldt said the annual conference is typically held in a large city like Chicago, where it will be this year, or in a resort like Palm Springs, California.  Holding it in a mid-size city like Springfield, which is not known as a tourist mecca, will be a first.

" We will have people from all 50 states descending on Springfield, Massachusetts," said Rusbuldt.

More than 600 insurance industry professionals are expected to attend the convention. The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated the event will generate approximately $1 million in economic activity.

   During the conference, Joe Leahy, who has operated an insurance business in Springfield since 1989, will be sworn in as the chairman of the national trade organization.  Leahy, who is a member of the organization’s executive committee, was said to be instrumental in bringing the 2018 conference to his hometown.

" Having it here in Springfield means jobs," said Leahy.  "We could have easily gone to Atlanta or Chicago."

Sarno said the convention coming to Springfield is a “spinoff” of the MGM casino.

   The $950 million casino is not scheduled to open until September 2018, a few weeks after the insurance agents hold their convention.

Neal said the announcement is “really nice” for Springfield.  He praised the work of independent insurance agents.

" The role they play every day is an important part of the American economy and that is assessing and managing risk," said Neal

Sarno also lauded insurance agents for “a pivotal role” in helping homeowners and businesses rebuild in Springfield following the 2011 tornado.

The record-setting tenure of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The 2011 tornado and its recovery that remade the largest city in Western Massachusetts. The fallout from the deadly COVID outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. Those are just a few of the thousands and thousands of stories WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill has covered for WAMC in his nearly 17 years with the station.
Related Content