Considering becoming more engaged in independent insurance agent advocacy? Now is the time to step forward and attend the 2022 Big “I" Legislative Conference, which will take place April 27-29, at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel.

The Big “I" is routinely looking for new and existing agent leaders to develop relationships with their members of Congress and advocate for the independent agency system. Participating in this year's conference is a great way to get started—and Big “I" scholarships are a great avenue to get you to Capitol Hill.

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. Apply by Friday, March 25 to be considered for one of these scholarships. Awardees have historically received an average of $500 to offset the cost of travel and accommodations.

The Big “I" national Young Agents Committee will also be presenting annual scholarships to first-time Legislative Conference attendees. If you are a young agent who is interested in attending the premier insurance legislative event, complete the Maurice Herndon Scholarship application. 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 submissions is Friday, March 25.

Meanwhile, state associations are beginning to set meetings with senators and representatives. As always, agents that attend the conference will be equipped with important legislative information to pass along to their elected officials. More than anything, these members of Congress want to hear what is going on in your communities, and what legislation will help or hurt your business, and the clients that you represent.

Here are seven issues facing independent agents that will be a focus at this year's conference, including maintaining tax fairness for small businesses, opposing federal intrusion into insurance underwriting and preserving employer-sponsored health insurance.

Further, an engaging line up of speakers has been announced with more announcements to follow in the coming weeks.

Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Massachusetts), Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will address the Big “I" Legislative Breakfast on Thursday, April 28, while Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) will address attendees at the Emerging Leaders Lunch on Wednesday, April 27. Several more guest speakers from the U.S. House and Senate will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Jesse Watters, host of Fox News Channel's “Jesse Watters Primetime," co-host of “The Five", and author of the No. 1 New York Times Best Seller, “How I Saved the World," will also be a featured speaker at the 2022 Big “I" Legislative Conference.

Watters will chat with Big “I" president & CEO Bob Rusbuldt on Friday, April 29 about the latest headlines, current events, insights on issues affecting small businesses, and his anecdotes from his experiences rising through the ranks of Fox News.

Register for the 2022 Big “I" Legislative Conference. Online registration will be accepted until April 13. 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, including updated vaccine and mask mandate information.

Nathan Riedel is Big “I" vice president of political affairs.