CONNECT 2026: The Room to Be In

You can’t afford to stand still in today’s insurance industry – and CONNECT 2026 is your opportunity to stay ahead.

In one day, you’ll gain practical knowledge, a-ha moment perspectives, meaningful industry connections, and strategies designed to strengthen both your technical expertise and your impact within your agency.

From emerging challenges to leadership, communication, and innovation, CONNECT brings together the conversations and insights we need right now. This is more than a conference – it’s an investment in your agency.

Highlights

“The Cure for Stupidity” with Eric Bailey is often rated “the best speaker I’ve ever seen.” Eric opens our eyes to a new reality.
The Industry Marketplace is your opportunity to network with carriers, meet the new solution to your agency’s biggest challenges, and strengthen many areas of your foundation in a quick period of time.
Luncheon, programming, and awards to end on a high note.

Sellout is expected, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of it!

Time	2025 CONNECT Recap
8:45 – 9:30 AM	Registration & Coffee in Industry Marketplace
9:30 – 11:30 AM	Morning Program (Opportunity for 1 CE) Unlocking AI to Boost Your Agency’s Potential Dale Steinke Director at Agent for the Future Advisors for Liberty Mutual Insurance, Safeco Insurance & State Auto Insurance 30-Minute Cybersecurity Bootcamp Ryan Smith President & Principal Consultant at RLS Consulting Criminals are constantly trying to trick you. Even your most experienced team members can make mistakes that damage your agency’s credibility and expose you to significant fines. In this quick session, you will learn 5 red flags and what to do when you notice them. Rapid-Fire Tech Demos Featuring 1Fort, Cara, HawkSoft & Linqura Solution providers will beat the buzzer with their lightning-fast demos of very cool technology… and a cybersecurity tip on using it more safely.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM	Industry Marketplace Relationships are everything. This is your big opportunity to network with carriers, meet the new solution to your agency’s biggest challenges, and strengthen many areas of your foundation in a quick period of time. Want a warm introduction? We’ve got your back– our team will be there to help! The Industry Marketplace exhibit hall is SOLD OUT. It will be packed with solutions.
1:00 -2:45 PM	Luncheon & Program Our CONNECT program & luncheon unites the best of everything to help you make the most of your time– meaningful networking, tangible insights, updates that matter– and ends with a little celebration. Four Steps to Finding Your AI Way Dale Steinke Director at Agent for the Future Advisors for Liberty Mutual Insurance, Safeco Insurance & State Auto Insurance At The Table: Connecticut Lawmakers Discuss Insurance Policy & Priorities Kerry Wood \| 29th House District (Rocky Hill & Wethersfield) Cara Pavalock-D’Amato \| 77th Assembly District (Bristol) Moderated by Travis Wattie \| Big I CT AVP of Government Relations Hear firsthand from state representatives on what advocacy efforts are happening in Hartford & Washington D.C., and plenty more. You don’t want to miss this!
2:45 – 3:30 PM	Reception in Industry Marketplace Close out the day with a drink, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and top-shelf networking.

EXHIBITORS.

Act fast–the Industry Marketplace sells out quickly!

Reserve Booth

Innovative solutions. Cool tech tools. New ways to do business.

Connect with exhibitors who are ready to help you and your agency succeed.

Specialty Carrier

Pennsylvania Lumbermens

Crystal Restoration Services of CT

Applied Systems

MGA

Connecticut agents are the best in the country, and they want to build a relationship with the best… YOU.

Connect with agents at our Industry Marketplace (trade show floor) and share your knowledge and innovative solutions that will help them succeed.

As soon as agents arrive at CONNECT, they’ll see you in the Industry Marketplace. Registration, coffee, refreshments, and reception–all happening in the Industry Marketplace. The day begins and ends in the Industry Marketplace with 3 hours to meet with you and learn more about your business. Registration includes lunch, reception, and the pre- and post-show attendee list.

IMPORTANT: By registering to exhibit at CONNECT, you agree to keep your exhibit booth open and staffed during registration, Industry Marketplace, and happy hour. There are NO exceptions.

Space is limited, and the Industry Marketplace sells out quickly. Please call Allison Just at 315-432-4249 or email ajust@bigict.org with any questions or for assistance registering.

Tentative Agenda

6:30 – 8:30 AM Exhibitor Registration & Setup
8:45 – 9:30 AM Registration & Coffee in Industry Marketplace
9:30 – 11:30 AM Morning Program*
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Industry Marketplace
1:00 – 2:45 PM Luncheon & Program*
2:45 – 3:30 PM Reception
3:45 PM Exhibitor Strike

*Exhibitors are encouraged to attend the morning program and luncheon & program.

Pricing

Lunch and the reception are included in the exhibit booth and additional exhibitor registrations.

Now – July 31

Partner in Progress

Exhibit Booth $795 (includes 1 ticket)
Additional Exhibitors $225 each
Electricity $100

Non-Member

Exhibit Booth $1,050 (includes 1 ticket)
Additional Exhibitors $275 each
Electricity $100

August 1 – Sold Out

Partner in Progress

Exhibit Booth $950 (includes 1 ticket)
Additional Exhibitors $250 each
Electricity $100

Non-Member

Exhibit Booth $1,275 (includes 1 ticket)
Additional Exhibitors $300 each
Electricity $100

Reserve Booth

Booth Details

Booth dimensions are 8′ wide by 6′ deep. Your booth will include an exhibitor sign, one 6’ table, and two chairs. You’re welcome to bring your own signs, backdrops, etc., as long as all items fit within the confines of your booth.