Register now for the 2022 Big “I" Legislative Conference, April 27-29, at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel. The premier event for independent agents offers an opportunity for agents to speak to their federal legislators with a unified voice. We are back in person and thrilled to walk the halls of Congress with our Big “I" independent agents again.

It's safe to say that many members of Congress are excited to get back to normal and hear from their constituents—the voters who put them in office—and that is why this year's Legislative Conference is so valuable. Fly-ins have largely vanished over the past few years and are just now beginning to emerge again. The importance of sitting with elected officials, shaking their hand and looking them in the eye cannot be overstated. Zoom meeting exhaustion is real, and it is considered largely ineffective from an advocacy standpoint.

In an effort to encourage as many face-to-face meetings as possible, the Big “I" is pleased to offer the following scholarships for this year's Legislative Conference.

Grassroots scholarships are available for individuals that demonstrate an interest in cultivating new and existing relationships with members of Congress while advocating on issues that are important to the independent agency system. Recipients of all ages are expected to participate in the Legislative Conference events and meet with legislators from their state. The application must be submitted by March 25.

The Big “I" national Young Agents Committee will also be presenting its annual scholarships for first-time Legislative Conference attendees. If a young agent is interested in attending the premier insurance legislative event, please complete the Maurice Herndon Scholarship application. The short essay submissions will be reviewed and one $1,000 winner will be announced before the event. The winner will also be featured on social media and in Independent Agent magazine. The deadline for submission is March 25.

Additionally, each state association may present two $500 first-time scholarships to young agents in their state. The deadline for submission to state associations is March 10.

Register for the Legislative Conference today to take advantage of the early-bird registration discount pricing by March 7. Also, don't delay making your guest room reservations, as hotel accommodations fill up fast. 

Visit the dedicated Legislative Conference webpage to view Washington, D.C.'s COVID-19-related requirements and vaccine mandate information.

Keep an eye on the News & Views e-newsletter in the coming weeks for more information.

Susie Bonner is Big “I" assistant vice president of marketing and communications. Nathan Riedel is Big “I" vice president of political affairs.